Your email account is one of the most critical parts of your digital life. From personal messages to password resets, app notifications, and even bank statements, it all flows through your inbox. So when your password changes—either because you updated it manually or were forced to after a security breach—you’ll need to make sure it’s updated everywhere, especially on your iPhone.
If you don’t update your email password on your iPhone, you’ll likely start seeing error messages like “Cannot Get Mail” or “Account Error.” Don’t worry—it’s fixable in just a few taps.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to change your email password on your iPhone the right way. Whether you use Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, iCloud, or any other provider, this article will walk you through the process, troubleshoot common issues, and help you maintain a secure, functioning inbox.
Let’s get started.
Why You Might Need to Change Your Email Password on iPhone
There are several common scenarios where updating your email password on your iPhone becomes necessary:
- You changed your email password on a computer or another device.
- Your email provider forced a password reset due to suspicious activity.
- You forgot the original password and had to reset it.
- Your account was compromised and you’ve updated credentials for security reasons.
- You’re helping a friend or family member update their account on their device.
Whatever the reason, the process is generally straightforward—once you know where to go in the iPhone’s settings.
How iPhones Handle Email Accounts
When you add an email account to your iPhone (via the Mail app), it stores your credentials so that you don’t have to log in every time. These settings are managed under Settings > Mail > Accounts.
Depending on the email provider, your password may be stored:
- Directly on the device (for POP/IMAP accounts)
- Or authenticated through your email provider’s website using OAuth (common with Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc.)
Now let’s walk through the steps to update your password.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Email Password on iPhone
Step 1: Identify Your Email Provider
Before updating your password, be sure you’ve already changed it through your email provider’s website or app (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook, etc.).
Once you’ve updated it there, you’re ready to enter the new password on your iPhone.
Step 2: Open Mail Account Settings
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Mail.
- Tap Accounts.
- Tap the specific email account you want to update.
This opens the account’s configuration screen.
Step 3: Update the Password (For Manual Entry Accounts)
If your email account is set up as IMAP or POP, or if you manually entered your credentials, you’ll see editable fields.
- Tap the Account line near the top of the screen.
- Tap the Password field.
- Delete the old password and type in the new one.
- Tap Done in the upper-right corner.
Your iPhone will try to verify the new password with your email server. If the info is correct, you’ll be returned to the previous screen with no errors.
What If You Don’t See a Password Field?
Many email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook use secure login systems (OAuth). These don’t allow password changes from within iPhone settings.
Instead, you’ll need to remove the account and re-add it with the new password.
How to Remove and Re-Add OAuth-Based Accounts (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Tap on the account (e.g., Gmail).
- Tap Delete Account and confirm.
- Return to Accounts, then tap Add Account.
- Select your provider (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.).
- Sign in using your email and new password.
This re-authenticates your email account with your updated credentials.
How to Change iCloud Email Password on iPhone
If you’re updating the password for your iCloud email, the process is slightly different since it’s linked to your Apple ID.
Steps to Update iCloud Password:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top (Apple ID banner).
- Tap Password & Security.
- Tap Change Password.
- Follow the prompts to update your Apple ID password.
This change automatically updates your iCloud email login across the device.
What Happens If You Don’t Update the Password?
If the Mail app can’t authenticate your account due to a wrong or outdated password, you’ll notice:
- Repeated error messages like “Cannot Get Mail”
- Failure to send or receive emails
- Your account may become temporarily disabled by the provider
These errors will continue until you update the stored password or reauthenticate your account.
How to Confirm the Password Update Was Successful
After changing the password, check to see if your iPhone is syncing correctly:
- Open the Mail app.
- Try sending yourself an email to and from the account.
- Check the Sent and Inbox folders.
- If no errors appear and the mail flows normally, the update was successful.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even a small typo can prevent successful login. Here are common problems and how to fix them:
1. “Cannot Get Mail – The username or password is incorrect.”
Fix: Double-check the password you entered. Make sure Caps Lock is off and there are no accidental spaces.
2. You Forgot Your Email Password
Fix: Use your email provider’s website or app to reset your password. Once reset, go back to your iPhone and update the settings as described.
3. Account Keeps Asking for Password
Fix:
- Delete and re-add the account.
- Check if your email provider has enabled two-factor authentication.
- Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version.
4. Two-Factor Authentication Issues
If your email provider uses two-factor authentication (2FA), you may need to generate an app-specific password to use on your iPhone.
Visit your provider’s security settings online and create a temporary password for your iPhone Mail app.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Email Account Secure
Changing your password is a good security habit, but there are more steps you can take to keep your email secure:
1. Use a Strong Password
Choose a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Avoid dictionary words or common phrases.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
If available, always turn on 2FA for your email account. It adds a second layer of protection beyond your password.
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Tasks
Don’t change your email password or access sensitive messages over unsecured networks.
4. Monitor Your Account for Suspicious Activity
Check your account’s recent activity log (if available) to see if there have been unusual sign-ins.
5. Update Passwords Regularly
Aim to change passwords every few months or after any suspected security breach.
When Should You Remove an Email Account Instead of Updating It?
There are times when removing and re-adding the email account is more effective than just updating the password.
Do this if:
- You’ve switched to a new email provider
- You’re giving your phone to someone else
- Your account isn’t syncing properly even after updating credentials
- You suspect a configuration error that updating alone won’t fix
Removing the account clears out all cached data and starts fresh.
Can You Update Passwords for Multiple Accounts?
Yes, if you have multiple email accounts on your iPhone, repeat the same steps for each account under Settings > Mail > Accounts.
Keeping all of them updated ensures uninterrupted syncing and communication.
FAQs: Changing Email Password on iPhone
Q: Do I need to delete the account to change the password?
Not always. For manual (IMAP/POP) accounts, you can edit the password directly. For Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook, re-authentication is typically needed.
Q: Will changing the password affect emails already on my phone?
No. Existing emails will stay on your phone unless the account is deleted.
Q: Can I do this on iPad too?
Yes. The process is nearly identical across iPhone and iPad.
Q: Will changing my Apple ID password change my iCloud email password too?
Yes. Your iCloud email is tied to your Apple ID, so changing one updates both.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Email Security
Changing or updating your email password on your iPhone doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. Whether it’s a routine update, a necessary security step, or simply following up on a password change made elsewhere, your iPhone gives you full control—right from the settings app.
Always remember: your email is the front door to your digital world. Keeping it secure, up-to-date, and correctly synced ensures smooth communication and protects your privacy.
So the next time you change your email password, you’ll know exactly what to do. Your inbox—and your peace of mind—will thank you.
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