To change email password on iPhone, you must first update it with your email provider (such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook) on their website, then update the saved password on your device.
Before you change your email password on iPhone
Your email password must be changed on the provider’s website or account page before you update it on your iPhone or iPad. If you skip the provider-side change, the new password you enter on the iPhone will not work. The steps might vary slightly depending on the version of iOS you are using, but the general process remains the same.
Update the incoming mail server password
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Mail, or tap Apps then Mail, depending on your iOS version.
- Tap Accounts or Mail Accounts.
- Select the email account whose password you changed.
- Tap Account at the top of the screen.
- Under the Incoming Mail Server section, tap the Password field.
- Delete the old password and type your new password.
- Tap Done in the upper-right corner. If prompted, enter your device passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm.
After updating the incoming server password, your iPhone or iPad will attempt to verify the new credentials. If verification succeeds, you can receive new email. If it fails, proceed to the outgoing server update and troubleshooting steps below.
Update the outgoing mail server (SMTP) password
- While still in the account settings screen (Settings > Mail > Accounts > [your account] > Account), scroll to Outgoing Mail Server and tap SMTP.
- Under Primary Server, tap the server name (usually the same as your email provider).
- Tap the Password field and enter your new password.
- Tap Done to save the change.
Updating the SMTP password ensures you can send email from your iPhone or iPad after changing the password with your provider. If you skip this step, you may be able to receive mail but sending will fail.
Troubleshooting password update issues
If your iPhone or iPad does not accept the new password, try these steps in order:
- Check your internet connection. A weak or disconnected Wi-Fi or cellular signal can prevent the device from verifying the new password with the email server.
- Verify that the password is typed exactly as you set it with your provider. Passwords are case-sensitive, so check for accidental capitalization or extra spaces.
- Restart your iPhone or iPad. A restart clears temporary glitches that may interfere with password verification.
- If the problem continues, contact your email provider directly. Some providers require app-specific passwords or have additional security settings that must be configured before the new password works on a mobile device.
The path described here (Settings > Mail or Apps > Mail > Accounts) is based on community and support articles and may vary slightly depending on your email provider and iOS version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my email password on iPhone affect my other devices?
No. Changing the password on your iPhone or iPad only updates the saved credentials on that device. You must manually update the same new password on any other phone, tablet, computer, or email client you use to access that account.
What should I do if I forgot my email password?
If you forgot your password, visit your email provider’s website (such as Gmail.com or outlook.com) and use their password reset or forgot password option. After resetting it there, follow the steps above to update the new password on your iPhone or iPad.
Does this process affect my display and home screen settings?
No. Changing your email password only updates the credentials stored in the Mail app. It does not change any display and home screen settings, such as wallpaper, icon layout, or brightness.
Why does my iPhone keep asking for my email password after I updated it?
This usually means the new password was not saved correctly, or the outgoing server password was not updated. Go back to Settings > Mail > Accounts, select the account, and verify both the incoming and outgoing (SMTP) password fields contain the correct new password. If the prompts continue, restart your device and try again.
Are there any specific requirements for the new password on iOS 16?
The password should meet a minimum character length and include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Can I use a password manager to change my email password on iOS 16?
Password managers can securely store and autofill passwords, making it easier to update across multiple devices.
Can I use a password manager to fill in the new password on iPhone?
Yes. If you use a password manager app, you can copy the new password from it and paste it into the Password fields in Settings. This helps avoid typos and ensures the password matches what you set with your provider.
