Apple mail smtp server list empty

The frustration of an empty SMTP server list in Apple Mail!

Don't worry, I'm here to help you troubleshoot the issue. Here are some possible solutions:

  1. Check your internet connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly. A poor or non-existent connection can prevent Apple Mail from connecting to the SMTP server.
  2. Verify your account settings: Double-check your account settings in Apple Mail. Make sure that your email address, password, and SMTP server settings are correct. You can do this by going to Mail > Preferences > Accounts > [Your Email Account] > Advanced.
  3. Check your SMTP server settings: Ensure that your SMTP server settings are correct. You can find these settings in your email provider's documentation or by contacting their support team. Common SMTP server settings include:
    • SMTP server: smtp.gmail.com (for Gmail)
    • SMTP server: smtp.outlook.com (for Outlook)
    • SMTP server: smtp.yourdomain.com (for your own domain)
    • Port: 587 (or 25, depending on your email provider)
    • Authentication: Password (or OAuth, depending on your email provider)
  4. Check for firewall or antivirus software issues: Firewalls or antivirus software may be blocking the connection to the SMTP server. Try temporarily disabling these programs to see if it resolves the issue.
  5. Reset Apple Mail's settings: Sometimes, resetting Apple Mail's settings can resolve the issue. To do this, go to Mail > Preferences > General > Reset and then restart Apple Mail.
  6. Check for updates: Ensure that Apple Mail and your operating system are up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve connectivity issues.
  7. Try a different email client: If none of the above solutions work, try using a different email client, such as Mozilla Thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook, to see if the issue persists.

If none of these solutions work, you may want to contact your email provider's support team for further assistance. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue or provide additional guidance on configuring your SMTP server settings.