Fix the ’email system must authenticate before sending email’ error

Definitions

The ’email system must authenticate before sending email’ error means your email app needs you to log in and verify your IMAP and/or SMTP settings before you can send emails.

Before you start

✅ In nearly 100% of cases, this error is due to incorrectly inputted IMAP or SMTP details. Double-check and correct them to fix it quickly.

⚠️ If you need to reset your email password, go here: Change your email address password

ℹ️ This error may have different wording based on your device and software version.

Step by step

IMAP and SMTP

If you connect your email address to your email app (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.) using IMAP and SMTP, use the steps below.

1. Open your email app on your device

2. Go to the email app Settings

3. Go to the Account Information section

4. Make sure your email address is typed correctly

5. Make sure your email password is correct

6. Make sure all your IMAP and SMTP settings are correct

7. Save any changes and try to send your email again

8. If the error continues, remove your email from the email app and add it again to re-establish a new connection

POP3 and SMTP

If you connect your email address to your email app (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.) using POP3 and SMTP, use the steps below.

1. Open your email app on your device

2. Select the Send / Receive tab on your email app

3. In the Send & Receive group, click Send/Receive All Folders

4. Make sure your email address and password are correct

5. Make sure your POP3 and SMTP settings are correct

6. If the error continues, remove your email from the email app and add it again to re-establish a new connection