Fix: ‘Message Has Not Been Downloaded From the Server’ issue

Fix ‘Message Has Not Been Downloaded From the Server’ issue usually appears when you try to open an email that is in your inbox or that has been moved to another folder. This error means that the email you are trying to open from the server did not download properly. Even though there are new ways to talk to people and the world is moving quickly, email is still one of the most popular ways to do so. Many email clients, like iPhone Mail or Microsoft Outlook, start showing the following error for some emails:

Most people with iOS have been affected by this problem. But some users with the most recent versions have also told us about this problem. The problem is mostly seen on Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc., and sometimes on Windows with Microsoft Outlook. Some users said the problem started after they updated their OS, while others said it started when emails were moved between folders. The problem isn’t just with Gmail, Yahoo, or any other email service. We mentioned below are the ways how to Fix ‘Message Has Not Been Downloaded From the Server’ issue.

What is the “Message Has Not Been Downloaded From the Server” error?

When you try to open an email on your iOS device, it only downloads the headers of all the emails in your inbox. The body of the emails is downloaded from the server. When you open Outlook on your desktop computer, it will immediately start to download all the new messages and delete them from the server. On both your iOS device and your Mac, use IMAP instead of POP. Also, after downloading the option on a Mac, uncheck the box that says “remove messages.”

Today, people who use email clients can choose from a wide range of options based on their needs. Each has its own pros and cons, but they all have the same thing in common: they all have problems from time to time. For example, when iPhone users try to open emails, their mail apps tell them “This message has not been downloaded from the server.” This article will help you a lot if you are having the same problem.

Causes of the ‘Message Has Not Been Downloaded From the Server’ Issue

1. Poor Internet Connection: If the internet connection is slow or unstable, the email client may not be able to download the message content from the server.
2. Server Issues: The email server itself may be experiencing problems, such as being down or having connectivity issues, preventing the email client from fetching the message.
3. Large Attachments: Messages with large attachments may take longer to download, and if the connection times out before the download is complete, you may encounter this issue.
4. Email Account Configuration: Incorrect or misconfigured email account settings in the email client can lead to difficulties in downloading messages.
5. Email Client Settings: Some email clients have settings that allow users to choose whether to download complete messages or just message headers. If set to download only headers, the message content may not be downloaded.
6. Security Software: Antivirus or firewall software on your device may sometimes interfere with email downloads, leading to this problem.

Fix: ‘Message Has Not Been Downloaded From the Server’ issue

Check your connection to the Internet

If you don’t have a connection, you might have this problem. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. This is simple to check:

1. You can use any other browser or the Safari app on your iOS or iPadOS device.
2. Try going to macreports.com.
3. If nothing loads, you may have trouble with your connection.

If you are having this problem, you can try to fix it by doing one of the following:

1. Start up your modem and router for Wi-Fi. Just unplug them, wait about a minute, and then plug them back in.
2. Turn on your iPhone or iPad again.
3. Change the Wi-Fi network you’re using.
4. Turn on Airplane Mode, wait about a minute, and then turn it off (Settings > Airplane Mode).
5. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to reset your network settings. Note that this will delete all of your network settings, like your Wi-Fi passwords and so on.
6. Talk to your network provider or carrier. There is a chance that your service could be affected by problems with your provider or account.

Force Quit the Mail App

1. On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe up from the middle of the bottom of the Home screen.
2. If you have an iPhone with a Home button, press it twice.
3. When you see a list of all open apps, find the Mail app window and swipe up on it to close it.
4. Wait a few seconds, then open the Mail app again. Check to see if the email is there.

Delete your mail account and then readd

1. On your device, go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts.
2. Find and tap your email account and tap Delete Account.
3. Now you will need to add your account again.
4. Go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Add Account and follow the onscreen instructions.

Re-download the Mail App

1. Tap the Mail app and hold it down until a menu appears.
2. Tap “Remove App” or “Delete App.”
3. When asked to delete the app, tap “Delete App” or “Remove App” and confirm the action.
4. Now, go to the App Store and look for the Mail app.
5. Tap the cloud with an arrow on it next to it.
6. When the download is done, add your account and check to see if the email is there.

Forward the Email

1. Open the Mail app and look for the email you can’t see.
2. Tap and hold the email until a menu appears.
3. Choose “Forward“.
4. Tap “Yes” when you’re asked if you want to “Download the rest of the message first.”
5. The message will be saved, and you’ll be able to see it.

Re-add the Mail Account

1. Open the app for Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap “Mail“.
3. Tap “Accounts” after that.
4. Choose the account you used to connect the Mail app to the account.
5. Tap “Delete Account” next. The Accounts window will come back up.
6. Wait a few seconds, then touch “Add Account” and confirm.
7. Choose your service provider and sign in to your account.
8. Once you’ve added your email account successfully, open the Mail app and see if the email is there.

Questions and Answers