iCloud offers a convenient way to sync Apple data to Windows PCs, so it’s essential that it works flawlessly. However, the “iCloud settings are out of date” error on the Mail App can be a frustrating setback.
This article provides a step-by-step guideline on how to fix this problem on your Windows 10/11 Mail App.
Fixes to Repair iCloud Settings Out Of Date Error on Windows 10/11 Mail App
Solution #1 – Enable Two-Factor Authentication and App-Specific Password
Often, this error stems from fundamental account settings, primarily the need for two-factor authentication and an app-specific password.
To understand why implementing these measures is vital, it’s essential to appreciate the safety net they provide. They respectively add an extra layer of security to your Apple ID and limit third-party apps’ access to your iCloud data.
To set up two-factor authentication and generate an app-specific password:
- Sign into your Apple ID account page on your primary device.
- Navigate to the ‘Security’ section and select ‘Generate Password’ below the App-Specific Passwords section.
- You’ll be prompted for a label for the password – something like “Windows Mail” would suffice. Hit ‘Create’ subsequently.
- Follow the instructions as presented. Note down the generated password, as you won’t see this password again.
- Provided that the two-factor authentication and app-specific password are correctly set up, the error should be resolved.
Solution #2 – Check and Update Your Password
Incorrect passwords are a universal cause of access problems across digital platforms. If the previous solution didn’t work, the error might emanate from a mis-entered password. To fix this, the following steps are necessary:
- Select the ‘Fix account’ button in the notification area at the top of the Mail or Calendar app. If your password is incorrect, a message requesting you to update it will appear.
- Enter the new password, and choose ‘Done’.
Looking to change your password for the email provider? You’ll need to visit the respective email provider’s website. For example, visit Google’s website to change Gmail or Apple’s site for iCloud.
Solution #3 – Ensure Security with SSL
When password issues or two-factor authentication aren’t the problem, often, the last frontier involves addressing security certificate inconsistencies. In some instances, the error surfaces when SSL isn’t being used to secure the email account – it aids in protecting the privacy of email data in transit.
To rectify this:
- Open ‘Settings,’ choose ‘Manage Accounts,’ and select the account flagged as being out of date to display the account settings dialog.
- Opt for ‘Change mailbox sync settings,’ then proceed to ‘Advanced mailbox settings.’ Note: You might have to scroll down in the dialog to see ‘Advanced mailbox settings.’
- Check the boxes for both ‘Require SSL for incoming email’ and ‘Require SSL for outgoing email,’ then finally choose ‘Done’ > ‘Save.’
Essentially, the SSL secures email transmissions by encrypting the data. If the server on the other end is SSL-equipped, the Mail app will be able to decrypt the data.
As a Final Note
The ‘iCloud Settings out of date’ error can throw users off balance. Still, with the aforementioned guidelines – from setting up two-factor authentication and app-specific passwords, crossing checking your log-in credentials, to ensuring SSL security – the pervasive error can indeed be cleared.
If you’re still encountering issues, one final solution is reaching out to either Apple or Microsoft support teams. After all, a seamless and reliable Mail App isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity in a world awash with rapid digital communication.
