In this article, you will also find the steps to resolve issues that are email-related such as couldn’t connect to email server”. Additionally, steps to fix connection errors between QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale (POS) and server are mentioned along with the answers to the frequently asked questions. Learn how to troubleshoot the error QuickBooks could not connect to email server.
You get the following error message.
Couldn’t connect to email server: We were unable to connect to the email server for your email provider
or
QuickBooks was unable to send your form.
QuickBooks email server error comes on the screen when the user is using the webmail in QuickBooks. The user gets the below message after entering the user name and password.
- You might enter an incorrect email and password.
- Email server settings are incorrect.
- You are not connected to the internet or a firewall is blocking the connection.
Causes for the QuickBooks Could Not Connect to the Email Server
Explores the common causes behind the QuickBooks error could not connect to the email server issue.
- Internet connection is poor.
- Enter the wrong credentials.
- Misconfiguration of QuickBooks email server setting.
- Improper Internet Explorer setting.
- QBDT program has not been updated to the latest release.
- Maybe QuickBooks does not have admin rights on Windows.
Methods to Troubleshoot the Error QuickBooks Could Not Connect to Email Server
Users can follow the step-by-step guide provided below to fix the “QuickBooks could not connect to email server” error. This error is encountered by users with Yahoo email addresses. However, users with other providers can also face a similar issue.

Step 1: Update the QuickBooks to the Latest Release

Keeping QuickBooks up-to-date is essential for fixing common errors. Here’s how you keep your QuickBooks Desktop accounting software up-to-date.
- Step 1: You will have to go to the “Update to the Latest Release” page in the QuickBooks Desktop application.
- Step 2: Confirm that your product is selected, or choose it from the Change link.
- Step 3: Click the Update button to download the latest version.
- Step 4: For future convenience, set QuickBooks to install updates automatically.
Step 2: Reset Internet Explorer Settings to its Default

- Since QuickBooks relies on Internet Explorer (IE) settings, resetting IE may solve the error:
- Step 1: Open Internet Explorer and go to the Tools menu or click the gear icon.
- Step 2: Select Internet Options, then go to the Advanced tab.
- Step 3: Click Restore Advanced Settings, select OK, and close the browser.
Step 3: Check the Settings in the Webmail Preferences
To resolve the email server connection error in QuickBooks and ensure that it connects properly to your email, check your webmail preferences. Here are the steps to check webmail preference in QuickBooks:
- Step 1: Open QuickBooks and go to the Edit menu, then select Preferences.
- Step 2: In the left panel, choose Send Forms.
- Step 3: Under My Preferences, select the email account you’re using and click Edit.
- Step 4: In the SMTP Server Details, confirm the server name and port match your email provider’s settings.
Even, after following the above steps user can get some errors, in that case, you can act according to the error message.
| Error Message | Solution |
| Email server settings are not correct | Try the steps mentioned in Method 3 |
| Entered the incorrect email address and password | In this scenario, the user is required to log the email through the web browser and check if the email and password are working fine |
| You are not connected to the internet or a firewall is blocking the connection | Try to open Internet Explorer and after that try to access the website |
Hopefully, the above steps to resolve the error QuickBooks could not connect to Email server helped you. For any guidance, feel free to connect with the QuickBooks error consultant. The team is available 24*7 to assist you in all the scenarios related to QuickBooks. All the team members are certified, experienced, and have the deep knowledge to resolve the issues quickly.
FAQ’s
How can I resolve the ‘QuickBooks Could Not Connect to Email Server’ error?
You can resolve the ‘QuickBooks Could Not Connect to Email Server’ error by updating QuickBooks to the latest release, correcting webmail preferences, and ensuring the SMTP server name and port match those required by your email provider. However, you must also try to reset your Internet Explorer settings or contact the IT professional in case you are facing the same issue.
Does the email server settings in QuickBooks cause the ‘Quickbooks Could Not Connect to Email Server’ error?
Yes, email server settings in QuickBooks can cause the ‘Quickbooks Could Not Connect to Email Server’ error. To resolve this error, you are required to verify that you have entered the correct server name and port settings as per your email provider’s requirements. You can find these details in QuickBooks under ‘Send Forms’ in Preferences, where you can adjust SMTP server settings accordingly.

