How to Fix AOL Email Not Updating?
Last updated
Last updated
AOL Mail has been a reliable and widely-used email service for decades. Despite its popularity and user base, AOL email users occasionally face a frustrating issue email not updating. Whether you're using AOL Mail on a web browser, the official AOL app, or syncing it with an email client like Outlook or Apple Mail, not receiving or seeing updated messages can seriously hinder communication.
If you're experiencing this issue, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to fix the problem. This comprehensive guide explains why AOL email may not be updating and walks you through practical solutions to resolve the issue across various platforms.
Understanding what might be causing the issue is the first step toward resolving it. Here are the most common reasons:
Poor internet connection
AOL server outages
Incorrect email settings (IMAP/SMTP)
Outdated app or device software
Authentication errors (wrong password or app-specific password required)
Full mailbox or limited storage
Email sync settings misconfigured
Security software (firewall/antivirus) interference
Corrupt browser/app cache or data
Device compatibility or software glitches
A stable internet connection is crucial for email syncing.
Try opening other websites or apps to confirm internet access.
Restart your router or switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa).
If you're using a VPN, try disabling it temporarily as it might be interfering with AOL servers.
Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end at all.
If AOL is experiencing issues, you may need to wait until they restore full service.
If you're using the AOL Mail app on Android or iOS:
Make sure the app is updated to the latest version via the App Store or Google Play.
If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall the app to refresh its data and cache.
After reinstalling, log in again and see if emails update properly.
Sometimes, the issue is a temporary glitch.
On a web browser, press F5 or click the refresh icon to reload the page.
On mobile, swipe down in the inbox to force a refresh.
Incorrect or outdated settings can prevent your email from updating.
IMAP Settings (Recommended):
Incoming Mail Server (IMAP): imap.aol.com
Port: 993
SSL: Yes
SMTP Settings (Outgoing):
Server: smtp.aol.com
Port: 465 or 587
SSL: Yes
Authentication: Required
If you’re using a third-party email client (like Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail), verify these settings under account configuration.
If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) on your AOL account, some apps won’t work with your regular password.
Log in to your AOL account in a browser.
Go to Account Security > Generate app password.
Use this generated password when setting up your AOL account on a third-party app like Outlook or Apple Mail.
Your device's sync settings determine how often your emails are fetched or pushed.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data.
Make sure AOL is set to Push or Fetch every 15 minutes.
Avoid setting it to Manual, which only updates when you open the app.
On Android:
Go to Settings > Accounts > AOL > Account Sync.
Ensure Email Sync is turned on.
Corrupted cache or cookies can prevent your email from updating.
For Web Browsers:
Clear cache, cookies, and browsing history.
Log out of AOL, close the browser, then log in again.
For Android Devices:
Go to Settings > Apps > AOL Mail > Storage.
Tap Clear Cache and then Clear Data.
For iOS Devices:
Uninstall the AOL app, restart the device, and reinstall it.
If your mailbox is full, AOL might stop updating with new messages.
Log into AOL Mail using a browser.
Delete old or unnecessary emails.
Empty your Trash and Spam folders.
Refresh your inbox to check if new emails appear.
Some devices restrict background data to save battery, which can prevent email syncing.
Disable Battery Saver Mode or Low Power Mode.
Allow AOL Mail to run in the background via Settings > Apps > AOL > Battery Usage (on Android).
Sometimes, overprotective security software can block AOL Mail from updating.
Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall.
Try updating your email.
If it works, add AOL Mail as an exception in your security software settings.
If AOL Mail isn't updating on your phone, try accessing it via a desktop browser. If you're already on a browser:
Switch to another browser (e.g., from Chrome to Firefox).
Try accessing AOL Mail in Incognito/Private mode to rule out extensions or cache issues.
This simple step can fix many temporary glitches.
Restart your phone, tablet, or computer.
After the restart, open your AOL Mail and see if it updates.
Regularly update your AOL Mail app or browser.
Don’t use multiple devices to access the same email account simultaneously without syncing settings correctly.
Avoid using third-party apps that do not support AOL’s secure authentication.
Periodically clean your inbox and folders to avoid reaching storage limits.
Enable two-factor authentication for better account security.
When AOL email stops updating, it can be more than a minor inconvenience it can disrupt work, personal communication, and important notifications. Fortunately, most issues are due to minor configuration problems, outdated settings, or connectivity glitches, all of which are easy to fix with the right approach.
By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide from verifying your internet and server settings to checking sync and app preferences you’ll likely resolve the issue quickly. If problems persist, AOL’s customer support is always an option for advanced help.
Visit Downdetector or AOL’s to check for server outages or maintenance.