Unable to receive e-mails using data

[Wells25]

My husband and I are unable to receive e-mails when not using wifi, but we can send with zero issues.  I have an Android and he has an Apple phone.  It works for a couple hours then doesn't, and happens every couple days.  Settings are correct on both model of phones, but support says there's no network issues when clearly there is.  Anyone else having these issues? It's getting super frustrating.  Thanks so much! 

[Blindspot]

This is for the iPhone. After further experimentation, I have turned 'Protect Mail Activity' back on and Shaw email via Bell Cellular seems to still be working. I will test this out over the next few days and see if that holds.

• Go to 'Apps' [originally I said Settings, the forum I got this off was a couple years old. It is now in 'Apps']
• Select 'Mail'
• Select 'Privacy Protection'
• Disable 'Protect Mail Activity' 
• Also disable 'Hide IP Address'

[Blindspot]

Bad news, this worked for 24 hours. 

• Go to 'Apps' [originally I said Settings, the forum I got this off was a couple years old. It is now in 'Apps']
• Select 'Mail'
• Select 'Privacy Protection'
• Disable 'Protect Mail Activity' 
• Also disable 'Hide IP Address'

I have now gone so far as deleting all apps (wish I could easily delete and replace iOS) and settings and rebuilt my iPhone over 3 hours. Still not working.

Time to drop Bell I think.

[Bigvee-TO]

Is it still not working after changing the settings to hide IP? 

bigvee-to

[Blindspot]

Correct. It worked like a charm for 24hrs, then the email no longer working via Bell cellular.

[Keith Bishop]

we tried my email on my wife's iPhone, on Rogers, and worked fine, so it looks like the new law should solve it once and for all... June 12 can't come fast enough

[Bigvee-TO]

Hello again,

Has the Shaw emails transitioned to the Yahoo platform? 

I have a Rogers email address that works fine for me. I set this up a long time ago and the iPhone upgrades have just transferred it over to the new phones. I think I was with Rogers when I set this up. 

 

 As you can see, I am using the Yahoo! STMP server. Try it out. 

BigVee-TO

 

[Bigvee-TO]

@Keith Bishop 

check out my response above to @Blindspot. Might help you too. 

Bigvee-TO. 

[RayinVancity]

What you have described is basically exactly my problem.  I have cellular plans with Bell, Rogers and Telus, and Bell is the only network where, when on data, I have this issue, and only receive incoming email sporadically.  I would say the problem started around the beginning of 2026.  Prior to that it worked great.  Everything works on wi-fi, and via webmail on the browser.  But wi-fi is not always available, and I don't get notification of new email from the browser, so I need it to work on email app.  

It seems to have a mind of its own.  It may work for a few hours, half a day, one day if I'm lucky.  Then nothing for several days.  Like you, I have tried all possible fixes including using different email clients, tweaking incoming server settings, removing and re-adding email accounts, etc.  The problem is the same for both me and my wife, although we are both using Samsung Galaxy S21 phones.  But based on what you've said, the problem is not related to the phone, or even the operating system. 

I've called Rogers, and Bell, and as expected, they blame each other!

Any change to your situation since you last posted? 

[Blindspot]

No, my problem exists still.

iPhone 16 Pro on 26.4.2, Bell network 5G+ (I also have the international $100/yr roaming plan if that is the common denominator???) and Mail usually not connecting. No other problem with data or wi-fi.

I had Mail connection 3 days ago, no problem. I am going to go back to that spot tomorrow to see if it is Cel Tower specific?!?

I find it enlightening that you are on Samsungs and have the same problem. Sounds like Bell technical support interface issue, and they should take note.

My wife and son are on iPhone 13's and Bell 4G and have no issues.

[Keith Bishop]

YES! I have come up with a solution. I reached out to Rogers, got an equal plan with a better rate, and will now be kicking Bell to the curb, kind of sad, with being a Bell customer for 10 years. 

I sure hope the Bell moderator reads this and responds before the weekend and they cut me off completely.

[RayinVancity]

Sadly, I think Bell is either oblivious, or just don't care.  When I called them, I asked if they are aware of this issue.  And the rep said no! 😤  For sure Rogers does not have this issue because I have lines on Rogers.  Not surprising since it's "Rogers together with Shaw"!  lol  The other benefit of going with Rogers is they have Europe and Asia travel passes.  

[Bigvee-TO]

I am using this to respond to a number of your posts. 

First, I am not a Bell employee and I do believe that none of the mods are either. We are just regular folks trying to help others. So if you are expecting a resolution to retain your business, unfortunately, it is not happening here.

Second, I am glad you solved your issue, one way or another. I have my own ongoing issues with Bell but not enough to bail mid-plan. 

Third, the problem with Bell (and Rogers greatest strength) is that they have out-sourced customer service to the Philippines. I had the pleasure of dealing with them and despite speaking English, there is a communication gap. 

Finally, as for this specific issue, I think there is definitely some corporate sabotage going on. I had a word with a friend in Silicon valley who is actually a network guru. Rogers is blocking IP addresses. Bell uses rotating IP addresses as does most security-minded internet providers. Rogers just needs to “white-list” the Bell IP addresses and that solves the problem. It is us, the consumers and the lower level CSRs who get left holding the bag. 

Good luck with your move to Rogers. 

BigVee-TO

[RayinVancity]

I haven't moved to Rogers, per se, although my contract with Bell is up in a month, so I will be free to go to any other carrier.  I've always had secondary lines with Rogers via the Shaw to Rogers migration.  So are you saying the culprit is Rogers(Shaw) or Bell?  I'm thinking it's Bell since the issue only exists on Bell data.  I find it hard to believe Bell is not aware of this, and hasn't reached out to Rogers(Shaw) to find a resolution.  

[Blindspot]

I don't know where the root of the issue lies...however.

Just this morning, I replied to an email via wi-fi. When I looked at my phone about 5 min later, I had a dialog (should have screen shot it) that said Problems connecting to the shaw outgoing mail server with a Repair button to fix it.

Went for a walk a couple minutes later, and Bell cel was connecting to mail just fine. I will report back tomorrow if that remains the case.

Me: iPhone 16 Pro on 26.4.2 Bell 5G network having problems connecting to Shaw mail.
Wife and son: iPhone 13 on 26.4.2 Bell 4G network never had a problem

[Oilers2026]

I am still having the issue. It can last a few days and I can receive emails. When I go to send it won’t allow and then you see unsent when refreshing. 

it definitely is a Bell Cellular issue. I have deleted account and reset it up and can send for a few days and then it goes back to being unable to send. 

Shaw Webmail works but not the solution I want. It’s very frustrating. I reached out to Bell and they escalated it to a higher level tech and are aware that they have an issue. 

frustrating to say the least.