How To Fix “This Message Has Not Been Downloaded From the Server” Error

If “This message has not been downloaded from the Server” error keeps appearing whenever you try to open an email, it could be a system bug. All you have to do is update your phone to the latest OS version. The problem can also be due to your iPhone glitching out. You should be able to turn your device off and back on again to fix it. However, if even that doesn’t work, you can take things up a notch and force reboot. I faced the problem recently on my iPhone 12. Turns out, it was due to a system glitch. I not only showed you how I fixed it, but other solutions you can try.

How Do You Fix the “This Message Has Not Been Downloaded From the Server” Error Message?

There are many ways to fix the issue, but before we get started, make sure that it’s not because your email servers are down. None of the below fixes will work if this is the case. Your email client may have a special system status page that you can visit. Visit it to find out whether their servers are not working. The problem could also be due to Apple’s servers being down. You can visit their system status page to find out. With that out of the way, here are all the ways to get your mail account working again:

Solution 1: Force Close Mail App

The error message might not be due to a software problem, but instead, a minor glitch that’s causing the mail app to malfunction. You should be able to close and reopen it to take care of this. On iPhones without Home buttons:
  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen about halfway, then hold and let go
  • Scroll left or right until you find the Mail app
  • Swipe up to close the Mail preview
On iPhones with Home buttons:
  • Double-click on the Home button to open the App switcher
  • Swipe left or right until you find the Mail app
  • Swipe up on the Mail preview to close it
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Solution 2: Enable Fetch

Your iPhone uses something called the ‘Push’ method to communicate with your mail client. It may not able to execute this, which could be why you’re having so much trouble opening mails. To fix this, you can swap to the ‘Fetch’ method:
  • Open the Settings app > Passwords and Accounts
  • Click on the Fetch New Data option
  • Toggle the Push Metod off
  • Toggle the Fetch email method on

Solution 3: Check Your Internet Connection

You might keep getting the error because your internet connection is poor. You can either move closer to your router to improve your signal, restart your modem, or switch to a cellular network from your WiFi. However, it could also be due to a more complex network-related issue. Try turning Airplane Mode on and off. This will disconnect the device from cellular towers which will refresh your internet access. On your Apple device:

Solution 4: Restart Your iPhone

The Mail app may not be working properly due to a system glitch. You should be able to fix it by turning your device off and back on again. However, if even that doesn’t help, you can take things up a notch and force reboot. For iPhone users with Face ID, as well as the 8, SE 2 and 3:
  • Press and quickly let go of the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button
  • Long-hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
  • Press and hold both the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears
iPhone 6, 6S and SE (1st gen):
  • Press and hold both the Power and Home buttons until you see the Apple logo

Software 5: Update Your iOS Device

You’ll need to regularly update your iPhone, unless you want to deal with bugs. If you’re dealing with a bug, you won’t just have problems with your iPhone’s mail app but with other system processes too. Just know that you need a stable internet connection before you start updating. On Apple devices:
  • Open the Settings app > General option
  • Click on Software Update
  • Tap Install Now
  • Wait for the iOS update to download, then open mail and check whether you’re still getting the downloaded from the server mail message

Solution 6: Delete Your Account

You should also rule out whether deleting and re-adding your mail account will allow you to open mails again. I know many iPhone users who have had luck with this.
  • Open iPhone Settings
  • Click on Mail settings
  • Go to Passwords & Accounts tab
  • Go to Accounts
  • Choose the email account
  • Tap on the Delete account button
Once done, follow the above steps to re-add your account back into your iPhone or iPad.

Solution 7: Delete and Then Reinstall the Mail App

The Mail app may be stuck on a bug that’s so complex that only deleting and reinstalling it will be able to clear it. When you do this, you’ll essentially wipe all its app data from your phone. To uninstall mail apps on iOS devices:
  • Click on the Mail app from the home screen
  • Hold it down
  • Tap Remove App
  • Select Delete App
  • Confirm the change
Open the Apple app store, search for the iPhone mail app and reinstall it. Hopefully, the error doesn’t appear after the Mail app’s installation.

Solution 8: Reset Network Settings

Your network settings may be faulty and may prevent you from connecting to the Mail app’s servers. Usually, this happens when you meddle with your network settings and forget to change them back. It can also happen if you download an OS update that accidentally changed important settings.
  • Open the iPhone Settings app
  • Go to General
  • Click on the Transfer or Reset iPhone option
  • Tap on Reset
  • Select Reset Network Settings
  • Enter your device passcode to confirm

Solution 9: Contact Email Provider

If all else fails, the issue could be due to a bug or complex software problem on your email provider’s end. Inform them about the downloaded message issue. They should release a patch that will fix the problem.

Final Thoughts

Usually, the email messages issue pops up if you have an unreliable internet connection. Try switching from your WiFi network to mobile data, or turn your WiFi modem off and on. It could also be due to a software bug, glitch, or an email server issue. These fixes will work regardless of whether you have a Gmail account or use any other email clients.