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user_85j7gu
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09/08/2026 7:03 PM

Problems sending email using Mac Mail program on desktop and iPad

Two to three weeks ago we suddenly became unable to send emails through comcast/xfinity when accessing our emails via Apple's Mail program on a desktop Mac and an iPad.  This is without us making any changes in passwords, email settings, etc.  We were able to receive emails without problems.  Surprisingly, we were able to both receive and SEND emails on our iPhones without any issues.  The assistants we have talked to at comcast/xfinity are unable to find a solution other than to access emails via the website.  They ignore the fact that the iPhone platform works just fine but using Apple's mail program on the desktop and iPad do not.  I found them to be less than helpful.  I saw at least one other comcast/xfinity user who is having this issue with their Apple computer.  Are there more Mac users out there with this same problem?  If so, have you found any solutions?  

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XfinityThomasA

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15 days ago

 

user_85j7gu - Thank you for your feedback and for joining us here on the Xfinity Forums! We know how important it is to have full access to your email, and we appreciate the opportunity to help. To get started, are you receiving any error messages or codes when trying to send emails through your Comcast/Xfinity email account using Apple's Mail app on your Mac or iPad? Additionally, is the issue occurring on both devices or only one of them?

 

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user_85j7gu

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@XfinityThomasA​ Yes, the problems are ongoing and have not changed.  And yes, the problem occurs on the Mac and iPad but not on our iPhones.

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12 days ago

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XfinityChristy

Official Employee

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user_85j7guThank you for confirming that. I can understand how frustrating this must be, especially since you're able to send and receive emails on your iPhones, but sending continues to fail from both your Mac and iPad using Apple Mail. Since the issue is affecting multiple Apple Mail clients but not your iPhones or webmail, I'd like to gather a bit more information so we can better isolate what may be causing it.

 

When you attempt to send an email from the Mac or iPad:

  • What is the exact error message you receive?
  • Are you able to send if you're connected to a different network (for example, cellular data or another WiFi network)?
  • Have you recently updated macOS, iPadOS, or the Apple Mail application?
  • Are both the Mac and iPad using the same Comcast email account and outgoing mail server settings?

The exact wording of the error can be extremely helpful in determining whether this is an authentication issue, an SMTP setting issue, or something else.

We'll be happy to continue working through this with you and appreciate your patience while we investigate further.

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
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12 days ago

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user_85j7gu

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To answer your questions.

Are both the Mac and iPad using the same comcast email account and outgoing server settings? - Yes, they are.  These are also the same settings that we have on our iPhones, with which we are not having any problems receiving or sending emails.

Have you recently updated macOS and iPadOS, or Apple mail application? - Our devices are kept up to date with updates as Apple releases them.  The Mac is running OS27, the iPad is running OS26.6 (soon to be updates to OS27).  

Are you able to send if you are connected to a different network?  No.

What is the exact error message you receive?  These are some of the messages that we receive.  Remember, we can send and receive on our phones without problems, only on the desktop and iPad are we experiencing these issues.

[Images Removed: "Personal Information - Email Address"]

(edited)

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4 days ago

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XfinitySara

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2.9K Messages

@user_85j7gu - Thank you for providing those additional details and the screenshot! Looking at the screenshot you shared, the pop-up message: "Mail wants to sign using key 'Imported Private Key' in your keychain. To allow this, enter the 'login' keychain password." indicates that the issue isn't related to the Xfinity email servers or password credentials. Instead, Apple Mail is attempting to digitally sign your outgoing emails using S/MIME encryption / certificate keys stored in your Apple Keychain, but it lacks permission to access the key. Here are a few steps to resolve this:

 

Step 1: Grant Access or Turn Off S/MIME Signing in Apple Mail
- Enter Password: When the prompt appears on your Mac, enter your Mac's administrator password (the same password you use to unlock your Mac) and click "Always Allow".

- Turn Off Email Signing (If enabled by accident):

1. Open Mail on your Mac and compose a new message.

2. In the top-right corner of the compose window, look for a checkmark inside a circle or a lock icon (the digital signature icon).

3. If this icon is highlighted or blue, click it to turn off digital signing for your outgoing messages.

 

Step 2: Clear or Reset the Keychain Entry (If Prompts Persist)
If the prompt keeps reappearing or fails to accept your password:

- Open Keychain Access on your Mac (you can press Command + Space and search for "Keychain Access").

- In the search bar at the top right, search for Imported Private Key or Comcast.

- Locate the certificate/key entry, right-click it, and select Delete.

- Restart the Mail app and attempt to send a test email.

 

Step 3: Check Xfinity Third-Party Access Settings
To ensure access hasn't been restricted for specific desktop apps:

- Log in to Xfinity Connect Webmail.

- Click the Gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.

- Select Security.

- Confirm that "Allow access to Comcast email through third-party programs" is checked.

 

Step 4: Re-add the Account
If the issue persists across both your Mac and iPad, removing and re-adding the account will refresh the security certificates:

- On your Mac, go to System Settings > Internet Accounts.

- Select your Comcast email account and click Delete Account.

- Restart your device.

- Go back to Internet Accounts, select Add Account, choose Other Mail Account, and re-enter your login details to let macOS create a clean keychain entry.

 

Please try these steps and let us know if your outgoing emails start sending properly!

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please mark as Best Answer.tick

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2 days ago

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