Understanding the Can't Verify Server Identity Email Error

When you connect your email account to a mail client such as Outlook, Apple Mail, or mobile email apps, the system verifies the identity of the mail server using a security certificate. In some cases, a warning may appear stating that the email client can’t verify the identity of the server.

This article explains why this message appears and outlines what you can check to confirm whether the server connection and security certificate are valid, so you can proceed with the correct email configuration steps in your email client.

What causes this error?

When you set up your email account in email clients like Outlook, Apple Mail, or a mobile device, it connects to your mail server using a secure (SSL) connection. This process confirms that you're communicating with a legitimate server.

If your email is hosted on a shared server, the connection uses the server’s SSL certificate rather than one specific to your domain.

In simple terms, your email client expects something like mail.yourdomain.com, but instead sees mail.youremailhost.com. Because of this mismatch, it displays a warning:

“email client can't verify the identity of the server”

This is a common and expected message for email accounts hosted on shared servers. As long as you verify the certificate (see below), it is safe to proceed.

Step 1: Check the certificate

Before dismissing the warning, confirm the SSL certificate being presented.

If your email is hosted with Crazy Domains, the certificate should display one of the following:

• *.au.syrahost.com, or
• Your own domain name

Step 2: Dismiss the warning

Once you’ve confirmed the certificate is valid (either *.au.syrahost.com or your domain name), you can safely continue.

Depending on your email client, select one of the following options:

• Connect
• Get Certificate
• Show Certificate → then select Trust or Always Allow

Your email client will remember this choice, and the warning should not appear again.

You’re All Set

After completing these steps, your email should connect normally without further warnings. If the message appears again or the certificate details change, double-check the certificate before proceeding to keep your account secure.