SSL Certificate Security Warnings in Outlook – Explained & Resolved

Issue:

You may see security warnings in Outlook when checking your email. These warnings typically mention a problem with the SSL certificate.

 

 

Cause:

This happens when:

  • You are trying to use SSL encryption to access email, but your domain does not have a valid SSL certificate, or
  • You are using your domain name instead of the hosting server's SSL-secured hostname in your email client settings.

 

Solution A: Disable SSL in Outlook (if no SSL certificate is installed)

Use this method only if your domain does not have an SSL certificate.
  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Go to: File → Account Settings → Account Settings.
  3. Select your email account and click Change.
  4. Click More Settings → Advanced.
  5. Uncheck: This server requires an encrypted connection (SSL).
  6. Save and close.

Note: This disables encryption and is not secure. Use the secure method below if available.

 

Solution B: Use the Hosting Server’s Hostname (Recommended)

This ensures a secure connection using a valid SSL certificate from the hosting provider.
  1. Log into your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
  2. Find the server’s hostname (e.g., host123.example.com).
  3. In Outlook, go to: Account Settings → Change → More Settings → Advanced.
  4. Replace the mail server names (incoming and outgoing) with the server's hostname.
  5. Enable SSL and use the correct ports:
    • IMAP: Port 993
    • POP3: Port 995
    • SMTP: Port 465

 

Additional Notes:

  • Ensure your computer’s date and time are correct.
  • Check that antivirus or firewall software is not interfering with SSL connections.
  • If unsure of the correct server hostname, contact your hosting provider.

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