How to Settle “IMAP AOL.Com Not Responding” Error

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  • Updated on June 17th, 2025

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Summary: The “IMAP AOL.Com Not Responding” error is most likely to occur when incorrectly setting up the account manually. This error usually appears when the incoming mail server settings are incorrect. There can be other reasons also that could display this error. This blog will talk about this error and explore the solutions that can help resolve this error. There are both manual approaches and an automated approach. The trusted automated AOL Backup Tool helps users create a backup of all AOL emails. Continue reading this blog to learn about the benefits and solutions of why and how we can resolve this error.

This error message typically points to a communication failure between your email client and AOL’s IMAP Server. The AOL IMAP Server is required to access your emails and maintain sync across devices. 

Why AOL IMAP Server Not Responding?

The following are some of the potential causes that can cause this error to occur. Have a look:

  • Incorrect IMAP Server Settings – Entering the incorrect server name, port numbers, or encryption may cause this error. 
  • Poor or No Internet Connection – A weak or unstable internet connectivity can prevent your device from reaching AOL server. 
  • Outdated Email Application – If you are using an outdated version of the email app, it will create compatibility issues. 
  • Firewall or Antivirus Block – Certain security programs and firewalls may block or interfere with the connection between your email client and external servers. 
  • Temporary issue with the AOL Server – There can be service disruptions or outages occasionally. 

How to Fix “IMAP AOL.Com Not Responding”?

After learning about the common causes behind this error, let us now implement the solutions to fix it. There are both manual ways and an automated direct method that does the job in no time. Let’s first start with the manual ways.

Re-check your IMAP Server Settings

If the user has entered incorrect incoming server settings, your email client will not be able to retrieve or sync your emails. Therefore, to resolve this issue, double-check the incoming server settings:

Incoming Server (IMAP Server)Server: imap.aol.com
Port: 993
Encryption: SSL
Outgoing Server (SMTP Server)Server: smtp.aol.com
Port: 465 or 587
Encryption: SSL/TLS

Check your Internet Connection

Your email client depends on a steady and reliable internet connection. If your network is unstable or poor, it won’t be able to establish a connection with the AOL Mail server. 

There can be various ways to fix it:

  • Try restarting your router or modem.
  • Switch to a different network, like a Wi-Fi connection or a mobile hotspot.
  • Adjust your DNS Settings.

Disable Antivirus Programs and Firewalls

Antivirus programs protect your system from unauthorized access. But, sometimes they block the legitimate traffic. If they block the connection, then they won’t be able to send or receive data through the necessary ports. This can result in an IMAP AOL error. 

To fix this: 

  • Temporarily turn off the antivirus programs, firewalls, or VPNs.
  • Add your email app to the trusted or allowed programs in the firewall or antivirus settings.

Update or Reinstall your Email App

An outdated or corrupted email application can pose compatibility issues with AOL’s servers. If the app is not updated to its latest version, then it might not support the latest encryption or authentication methods. This in turn will prevent the email client from establishing a secure connection. 

To fix this:

  • Check for updates in the app store or the app’s official website.
  • If the app is still showing AOL IMAP not working, then try removing your AOL account and then adding it back.
  • Lastly, consider uninstalling or reinstalling the app.

Wait for AOL Server Outages to Resolve

The AOL Servers can get temporarily offline due to maintenance or unexpected technical issues. Try visiting any online service monitoring platforms to check whether the issue has been resolved or not. 

Trusted Solution to Fix “AOL PDF not Opening” Error

The AOL Backup Tool is a comprehensive solution that offers robust features to back up, convert, or protect your AOL emails. It converts your emails into different file formats. The tool supports original folder structure preservation, eliminates duplicate messages, and is fully compatible with all versions of Windows. Moreover, users can also transfer AOL emails to Gmail, Office 365, and other email clients.

Follow these instructions to fix “AOL IMAP Server Not Responding”:

  1. Start by downloading and running the backup tool.
  2. Then, select between Single Mode or Batch Mode.
  3. From the left-side panel, choose AOL and then sign in with your AOL Mail credentials.
  4. Select files/folders from the tree structure and click on Next to continue.
  5. After that, select the desired file format in which you wish to backup your email data. Then, click on Next.
  6. Opt for the additional settings if required.
  7. Finally, click on the Convert button to begin the process.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, this blog has explored the issue with multiple ways to fix the “IMAP AOL.Com Not Responding”. While the manual options are available and work well, they are inaccurate and time-consuming. For a more accurate solution, we recommend using the AOL Backup Tool to securely back up the emails while ensuring effective email migration. 

Related Guide: AOL PDF not Opening.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- What to do if IMAP is not responding?

Ans- These are the following solutions to resolve this issue:
1. Verify the IMAP Server settings.
2. Check the internet connection.
3. Update the Email application.
4. Try removing the AOL Mail account and then re-add it.
5. Reinstall or uninstall the email application.

Q- What are the correct IMAP settings for AOL?

Ans- The correct IMAP Server settings are:
IMAP Server: imap.aol.com, Port: 993, Encryption: SSL
SMTP Server: smtp.aol.com, Port: 465, Encryption: TLS/SSL

About The Author:

Raj is a skilled technical writer who makes complicated topics easy to understand. With experience in email and cloud migration, he creates clear and engaging content that helps readers learn about technology. His work is trusted by many and has been featured on well-known tech sites.

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