How to fix “The username or password is incorrect or POP3/IMAP access isn’t turned on for this account.” error on Galaxy S23

There’s a number of possible reasons why your Galaxy S23 encounters “The username or password is incorrect or POP3/IMAP access isn’t turned on for this account.” error. To fix the problem, be sure to follow our suggestions below in the provided order.

Fix #1: Make sure you have the correct username and password

Having trouble signing in to your email account on your Galaxy S23? Before you do anything drastic, there’s a simple step you should take first.

Ensure that you have the correct email username and password. This is often overlooked, but can be the cause of many issues.

Users may become preoccupied while setting up their accounts, or get confused with multiple accounts.

To check if the username and password are correct, try signing in on another device. For example, if you have a computer nearby, use it to sign in to your email account.
Then, go back to the sign in page on your Galaxy S23 and enter the same username and password.

Fix #2: Follow your email providers instructions how to set your account up properly

Generally, email providers make setting up an account easy by posting instructions on the web. Stick to official channels for accurate and updated setup information. If your email provider offers chat or voice support, contact them for firsthand information.

Most popular email providers like Google or Microsoft publish their instructions online. Finding them is just a matter of using common sense during your search.

Take the time to look for the official instructions and you’ll be sure to get the setup right. Contact your email provider if you need help.

Fix #3: Disable two-step verification (or similar security protection)

Most email providers today are focused on ensuring user accounts are secure. Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and other popular providers have implemented two-step verification and other security enhancements.

Two-step verification requires users to provide an additional way to verify their account in case their password is compromised. For example, Gmail users can provide their phone number or another email address to receive verification codes.

Authenticator apps, Google prompt, and backup codes can also be used to verify accounts. Microsoft also offers a similar system.

However, this added security can cause problems when setting up an account on another device. If two-step verification is enabled, users may have trouble setting up their account on their device.

To fix this, users should turn off two-step verification before adding the account again. After the account is added, two-step verification should be turned back on.

Fix #4: Clear cache and data of email app

Ideally, your issue should already be fixed. If not, it’s time to deal with the email app directly. It may be having an issue with its cache or data after multiple attempts to add your email. To fix the problem, try clearing the cache and data of the email app.

1. From a Home screen, swipe up or down from the center of the display to access the apps screen.
2. Open Settings app.
3. Tap Apps.
4. Ensure All apps is selected (upper-left). If necessary, tap the Dropdown icon, (upper-right) then select All apps.
5. Locate then select the Email app you’re using. If system apps aren’t visible, tap the Menu icon, then tap Show system apps.
6. Tap Storage.
7. Tap CLEAR CACHE.
8. Restart your Galaxy S23.
9. Add your email account again. If the issue remains, repeat steps 1-6 and hit CLEAR DATA.

Fix #5: Try another email app

Using another app may be the solution if you’re still unable to add your account to the one you’ve been using. Samsung’s stock Email app has not caused us any problems when adding any email account.

If you’ve been trying to work on this app ever since you started troubleshooting, consider getting another one that might be bug-free at this time.

The Play Store has a lot of email apps that you can use as a substitute.

Fix #6: Factory reset

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to wipe the phone clean. This is definitely extreme and usually uncalled for for any email issues but it’s the last possible solution that you can do.

Follow our tutorial to factory reset your Galaxy S23.

IMPORTANT: The steps above will delete user data like photos, videos, etc. Be sure to back them up first before doing a factory reset.

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