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Merlot's avatar
Merlot
New Contributor

Travelling overseas - unable to access emails on Android due to NEW Security feature?

With the NEW "added security" layer, my Android phone is unable to"synch" to the COX server to send/receive emails on my Android phone while traveling overseas.  I travel 2-3 times a year overseas and never had a problem before with my Samsung Edge 6 sending or receiving emails. Today, Tier 2 Technical Support states that this is no longer possible. There is a NEW added Cox security feature. I find this absurd since this renders my Android phone use worthless. I cannot believe that the only way to check and send emails while travelling overseas is by logging onto the Cox server each time. This is totally stone-age.  After 12 years of being a loyal customer, I am seriously considering cancelling my COX Account.

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  • grymwulf's avatar
    grymwulf
    Contributor II

    Does this work when you are out and about on the cellular network in the states?  Is it every country?  Are you using wifi or an international SIM card?

    It does sound strange, I'll see if I when I configure a VPN end-point in europe and check email functionality to see if it affects me.

  • grymwulf's avatar
    grymwulf
    Contributor II

    Using default Windows 10 Email client -

    Following location tests performed (both send & receive):

    • France: Pass
    • Denmark: Pass (but heavily delayed, needed to re-enter password)
    • Germany: Pass
    • UK London: Pass
    • Israel: Pass
    • Hong Kong: Pass
    • AU Sydney: Pass

    *** Note these are endpoints in data-centers so your mileage may vary

  • Merlot's avatar
    Merlot
    New Contributor

    I am in the Dominican Republic for 2 weeks. My Server settings with my Android phone (Samsung Edge 6 - T-Mobile) keeps getting rejected by the Cox server, even after speaking with Tech 2 support who told me - in essence - that is the way is from now on. (due to "Extra layer of security")

    The message on my phone I keep getting is:"Unable to set up account An incorrect user name or password has been entered on Pop3/IMAP access is not turned on for this account."

    Username and password are all fine, I can log onto the server via my laptop. Port info and SSL info all was inputted correctly.

    I keep trying to reset the information - per the specific instructions from Cox - but keeps getting rejected. I never had this problem in the DR before with COX and I travel here twice a year.

    No SIM card change (?)  has been necessary before on any previous trips to the DR and as always can access the internet on the phone, email keeps getting rejected by Cox server.

  • grymwulf's avatar
    grymwulf
    Contributor II

    I don't think I have an endpoint for the DR, I'll check though

  • Merlot's avatar
    Merlot
    New Contributor

    Thanks, I wonder why COX COMMUNICATIONS does not respond to this situation:  I cannot believe I'm the only Cox customer that travels out of the country who uses an Android phone to check emails....

  • grymwulf's avatar
    grymwulf
    Contributor II

    I could recommend seeing about either a VPN (highly recommended when travelling) or set up a gmail account and have it pull your cox email for you. 

  • Merlot's avatar
    Merlot
    New Contributor

    re:  or set up a gmail account and have it pull your cox email for you. 


    HI,

    I have a Gmail account, what are the steps to doing this? 

    Will my phone having the imap.cox.net server settings be affected? I think I read somewhere that Cox servers will not work correctly on Android if I auto forward emails....?

  • Tecknowhelp's avatar
    Tecknowhelp
    Valued Contributor II

    First, I would suggest looking up your IP and then see if it's on any Blacklists. If so, then you would need a relay server from the network/ISP you are on, or use webmail.cox.net instead of SMTP. 

    If not, then the next step is to see if there is a block on your account. As said by a moderator:

    "A layer of security has been added to provide protection against identity theft, data breaches, and fraud. It blocks fraud in real-time, without any interaction with the user. Please try logging into webmail directly to ensure you're not being affected by this added layer of protection. You may be asked to provide additional authentication information beyond your username and password."

    I remember a moderator once saying the extra layer can be removed some how, but I can't find that post. 

  • Merlot's avatar
    Merlot
    New Contributor

    Thank you Technohelp -

    Does any one know how this can be done?

    "I remember a moderator once saying the extra layer can be removed ( for security/log-in) some how, but I can't find that post. "

  • Tecknowhelp's avatar
    Tecknowhelp
    Valued Contributor II

    I am not sure if it is removed or modified some how. In the post, the moderator asked the user to email cox.help@cox.com after confirming the international block.  I am still looking for either the post or any documentation on the issue at all. Seems this is something Cox likes to keep under it's hat.

    Have you tried signing into webmail though? The post from the moderator made it seem like a user can remove the block, even if they can't remove the system entirely. It makes you confirm more info besides just your email password as a way to stop people from sending spam from China/other if they somehow get your password.