# Unable to connect to Exchange

Last updated: July 24, 2026

## Problem

You are trying to set up your Exchange Server account in Conditional Exchange Access to fetch device details and get the error message 'Unable to connect to Exchange - Verify entered credentials and pre-requisites'

## Cause

You might get this error message, due to the following:

- [Entered credentials are incorrect](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/kb/mdm-issues-accessing-exchange-server.html#credentials)
- ['Basic Authentication' is not enabled in Exchange Server](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/kb/mdm-issues-accessing-exchange-server.html#auth)

## Resolution

**Entered credentials are incorrect**

Verify whether the Server FQDN and user name are entered in the specified format.

*Server Name*: Enter the Fully Qualified Domain Name of the Server. **Example: exchange.server.com**

*User Name*: Enter the user name in the format **<username@domainname.com>**

**'Basic Authentication' is not enabled in Exchange Server**

In the system running Exchange Server, Open IIS Manager, select Sites from the left pane. Then select Default Website > PowerShell > Authentication. Enable 'Basic Authentication' option by selecting 'Enable' from the **Actions** menu in the right pane and click **Apply**.

![IIS Manager PowerShell Authentication settings for Default Website](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/basic_authentication.png)

![Enabling Basic Authentication in IIS Manager for Exchange Server](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/basic_authentication2.png)

**Applies to:** Device Management, Device Enrollment, Mailbox Access Management

**Keywords:** Conditional Exchange Access, Exchange Server not reachable, Exchange Server Admin