If you have an Android device and see the error "There was a problem connecting to idp.maine.edu" when signing in to the UMS mobile Gmail or Google chat app, this article explains what it means, why it happens, and what we recommend. In most cases it means the device's Android security patch level is out of date.
IMPORTANT: This article applies only to the exact error "There was a problem connecting to idp.maine.edu" shown below. Other errors that mention idp.maine.edu are not covered here — if your message is different, please contact the Service Desk.
INFO: This only affects the mobile apps. Signing in to your email through a web browser on a computer is unaffected and will continue to work normally.
Solution
What this error means
The error means your device could not complete the security check required to sign in. This is almost always because the device's Android security patch level is out of date — either the device is behind on available updates, or it is an older model that no longer receives updates from its manufacturer.
This is not a problem with your account or your password. You can confirm that by signing in to your email in a web browser on a computer, which will still work.
Why it happens
When you sign in, your device has to complete a behind-the-scenes security "handshake." To pass that handshake, the device needs to be on a current Android security patch level. A device that is behind on patches — or that has aged out of manufacturer support and is stuck on an old patch level — can't complete the handshake, so the sign-in fails.
IMPORTANT: A device that says it is "all updated" only means it has installed everything that particular device is able to get — not that it is current. An older phone can honestly report it's fully updated and still be years behind.
What we recommend
- Install every available update and keep checking until none remain.
- Open Settings → System → System update (on some devices this is Settings → Software update) and install anything that's offered.
- After it finishes and restarts, check again. Updates sometimes come one at a time, so repeat until the device reports there are no more.
- Also check for a Google Play system update in the same place and install it if offered.
- Restart the device once everything is installed.
- Reopen the app and try to sign in again.
How to check your security patch level
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap About phone (or About tablet).
- Find Android security update (it may appear under Android version) and note the date shown.
How to read the date:
- The current Android security patch level as of this writing is 2026-07-05. A new one comes out about once a month.
- If your date is recent (this month or last), the device is current.
- If the date is many months or years old and no further updates will be installed, the device is likely out of the manufacturer's support. For example, a device stuck on a December 2023 patch is roughly 2.5 years behind — even if it says it's "all updated."
Manufacturers publish how long each model receives security updates on their support or security update websites. To check yours, search for your phone brand plus "security updates" (for example, "Samsung security updates" or "Google Pixel security updates").
Source: Check & update your Android version — Google Help
If your device can't be updated
If your device is out of manufacturer support and can't reach a current patch level, there is no software fix — it can no longer complete the required security check. To use the mobile apps again, you'll need a newer, still-supported device.
In the meantime, you can keep getting your email through a web browser on a computer, which isn't affected.
WARNING: A device that can no longer receive security patches isn't just unable to sign in — it's also missing ongoing security fixes. A supported device is the reliable long-term option.
INFO: IT is aware of this issue and is investigating a possible fix that may restore sign-in on some affected devices. If your device can't be updated, you can keep using email in a web browser in the meantime. Check back here for updates before deciding to replace a device.
Environment
- Android mobile devices (and potentially other mobile operating systems)
- UMS mobile email and chat apps