How to Fix Apple Mail Not Receiving Emails: Best Ways

Why is Mac Mail Not Receiving Emails?

This is a prominent question that many users are unaware of and remain stuck with finding the right solution. It can only be achieved when the root causes of the issue are identified, which are discussed below: 

• Incorrect server settings for the mail 
• Unstable and poor network connections 
• Outdated macOS and iOS versions 
• Full Apple mailbox storage 
• Corrupted Apple Mail emails or database 
• IMAP issues with the mail server 

These are some common reasons that affect mail’s functioning on Ventura, Sonoma, and other macOS versions. If unidentified and left untreated, these causes delays in sending and receiving mail, missed important emails, and meetings updates. Therefore, it is essential to manage Apple Mail’s unresponsiveness in a timely manner. 

How to Fix Apple Mail Not Receiving Emails?

Easy troubleshooting methods are available that you can follow without actually deleting emails to fix the issue. Also, dedicated professional software is available to create a backup of critical Apple Mail emails to prevent data loss in any circumstances. Go through them in detail in this section. 

Manual Ways to Solve Apple Mail Stopped Getting Emails

Follow the easy tricks mentioned here to resolve the issue and resume the exchange of emails with ease: 

 1) Recheck Internet Connectivity and Server Status 

Apple Mail completely functions on the internet connection, and thus, it must be stable. In case you face issues, try: 

• Wi-fi is enabled, and Ethernet is active 
• Websites are browsable 
• Email providers‘ status is active 

Ensure that your network is not down and turn off and on your network to skip its interruptions. 

2) Refresh Apple Mailbox Forcefully 

Apple Mail may be unable to sync for some unfortunate reasons. Try to start it forcefully by: 

• Open Apple Mail and select the mailbox not receiving emails.
• Tap Mailbox and then Synchronize. 
• Or, just click ⌘ + Shift + N keys. 

It will forcefully start your mailbox, and maybe the issue will be eliminated.

3) Verify IMAP/POP Settings 

It is highly possible that Apple Mail not receiving emails because of incorrect account settings. To check the configurations: 

• Click on Mail >> Settings >> Account and choose your email account.
• Then, review IMAP and SMTP server settings, port number, etc. 

4) Restart Apple Mail 

Sometimes disabling and re-enabling email accounts eliminates the basic issues, like Mac Mail not receiving emails. You can fix it by: 

• Open Mail >> Settings >> Accounts. 
• Then, choose the account affected and uncheck the Enable this account option. 
• Afterward, restart Apple Mail and re-enable your account for the fix. 

5) Update Systems and Rebuild Mailbox 

To avoid compatibility issues and conflicts, once: 

• Open System Settings and from General, click Software Updates. 
• Install the latest updates for your macOS and iOS. 
• Further, restart your device and select the mailbox. 
• Next, click Mailbox >> Rebuild and wait for reindexing to fix the issue. 

6) Verify Mail Rules 

Generally, rules are made to ensure a clutter-free inbox, but changes in them can affect the incoming and outgoing emails, too. Fix them by: 

• On your Mac Mail, tap Mail and then Preferences. 
• Later, move to Rules and choose to Remove or Edit them. 
• Resume the services of Apple Mail. 

7) Quit and Disable Account 

If none of the above methods worked to resolve the issue, you can: 

• Move to the Apple menu and click Force Quit. 
• In the application, click Mail and choose Force Quit. 
• Or, move to System Settings >> Internet Accounts. 
• Select the account to remove and finally, click Delete Account. Tap OK. 

Professional Way to Handle Apple Mail Not Receiving Emails 

If the above methods cannot help with resolving the issue, then move to an advanced solution and get the SysInfo iCloud Backup Tool. As Apple Mail emails are synced with iCloud, this software helps you backup entire mailbox data in small batches to different locations and clients. With it, you can keep your data safe and accessible anytime. Additionally, it preserves the original integrity of your emails and is very easy to use. Moreover, it is usable on all versions of Windows and Mac OS without any difficulties and requires no expertise. 

Backup Mailbox when Apple Mail Stopped Getting Emails

1. Launch the iCloud Email Backup Tool and choose Single or Batch Mode for login.

2. Accordingly, enter the credentials or import CSV and click Sign In to access account emails.

3. Further, choose the emails from the tree view to backup and click the Next button.

4. Afterward, select a desired format/client where you want the data backup.

5. At last, apply the filters, save your destination, and click Convert.

It will help you backup emails instantly with full data accuracy and integrity, and zero loss in minimal time. You can even try the Demo Version for evaluation and a few free conversions.

Conclusion

This blog covered all the probable reasons for Apple Mail not receiving emails and multiple solutions to fix it. With the manual methods, the error can be resolved at the basic level. However, if the files are corrupted or you find manual methods are not working, you can choose to maintain a backup of your Apple Mail mailbox with iCloud Backup Software. Ensure that your emails are always accessible, even when you cannot connect to the mailbox.

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About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.