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Push and Fetch options on email account on iPhones

Last modified: Jun 17, 2023 1:12 AM
473 11090 Last modified Jun 17, 2023 1:12 AM

On iPhone, you have the option to choose between "Push" and "Fetch" for your email accounts. These options determine how your device retrieves new emails and keeps your inbox up to date. Here's a brief explanation of each option:


  1. Push: When you select the "Push" option, your iPhone receives new emails in real-time as they arrive on the mail server. This means that as soon as a new email arrives, it is pushed to your iPhone, providing you with instant access to your messages. This is the most immediate and efficient way to stay updated with your emails.
  2. Fetch: With the "Fetch" option, your iPhone periodically checks for new emails at specified intervals, such as every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or hourly. It fetches new messages from the mail server based on the selected interval. This option helps conserve battery life as your iPhone isn't constantly checking for new emails. However, it may introduce a slight delay in receiving messages compared to the "Push" option.


To configure the Push or Fetch settings for your email accounts on iPhone:

  1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on "Mail" or "Mail, Contacts, Calendars," depending on your iOS version.
  3. Select "Accounts" or the email account you want to configure.
  4. Tap on "Fetch New Data."
  5. Choose either the "Push" or "Fetch" option.
  6. If you selected the "Fetch" option, you can customize the fetching interval by tapping "Fetch" and selecting the desired time interval.
  7. You can repeat these steps for each email account you want to configure.


Note that the availability of Push or Fetch options may depend on your email service provider and account type. Some email providers may not support the Push option and only offer Fetch as the retrieval method.

It's worth considering your personal preferences, battery life considerations, and the importance of real-time email updates when selecting the appropriate option for each of your email accounts.


Now, you know that there are two settings (Fetch and Push Mail)


Google, AOL, Yahoo - Only Fetch mail Option is available

iCloud, Exchange, Outlook - Both Fetch and Push Mail option is available


Refer to the 3 GIFs below




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