How to search all folders icloud.com

Question

Level 1

66 points

How to search all folders icloud.com

How do I search all folders in iCloud mail online? I want to be able to search all folders for a term in a single search, but it appears I am restricted to only searching the folders selected.

Posted on Feb 24, 2023 1:21 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

IdrisSeabright

Level 10

187,325 points

Mar 1, 2023 1:22 PM in response to zugwang

zugwang wrote:

Am i the only one who thinks this oversight is insane? Why is this basic feature that is available in every email client not available online?

I suspect it's because iCloud is not an email client. It's a web interface for email. It seems pretty obvious to me that Apple's intention for iCloud is that it will function as an adjunct to email clients on your devices. The Files function is also not as full-featured as the Finder on your computer or even the Files app on an iPhone. But it does the job when I'm at work on a Windows machine and need to download something.

It has also been my observation that Apple is, admittedly slowly, making iCloud more powerful. Therefore, it seems like a great time to make suggestions to them about what you'd like to see in the future. Apple doesn't read here for feedback or suggestions but you can let them know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Reply

Answer 2

muguy

Level 10

91,430 points

Feb 25, 2023 8:00 AM in response to zugwang

You can search all folders using a desktop client, just not in the cloud.

Reply

Answer 3

muguy

Level 10

91,430 points

Feb 24, 2023 4:16 PM in response to zugwang

You cannot.

Reply

Answer 4

Mar 2, 2023 8:01 AM in response to zugwang

zugwang wrote:

So, as you say, the reason why iCloud email doesn't have a search all folders is because it's not an email client but a "web interface for email"? I'm sorry, but that's just a poor excuse. But even if this had any validity then it would be quickly dissolved by the fact that the Mail app would allow for replies using a Hide My Email address. But it doesn't, one has to go to iCloud.com to reply to a message using the Hide My Email address. This means having to do a search all folders in the Mail app to toggle back to a icloud.com and the Mail app after doing a folder search. Cumbersome! Just implement a search all folders like what was available before the turn of the century in hotmail. Amazing.

I was giving you my personal opinion on why things are the way they are based on something like 30 years of using Apple products. It matters not a whit to me whether you agree with it or not. I have no control over what Apple does or whether or not you like what they do. I can't change anything. No one else participating here can change anything. The only option you have for effecting change is to continue to submit feedback.

Reply

Answer 5

zugwang Author

Level 1

66 points

Feb 25, 2023 7:41 AM in response to muguy

How in the world in this not possible This is so bad I’ve, why would Apple not think this is important? Not having the ability to search all folders in mail in a single search is huge oversight because it can result in several negative consequences. For instance:

Time-consuming: Without this feature, users have to manually search through each folder to find the information they need. This process can be time-consuming and inefficient, particularly for users with numerous folders.
Inefficient: The lack of this feature can lead to inefficiency in managing emails, as users will have to spend more time searching for information, which could have been avoided if they could search all folders at once.
Missed Opportunities: Users may miss out on critical information if they forget to search a specific folder. This could result in missed opportunities or even cause the user to make poor decisions based on incomplete information.
Reduced Productivity: The absence of this feature can lead to reduced productivity as users spend more time searching for information instead of focusing on their primary tasks.

Overall, not having the ability to search all folders in mail in a single search is an oversight because it can lead to wasted time, inefficiency, missed opportunities, reduced productivity, and even poor decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial for any email service to provide this feature to ensure users can manage their emails efficiently and effectively.

Reply

Answer 6

zugwang Author

Level 1

66 points

Mar 2, 2023 7:20 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

So, as you say, the reason why iCloud email doesn't have a search all folders is because it's not an email client but a "web interface for email"? I'm sorry, but that's just a poor excuse. But even if this had any validity then it would be quickly dissolved by the fact that the Mail app would allow for replies using a Hide My Email address. But it doesn't, one has to go to iCloud.com to reply to a message using the Hide My Email address. This means having to do a search all folders in the Mail app to toggle back to a icloud.com and the Mail app after doing a folder search. Cumbersome! Just implement a search all folders like what was available before the turn of the century in hotmail. Amazing.

Reply