Why can I not delete emails?

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Aufklaer Author

Level 1

22 points

Why can I not delete emails?

Suddenly I cannot delete or archive any mail in Mail. This just happened. Both buttons are grayed out.

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Posted on Apr 12, 2023 1:53 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jaym_8

Community Specialist

Apr 14, 2023 2:21 PM in response to Aufklaer

Hello Aufklaer,

If your email account is not working properly in the Mail application, you'll want to remove it and add it back.

1. In the Mail app on your Mac, choose Mail > Settings, then click Accounts.

2. Select an account, then click the Remove button .

Log out of or remove email accounts in Mail on Mac

In Mail, choose Mail > Add Account, select an account type, then enter your account information. Make sure the Mail checkbox is selected for the account.

Add email accounts in Mail on Mac

If you can’t send or receive email on your Mac

Cheers!

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Answer 2

Aufklaer Author

Level 1

22 points

Apr 14, 2023 3:38 PM in response to Jaym_8

I had thought of that, but did not know if the email files Archived, Sent, Received, and Drafts would remain and reattach automatically or if I had to copy them and rename them, then name them back and replace the newly created files. I have six email accounts. But I after thinking about it I just shut it down and rebooted. I usually do not shut down at night. Could be it needs a reboot now and then for file maintenance.

Thank you.

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Answer 3

Apr 14, 2023 4:37 PM in response to Aufklaer

Very true. A restart will clear a lot of problems. Doing a Safe Boot is also useful for diagnostics, since it not only disables extensions, but also repairs drive and fixes permission problems. Then do a normal boot.

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Answer 4

Apr 14, 2023 2:38 PM in response to Aufklaer

You can also try rebuilding the mailbox.

Rebuild mailboxes in Mail on Mac - Apple Support

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Why can I not delete emails?

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