Apple Mail: Is there a limit to the number of messages which can be deleted at once?

Deleting more than ~15 they disappear but bounce right back into mailbox.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Dec 21, 2023 1:07 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 22, 2023 3:35 PM

In Apple Mail, there isn't a specific limit to the number of messages you can delete at once. However, if you're experiencing issues with messages bouncing back into the mailbox after attempting to delete a large number, it could be due to several reasons:


  1. Mail Server Sync: If your email account is IMAP or Exchange, the deletion needs to sync with the server. If there's a sync issue or delay, deleted emails might reappear.
  2. Mailbox Size and Server Limits: Some email providers have limits on mailbox actions. If you're deleting a large number of emails, you might be hitting a server-side limit.
  3. Network Issues: A slow or unstable internet connection can interfere with the synchronization process between Apple Mail and the mail server.
  4. Mail App Glitch: The Mail app might have a temporary glitch. Restarting the app or your Mac can sometimes resolve this.
  5. Mail Database Corruption: The local mail database might be corrupted. Rebuilding the mailbox can help. In Mail, go to Mailbox > Rebuild.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 22, 2023 3:35 PM in response to CyberTaz2

In Apple Mail, there isn't a specific limit to the number of messages you can delete at once. However, if you're experiencing issues with messages bouncing back into the mailbox after attempting to delete a large number, it could be due to several reasons:


  1. Mail Server Sync: If your email account is IMAP or Exchange, the deletion needs to sync with the server. If there's a sync issue or delay, deleted emails might reappear.
  2. Mailbox Size and Server Limits: Some email providers have limits on mailbox actions. If you're deleting a large number of emails, you might be hitting a server-side limit.
  3. Network Issues: A slow or unstable internet connection can interfere with the synchronization process between Apple Mail and the mail server.
  4. Mail App Glitch: The Mail app might have a temporary glitch. Restarting the app or your Mac can sometimes resolve this.
  5. Mail Database Corruption: The local mail database might be corrupted. Rebuilding the mailbox can help. In Mail, go to Mailbox > Rebuild.


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Apple Mail: Is there a limit to the number of messages which can be deleted at once?

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