VIP email alerts are not working on my iPhone 16 Pro Max

Temporary Solution: Restore VIP

Notifications in the Mail App on iPhone (iOS 18.4.1)

Solution

tested in consultation with Apple’s senior support

 Step 1 – Temporarily disable Mail for all accounts:

Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts

Select each account (iCloud, Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

Toggle off the Mail option for all accounts

Step 2 – Delete the Mail app:

Press and hold the Mail app icon on the home screen

Select“Remove App” and confirm

Step 3 – Reinstall the Mail app:

Open App Store

Search for “Apple Mail”

Download and reinstall the app

Step 4 – Re-enable Mail for your accounts:

Go back to Settings > Mail > Accounts

Select each account and toggle Mail back on

Step 5 – Adjust VIP notification sound:

Choose a different sound (e.g., “Crystal”)

Wait a few seconds, then switch back to your preferred sound

Done!

VIP notifications with sound should now work as expected again, including push

delivery for iCloud Mail.

arnefromnynäshamn had the answer that worked for me and it was relatively easy to do:

Step 1 – Temporarily disable Mail for all accounts:

Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts

Select each account (iCloud, Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

Toggle off the Mail option for all accounts

Step 2 – Delete the Mail app:

Press and hold the Mail app icon on the home screen

Select“Remove App” and confirm

Step 3 – Reinstall the Mail app:

Open App Store

Search for “Apple Mail”

Download and reinstall the app

Step 4 – Re-enable Mail for your accounts:

Go back to Settings > Mail > Accounts

Select each account and toggle Mail back on

Step 5 – Adjust VIP notification sound:

Choose a different sound (e.g., “Crystal”)

Wait a few seconds, then switch back to your preferred sound

VIP notifications with sound should now work as expected again, including push

delivery for iCloud Mail.

Ensure VIP settings are still present

• Open the Mail app.
• Tap the back button until you see Mailboxes.
• Tap the ⓘ next to VIP → Make sure your VIP contacts are listed.

Set a VIP-specific notification sound

• Go to Settings > Notifications > Mail > (See the Pic below for VIP Alerts)

I have verified all this information. I also have not changed anything from my previous settings when I was receiving notification for VIP emails. Now, the ringer does not work but just a faint noice. I've tested the ringer, shut the phone off many times as before that worked, but still not ringing. I have a 16 Plus.

I have tried all of this and more as well and still I have no VIP notifications which is causing a lot problems regarding work and meeting. This is a HUGE issue. What are you doing to fix it? I keep checking for new updates and nothing. I have missed meetings and work and it's a nightmare. What is going on with Apple?! This is unacceptable.

Same here!!

It’s my work phone. I was told by our IT guys that if I delete the Mail app, I would lose information. Is that not the case if I shut the Mail app off first?

No problem for me, all post was saved.

I run it together with a senior apple engineer. No problem

Nice to hear! I've been struggling with this for over a month, but I finally found the solution. :-)