Unable to delete local email in Apple Mail

I'm getting this error message when I try to delete an email in applemail. It's no longer on the server, I don't know where the original deleted email is, but I'd rather it wasn't a permanent addition to my macbook mailbox


Can anyone give me any advice on removing a local copy? Thanks


(Account name redacted) RESOLVED -email needed to be moved to another (any) folder, then delete from this new location.


MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Nov 26, 2025 8:10 AM

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Posted on Dec 9, 2025 3:34 AM

Your workaround worked because moving the email forces Mail to rewrite the metadata.

If it happens again, run Mailbox → Rebuild.

For persistent “ghost emails,” rebuild the Mail index from the Library folder.

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Unable to delete local email in Apple Mail

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