User profile for user: ddjepp
ddjepp Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Prevent Mac email trash from auto-emptying?

How do I keep my trash can feature from immediately emptying my deleted emails. I wish to be able to empty my trash when it becomes full, in case I need to retrieve an email that I deleted by mistake. I cannot locate the setting for this option on my Mac laptop. Thank you for any help you may provide me.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.3

Posted on Feb 22, 2026 2:28 PM

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User profile for user: FishingAddict
FishingAddict
User level: Level 5
4,762 points

Posted on Feb 22, 2026 5:00 PM

  1. In Mail:
  2. Mail menu
  3. Settings
  4. Accounts
  5. Select an account
  6. Mailbox behaviors
  7. Erase deleted messages: set to "Never"
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Prevent Mac email trash from auto-emptying?

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