iCloud Mail deleted on iPhone keeps returning
I deleted mail on my iPhone in the mail app (i have an iCloud email address) and the mail keeps returning. I am also using a Mac laptop. Help. I need to get these to stay gone.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Question marked as
Hi,
Deleted emails returning to your iPhone inbox is typically caused by syncing issues, POP3 account configurations, or iCloud Drive backups restoring messages from other devices.
Common Causes and Fixes:
- Sync Glitches: Turn off the email account in Settings > Mail > Accounts, open the Mail app to ensure it is gone, then toggle sync back on. If emails persist, try restarting the device.
- POP3 vs. IMAP: If your account is set to POP3, emails may remain on the server and re-download. Switch to IMAP in account settings or ensure "Remove from Server" is enabled in advanced POP3 settings.
- iCloud Drive Backups: Other Apple devices with iCloud Drive enabled may be syncing and restoring deleted items. Disable iCloud Drive > Mail on all devices accessing that account, or delete the emails directly via iCloud.com to force server-side removal.
- Provider Issues: Log into your icloud email web portal to delete and empty the trash there, ensuring the server no longer holds the messages.