You open your inbox, but it’s strangely quiet. No notifications, no updates, not even the newsletter you always get. When Mac Mail doesn’t receive messages, it can block important communication, disrupt your workflow, and create unnecessary stress. The good news? Most of the time, the problem is easy to fix once you know where to look.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes and practical solutions, so you can get your inbox flowing again quickly and confidently.
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Quick Fix Checklist
If your Mac Mail is not receiving emails, try these quick steps before diving into advanced fixes:
- Restart the Mail app
- Check your Wi-Fi connection
- Look in Spam or Junk folders
- Send yourself a test email
- Verify your account settings
- Update macOS and the Mail app
If that doesn’t work, continue with the step-by-step troubleshooting below. If you’re also having trouble with sending, see our guide on Mac Mail not sending emails.
Why Mac Mail May Not Be Receiving Emails
Mac Mail often fails due to incorrect account settings, outdated software, or conflicts with firewalls and plugins. Sometimes, the issue lies with the email provider’s server itself.
Step 1: Check Internet & Mail Server Status
- Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet.
- Check your provider’s service status page.
- Log in to webmail to see if the issue is local.
Step 2: Verify Account Settings in Mac Mail
- Go to Mail > Preferences > Accounts.
- Double-check your server, username, and password.
- Enable SSL for security.
Step 3: Reset Mail Preferences & Rebuild Mailbox
- Remove and re-add your account under Preferences.
- Use Mailbox > Rebuild to refresh folders.
Step 4: Update macOS & Mail App
- Check System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Apply updates, as Mail fixes often come via OS patches.
Step 5: Disable Conflicting Plugins or Firewalls
- Temporarily disable mail plugins or firewall apps.
- Restart Mail and test again.
Step 6: Try an Alternative Email Client
If Mac Mail continues failing, consider switching. Canary Mail offers reliability, AI-powered email tools, and stronger security than Apple Mail.
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Mini Comparison Table: Mac Mail vs. Canary Mail
How to Fix Mac Mail When Emails Aren’t Coming Through
Let’s go step by step, starting with the easiest fixes and moving to more advanced checks.
1. Restart Mail and Refresh
- Quit the Mail app and reopen it.
- Pull down the Mailbox menu and select Get All New Mail.
- This simple reset often clears temporary syncing glitches.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
- Make sure Wi-Fi is on and connected.
- Open a browser and load a site to confirm connectivity.
3. Look in Spam, Junk, and Other Folders
- Check Junk, Trash, and custom folders for missing messages.
- Review filters and rules.
- For Gmail or Outlook accounts, expand the Promotions, Social, or Updates tabs.
4. Send Yourself a Test Email
- Use another account or device to send yourself an email.
- If it arrives in webmail but not in Mac Mail, the issue is local.
5. Test on Another Device or Browser
- Log into your account on your iPhone or webmail.
- If emails appear there but not in Mac Mail, your Mac setup is the culprit.
6. Verify Account Settings
- Go to Mail > Preferences > Accounts.
- Confirm your IMAP/POP settings, port numbers, and security options.
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7. Update macOS and the Mail App
- Open System Preferences > Software Update.
- Install the latest updates.
8. Check Storage and Capacity
- Log into your provider’s webmail and check account storage.
- If it’s full, delete or archive older messages.
9. Review Firewalls or Security Software
- Some third-party firewalls or antivirus apps block Mail’s ports.
- Temporarily disable these tools and test.
10. Remove and Re-Add the Account
- Back up important data first.
- Delete the affected account from Mac Mail.
- Re-add it with the correct server details.
11. Use Connection Doctor
- In Mail, go to Window > Connection Doctor.
- Red indicators highlight exactly where the problem lies.
Troubleshooting Flow
Here’s a simple flow you can follow:
Start → Check Internet → Check Spam/Junk → Test Email → Test Another Device → Verify Settings → Update → Check Storage → Review Firewalls → Re-add Account → Use Connection Doctor
You can even bookmark this as your go-to troubleshooting sequence.
Advanced Tips for Persistent Problems
- Check Keychain Access: Delete and re-enter corrupted passwords.
- Look at Activity Monitor: High CPU/memory from Mail may signal corruption — rebuild the mailbox.
- Contact Your Provider: They may identify server-side issues.
FAQs About Mac Mail Issues
Why is Mac Mail not receiving emails?
Mac Mail may stop receiving messages due to incorrect account settings, outdated macOS or Mail versions, conflicts with plugins, or temporary mail server outages. Checking your connection and verifying account settings usually solves the issue. For more advanced fixes, see our step-by-step troubleshooting guide.
How do I reset Mac Mail?
Go to Mail > Preferences > Accounts, remove the affected email account, and add it again. You can also use Mailbox > Rebuild to refresh folders and clear cache issues. If you want extra details on inbox behavior, check our article on read receipts in Mac Mail.
Can Canary Mail replace Apple Mail on Mac?
Yes. Canary Mail supports Gmail, iCloud, Outlook, and more, while adding advanced security and productivity features like PGP encryption, AI-assisted writing, and a biometric app lock. If you’re considering switching, read our full best email clients for Mac roundup to see how Canary Mail compares.
Does Canary Mail support multiple accounts?
Absolutely. Canary Mail lets you connect all your email accounts — personal and business — into one secure, unified inbox. It’s also built for productivity, with features like AI and one-click unsubscribe. Learn more in our guide to best AI email assistants.
Is there a quick fix if Mac Mail suddenly stops working?
Yes. First, restart your Mac and Mail app, then check your internet connection. If that doesn’t help, rebuilding the mailbox or updating macOS often restores functionality. If reliability is a priority, you may prefer a modern alternative like Canary Mail vs ProtonMail for secure communication.
Does Canary Mail work on iPhone as well as Mac?
Yes. Canary Mail offers full apps for both macOS and iOS, allowing you to sync securely across your devices. If you want a mobile-first secure experience, check our guide on best secure email apps in 2024.
How secure is Canary Mail compared to Apple Mail?
Apple Mail offers basic SSL/TLS encryption. Canary Mail goes further with PGP encryption, phishing protection, and impersonation detection. If you want to learn how encryption works, explore our PGP encryption guide.
Can I migrate from Mac Mail to Canary Mail easily?
Yes. Canary Mail supports IMAP, so you can add the same accounts you used in Apple Mail and keep your existing folders and inbox. Businesses can also explore advanced solutions like AI tools for customer support teams for integrated workflows.
Bottom Line
When Mac Mail not receiving emails becomes a problem, the fix is usually simple: check your internet connection, look in junk folders, test with another device, and verify account settings.
If you’re tired of troubleshooting, consider switching to Canary Mail — designed for reliability, privacy, and speed.
Canary Mail combines AI assistance with end-to-end encryption, making sure you never miss a critical message again.
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