5 Ways to Fix Mail App Not Receiving Emails on Mac

Quick Tips

• Open the Mail app > Settings > Rules > Edit or Remove > check your email app rules for receiving notifications.
• Go to the Mac Control Center and then disable the current Focus Mode.
• Use Safe Mode to troubleshoot the issue on your Mac.

Basic Fixes

• Check junk mail: Sometimes, Gmail, iCloud, or Outlook algorithms can be aggressive and send emails to the Junk box directly. You should regularly check the Junk box in the Mail app.
• Check server status: Visit the official Apple System Status page and see if the Mail app servers are working fine.
• Check Google Account and OneDrive storage: Depending on your email client, check the drive storage status to be rest assured about receiving emails.
• Update macOS: Open Settings > General > Software Update and then see if an update is available.

Fix 1: Add Email Account Again

You can try removing and re-adding your email account in the Mail app. This will download all your chats again and sync them in the Mail app.

Go to Settings > Internet Accounts > select your email account > remove it and then add it again.

Fix 2: Disable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode on Mac conserves battery life by limiting background app functions, including receiving email notifications. So you can try disabling Low Power Mode in case it is absolutely necessary.

Open Settings > Battery > disable Low Power Mode.

Fix 3: Check Mail Rules

Some marketing companies might spam your inbox with too many emails. So it’s natural to create email rules to avoid any promotional emails. Unfortunately, you might also miss relevant emails in the process. To fix that, you’ll need to revisit the Rules section and remove unnecessary ones.

Step 1: Open the Mail app on Mac > click on Mail at the top-left corner > select Settings.

Step 2: Click on the Rules tab. Select a rule and then click Edit or Remove button to make changes.

Tip: Read more to know how to attach photos to the Mail app.

Fix 4: Disable Focus Mode on Mac

Focus is Apple’s version of DND (Do Not Disturb) on Mac. When working with Focus on Mac, the function suspends all app notifications and calls on Mac. You have two options – either disable Focus or add Mail as an exception.

Step 1: Select Mac Control Center in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Disable Focus tile from the menu.

You can also add Mail as an exception in Focus on Mac.

Open System Settings > select Focus > disable the current Focus Mode.

Fix 5: Use Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a built-in tool that helps you troubleshoot issues with the default apps installed on your Mac. The Mail app comes pre-installed and if you continue facing the same issue, you can try booting your Mac in Safe Mode.

For Macs With Apple M-Series Chip

Step 1: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and then select Shut Down.

Step 2: After your Mac shuts down, press and hold the Power button till you see two startup options – Macintosh HD and Options.

Step 3: Select Macintosh HD while holding the Shift Key and then select Continue in Safe Mode.

For Macs With Intel Chip

Step 1: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and then select Restart.

Step 2: As soon as your Mac restarts, press and hold the Shift Key.

Step 3: Release the Shift Key once you see the login window.