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Apple Mail has no single Mail-only “factory reset.” The right fix depends on whether you want to change a preference, repair a mailbox, reconnect an email account, reinstall Mail on iPhone or iPad, or reset the device’s settings. Use the least disruptive option that matches the problem.
Choose the reset that matches the problem
| Device | Problem | Best-fit action | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac | A Mail preference is wrong | Change the relevant option in Mail > Settings | One setting |
| Mac | A mailbox’s messages or search results look wrong | Select the mailbox and choose Mailbox > Rebuild | One mailbox |
| Mac | An account will not connect or keeps requesting a password | Check provider and password requirements; if needed, remove and add the account again | One account |
| iPhone or iPad | An email account needs reconnecting | Remove or disable the account on the device, then add it again | One account |
| iPhone or iPad | Mail itself needs a fresh installation | Delete Mail and redownload it from the App Store | Mail app and related data/configuration |
| iPhone or iPad | You want to restore device settings broadly | Use Reset All Settings only if a device-wide reset is appropriate | System settings, not Mail alone |
Reset or repair Mail on a Mac
Change a Mail setting
Open Mail and choose Mail > Settings, then select the pane for the option you need to change. Mail’s settings include general behavior, accounts and server settings, junk mail, viewing, composing, signatures, rules, extensions, and privacy. In Accounts, you can add, delete, or disable accounts. Apple’s guidance does not identify a universal reset-to-defaults button for Mail. See Apple’s Mail settings guide.
Rebuild a mailbox with incorrect messages or search results
If messages appear missing or garbled, or an “Entire Message” search fails to find messages you expect, select the affected mailbox in Mail’s sidebar and choose Mailbox > Rebuild. Rebuilding targets that mailbox; it does not reset every Mail preference or account. See Apple’s mailbox guidance.
Remove and add an account again
If a Mac account keeps asking for a password or will not authenticate, first check whether the password changed and whether the email provider requires a particular sign-in or authentication method. Apple recommends removing and re-adding the account if other password troubleshooting does not solve the issue. Follow the provider’s sign-in flow when adding the account again. Apple’s steps are in Add and manage email accounts in Mail on Mac and If Mail on your Mac keeps asking for your password.
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- In Mail, choose Mail > Settings > Accounts.
- Select the account and use the remove control.
- Choose Mail > Add Account, then sign in with the provider.
Protect mail stored only on the Mac before removing the account. Apple says account messages are removed from the Mac when the account is removed, while copies remain on the account’s mail server. If you cannot confirm that important messages are on the server, copy or move them to a mailbox under On My Mac first. That mailbox is stored locally and available only on that Mac.
Reset Mail on an iPhone or iPad
Remove and re-add an email account
To refresh one account without deleting the Mail app, open Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts, select the account, then turn off Mail or choose the available sign-out or delete option. Return to Mail Accounts and select Add Account to set it up again. Removing the account from the device does not close the email account with its provider. The available account controls can vary. See Apple’s iPhone account instructions.
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- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
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Delete and redownload the Mail app
On iPhone and iPad software that supports deleting built-in apps, touch and hold Mail, choose Remove App or Delete App, and confirm. To restore it, find Mail in the App Store and redownload it. Apple says deleting a built-in app also removes related user data and configuration files, so you may need to set up accounts again. See Apple’s instructions for deleting and restoring built-in apps.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Reset All Settings is not a Mail reset
On iPhone or iPad, Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Reset > Reset All Settings restores device settings to factory defaults. Apple says this does not delete apps, photos, messages, or documents, but it affects settings beyond Mail. It is therefore not a Mail-only reset; try a restart and the targeted account or app steps above before considering it. See Apple’s Reset All Settings guidance.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
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