How to Manually Sync Mailbox IMAP Folders in Apple Mail (macOS)

How to Manually Sync IMAP Folders in Apple Mail (macOS)

Fix Sent, Junk, and Trash folders not syncing correctly

🍎 Heads-up:
PhotoBiz is not affiliated with Apple. While we’re happy to help you get your Mailbox working on your device, questions about your Apple device or iOS settings should go to Apple Support.

STEP ONE

Open Apple Mail Settings

In the top menu bar, click:

Mail > Settings (or Preferences, depending on your macOS version).

STEP TWO

Go to Accounts

Click the Accounts tab at the top of the window.

STEP THREE

Choose Your Email Account

Select your IMAP account from the list on the left side.

STEP FOUR

Click Mailbox Behaviors

Now select the Mailbox Behaviors tab.

STEP FIVE

Map Your Folders

Sent Mailbox: Choose the Sent folder under your email account.
Junk Mailbox: Choose the Spam or Junk folder under your email account.
Trash Mailbox: Choose the Trash folder under your email account.

🚫 Avoid choosing folders labeled “On My Mac”—those don’t sync with your mail server!

STEP SIX

Test It Out

Send a test email and check that it shows up in the Sent folder.

Delete an email and confirm it lands in the Trash.

Mark an email as Junk to make sure it goes to the Junk/Spam folder.

✅ If everything looks good, you’re all set!

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