Time Machine in macOS can turn within a numeral of apps , let you recollect older versions of file or even delete email messages in the Mail app . However , if an entire folder of stuff goes away , you need to bend to the Finder .
If you ’re using IMAP , a protocol for syncing messages with a removed server to a local app ’s mailbox , it ’s possible to recover it that agency , assuming the deletion did n’t propagate to the server , too . You should be able to choose in Mail : Mailbox > Synchronize > ring armour story name , and this will restore access to the messages .
Failing that , however , Time Machine can still do the trick , because it ’s backing up the mailbox Indian file that Mail uses to stash away messages topically .
1 . In the Finder , chooseEnter Time Machinefrom the Time Machine organization card point .
2 . Go to your Home directory , then afford theLibraryfolder , then theMailfolder inside that .
3 . You may see multiple folders at the next level . bet for the one get going withVthat has the most recent modification date and open it .
4 . You ’ll see several pamphlet with longsighted hexadecimal ( base 16 ) names . One of these is the booklet that equate to the ring armour account statement that has the mailbox you want in it . Open each in turn until you find the right one .
5 . mend the file with the name of the missing mailbox , likeSmall House Design.mboxto the Desktop or somewhere , not to the original location .
6 . Exit Time Machine .
7 . Switch to Mail , and then chooseFile > Import Mailboxes .
An imported letter box has a nested hierarchy of folder that you could just ignore .
8 . opt Apple Mail , and clickContinue . ( Even though the folder finish withmbox , they ’re not using the standard Unix mbox formatting , which can be used to spell post folders from other platforms . )
9 . Select the mbox file in at this point and clickChoose .
10 . All the messages under item To Import will be pick out by default option , and that ’s likely what you desire to keep in place .
11 . ClickContinue .
12 . You ’ll see a dialog that the messages are in a brochure and it tells you the name , which is typical “ Import ” unless that brochure already exists .
13 . Look in the Mailboxes view at left under On My Mac , and the Import folder should be at the bottom . pick out it .
14 . All your substance will appear in the sum-up column if import correctly . ( If you snap reach the folders under the mailbox name , you ’ll see a whole pecking order you may ignore . )
15 . Re - produce the mailbox that was deleted .
16 . From the Import mailbox , select all the messages and puff them into the mailbox you desire them back in . If that letter box is host on an IMAP server , Mail will upload them there .
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We ’ve compiled a leaning of the questions we get asked most ofttimes along with answers and links to column : read our super FAQto see if your interrogative is covered . If not , we ’re always looking for newfangled problem to resolve ! Email yours tomac911@macworld.comincluding screen captures as appropriate , and whether you desire your full name used . Every interrogation wo n’t be answered , we do n’t reply to email , and we can not provide lineal troubleshooting advice .
