If you try to access your Yahoo Mail account through Apple Mail (Mac Mail) and see an error such as “apple.imap.mail.yahoo.com is not responding”, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue even after re-adding their account. Fortunately, macOS offers multiple ways to fix Yahoo Mail sync problems.
This guide provides complete, updated troubleshooting methods to help you successfully sync Yahoo Mail with Mac Mail.
Why Yahoo Mail May Not Sync With Mac Mail
Most sync issues occur due to incorrect settings, outdated software, account errors, or security conflicts. Follow the solutions below to resolve the problem.
1. Verify That Yahoo Mail Works Independently
- Open a web browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox.
- Go to Yahoo Mail and sign in.
- Compose a new email and send it to your own Yahoo address.
- Check if the email appears in Apple Mail within 5 minutes.
If the email does not arrive, the issue is likely with your Yahoo account itself rather than Apple Mail.
2. Remove and Re-Add Your Yahoo Account in Apple Mail
Corrupted account configurations can prevent Apple Mail from downloading messages. Re-adding the account often resolves this.
- Open the Mail app on your Mac.
- Click the Mail menu at the top and choose Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions).
- Select your Yahoo account from the sidebar.
- Click the – (minus) button to remove it.
- Confirm deletion.
- Click the + (plus) button and re-add the same Yahoo account.
3. Update macOS to the Latest Version
Apple Mail relies on macOS system updates to maintain compatibility with email providers. If your system is out of date, Yahoo Mail may fail to load or sync.
Go to System Settings → General → Software Update and install any available updates.
4. Check Auto-Forwarding in Yahoo Mail
If auto-forwarding is enabled in Yahoo Mail, messages may skip your inbox, preventing Apple Mail from downloading them.
- Open Yahoo Mail in your browser.
- Click Settings → More Settings.
- Select Mailboxes or Forwarding (depending on your interface).
- Disable any active Auto-Forwarding rules.
5. Disable Security Software Temporarily
Antivirus programs, firewalls, or VPNs may block Yahoo’s mail servers, causing Apple Mail connection errors.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall.
- Try syncing Apple Mail again.
If the issue is resolved, adjust your security software to allow Apple Mail and Yahoo IMAP/SMTP connections—then re-enable protection.
6. Verify Your Yahoo Account Login Details
Incorrect login information will prevent Yahoo Mail from downloading in Apple Mail.
- Email Address: Enter the full address (example@yahoo.com)
- Password: Use your correct Yahoo account password
- Authentication: Must be enabled
Important: If you use 2-step verification in Yahoo, you may need to create an App Password for Apple Mail.
7. Confirm Your Yahoo Mail Server Settings (Updated)
Incorrect server details are one of the most common causes of Apple Mail sync errors. Use the following updated Yahoo Mail server settings:
IMAP (Recommended)
- Incoming Mail (IMAP) Server: imap.mail.yahoo.com
- Port: 993
- SSL: Required
SMTP (Outgoing Mail) Server
- Outgoing Server (SMTP): smtp.mail.yahoo.com
- Port: 465 or 587
- SSL/TLS: Required
POP3 (Optional, not recommended)
- Incoming Mail (POP3) Server: pop.mail.yahoo.com
- Port: 995
- SSL: Required
Make sure all servers are typed exactly as shown and that SSL is enabled.
8. Review Yahoo Mail Folder and Filter Settings
Incorrect settings inside Yahoo Mail can cause emails to bypass your inbox or fail to load.
- Check the Spam folder for misplaced messages.
- Ensure the sender is not blocked.
- Review Filters to ensure emails aren’t being redirected.
- Make sure the Reply-to Address field is empty.
Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to successfully sync Yahoo Mail with Apple Mail on your Mac. These solutions address the most common issues, from incorrect account settings to software conflicts. We hope this guide helps you resolve the problem quickly and efficiently.
