Mac Mail App Not Working

Oftentimes Mac users may encounter problems with their Mail application after having performed an update to a major version such as the macOS Catalina or the more recent Big Sur. Dealing with the problem may seem daunting but there are a couple of easy-to-follow fixes that could be able to help.

The Mail Application Refuses to Launch

A common issue reported by users is that their mail application will not start at all. While it may seem like a long shot, try to launch the Mac Mail application from the Applications folder. If it runs properly, then remove its icon from the Dock by dragging it out. After it has vanished, drag the icon from the Applications back into the dock. Doing so will create a new copy. Now, test if it will work properly by closing Mail and attempting to open it from the Dock instead.

If that doesn't work, try to Force Quit the application. To open the Force Quit window press Command+Option+Escape on your keyboard. Navigate to Mail in the list of running applications and click on the 'Force Quit' button.

Another option is to restart Mail through the Activity Monitor. Open the Activity Monitor by using either Spotlight, Siri, or via the Utilities folder. When the Activity Monitor window appears, type 'Mail' into the search field. Select the application and click on the 'X' sign to close it. You can now try to start the Mail as normal.

Deleting Saved Mail States

Deleting prior-state files associated with the Mail application also can help. Navigating to the files, however, requires opening the hidden Library folder. First, open Finder, select the 'Go' menu, and choose 'Go to Folder.' Now, press the Option key on your keyboard and select 'Library.' To reach the required folder, open 'Containers,' followed by 'com.apple.mail,' then 'Data,' 'Library,' and finally 'Saved Application State.' All that is left is to navigate to the 'com.apple.mail.savedState' folder and move it to the Trash. Empty the Trash, restart Mac Mail and see if the problem has been resolved.