Mail not syncing between iPad and Mac? Here’s what to do

Recently, I had an issue where emails would show up on my iPad, but not my Mac. If you’re having similar issues, here’s what to do:

1. Sync Settings:

• iCloud Mail:
  
  Ensure that iCloud Mail is turned on for both your iPad and Mac. On your iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and make sure “Mail” is toggled on. On your Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions of macOS) > iCloud and ensure “Mail” is also enabled. 
  
  Mail App Settings:
  .
  Verify that the Mail app settings on both devices are configured to sync emails properly, especially regarding incoming and outgoing messages. 
• 2. Account configuration
  
• Correct Account Setup:
  Make sure you’ve added the same email account to both your iPad and Mac with the correct credentials. 
  
  Account Enabled:
  In Mail on your Mac, go to Preferences > Accounts and ensure your iCloud account (or the email account in question) is enabled. 
  

3. Internet Connectivity:

• Stable Connection: Ensure both devices have a stable and active internet connection.
• Network Issues: If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure the network is working correctly. If using cellular data, verify that your iPad and Mac are connected to a cellular network. 
  

4. Mail App Functionality:

• Refresh Inbox:
  Try refreshing your inbox on your Mac. You can usually do this by clicking the “Send/Receive” button or using the “Mail > Fetch Mail” option. 
  
• Check Filters:
  Ensure there are no filters on your Mac that might be hiding certain emails. 
  
• Categories:
  If you have email categories enabled on your Mac, make sure you’re viewing all your messages and not just those in a specific category. 
  

5. Other Potential Issues:

• Delayed Sync:
  Sometimes, there can be a delay in syncing between devices. Wait a bit and try again. 
  
• Email Provider Issues:
  Occasionally, email servers might have temporary issues. Check the status of your email provider’s servers to see if there are any known problems. 
  
• Storage Limits:
  If you’ve exceeded your iCloud storage limit, it can affect email syncing. 
  
• Third-Party Software:
  If you’re using third-party security software, it might be interfering with your ability to receive emails. Consider disabling it temporarily to see if it resolves the issue, as Apple Support suggests. 
  
• Software Updates:
  Make sure your iPad and Mac are running the latest versions of their respective operating systems and the Mail app. 
  
  
  
  
  

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check iCloud Mail Settings: As mentioned above, ensure iCloud Mail is enabled on both devices. 
   
2. Verify Account Settings: Confirm the account is properly configured on both devices. 
   
3. Check Internet Connection: Make sure both devices are connected to the internet. 
   
4. Refresh Inbox: Try refreshing your inbox on your Mac. 
   
5. Check Filters and Categories: Ensure you’re not inadvertently filtering out emails or only viewing specific categories. 
   
6. Wait for Sync: Allow time for the devices to sync. 
   
7. Check Email Provider Status: See if there are any known issues with your email provider. 
   
8. Consider Storage Limits: If you’ve exceeded your storage limit, free up space or purchase more storage. 
   
9. Update Software: Ensure your devices are running the latest software versions. 
   
10. Uninstall Third-Party Software: Temporarily uninstall any third-party security software. 
    
11. Remove and Re-add Account: If all else fails, try removing your email account from Mail on your Mac and then re-adding it.