How to get rid of an outdated email address in macOS Mail

If you have an outdated email address that keeps popping up in your responses in macOS Mail, there are three ways to deal with it.

Method 1: Clear “Previous Recipients”

Mail keeps a hidden list of everyone you’ve ever emailed and suggests them automatically. 

1. Open the Mail app on your Mac.
2. Click Window in the top menu bar.
3. Select Previous Recipients.
4. Search or scroll to find the outdated email address.
5. Select it and click Remove From List

Method 2: Check Contacts

If the address isn’t in your Previous Recipients, it is likely saved in your address book. 

1. Open the Contacts app on your Mac.
2. Search for the contact associated with the old email.
3. Open the contact card and click Edit (or double-click the card).
4. Delete the outdated email field and click Done

Method 3: Remove During Composition

If the address is still appearing while typing a new email, you can manually force Mail to forget it.

1. Open a New Message window.
2. Type the name or start of the email address in the To: field.
3. When the suggestion drops down, click the arrow next to the address (or use your down arrow key to highlight it).
4. Click Remove from List or press the Delete key