Mac Mail — How to synchronize the default IMAP folders

A common issue with Apple's Mail app is that it sometimes does not sync folders from the mail server to the same folders in the Mail app on your computer. If you find folders such as Drafts, Sent, Junk, or Trash are not syncing email as it appears in webmail, then use the following steps to correct the issue.

1. Log into the Mail app. View the following article for details:
   • Mac Mail — Configuring email (current versions)
2. On the top left, click the Mail menu item. From the list select Preferences.
   

   A pop-up box displays.

3. Select the Accounts tab.

   

4. In the left pane, select your email address.
5. In the center section, select the Mailbox Behaviors tab.
6. When you see options for Drafts, Sent, Junk, and Trash, click the dropdown next to each to select which folder you'd like to sync between devices.

   Do not select a folder under the section On My Mac since this is an offline folder and will not be synced.

Use the following steps to confirm that your path prefix is set to INBOX.

1. Navigate to Mail > Preferences.

   

2. Click the Accounts tab.
3. Click the Server Settings tab.
4. Click the Advanced IMAP Settings button.

   

5. In the popup window, make sure INBOX is typed into the IMAP Path Prefix field.

Mac Mail does not currently allow you to add additional folders to configure. It's only possible to adjust the folders listed on the Mailbox Behaviors tab.