A fix for messages stuck in Mail.app's Outbox Aug 21, '07 07:30:00AM. Contributed by: erikogan Every few months for the last several years, this particular problem annoyed me enough that I searched this site and the web in general for a possible solution. Occasionally our app may run into problems sending your message, and it will be stuck in the outbox as a result. Below, you can find a few common outbox errors, as well as suggestions for troubleshooting those issues: 'A stable connection to the server could not be established' Ensure you have adequate reception and a strong data signal.
Every few months for the last several years, this particular problem annoyed me enough that I searched this site and the web in general for a possible solution. The closest thing I'd ever found was the Workaround for a stuck outbound Mail message hint. But that doesn't describe the situation I've encountered. Maybe that's because the solution was obvious to everyone but myself. I find that hard to swallow.
I tend to use my PowerBook while disconnected. I also tend to send messages while disconnected, so they stay in my Outbox until I reconnect. Generally, it works. But every once in a while, a message gets stuck; Mail.app flatly refuses to try to redeliver it. Synchronize Accounts does nothing (and never has). It used to be that sending another message via the same server would prod it into sending both messages, but somewhere along the way, Apple fixed that 'feature.' Usually quitting and restarting Mail.app (a lame solution to my mind) would cause it to retry. Still, every once in a while, I'd still have messages that defy even that treatment.
Recently, I serendipitously stumbled upon the solution: Drag the offending messages to the Outbox folder in the folders pane (which you'll only have if you tried to send messages while offline). They'll be redelivered. Yes, I am aware of the Message » Send Again menu option. But there are times when I want/need to keep the Date header the same (yes, it can be forged) and the time stamp of the cryptographic signature the same as the original send date and time. Dragging the message to the Outbox accomplishes all of those things.
I tend to use my PowerBook while disconnected. I also tend to send messages while disconnected, so they stay in my Outbox until I reconnect. Generally, it works. But every once in a while, a message gets stuck; Mail.app flatly refuses to try to redeliver it. Synchronize Accounts does nothing (and never has). It used to be that sending another message via the same server would prod it into sending both messages, but somewhere along the way, Apple fixed that 'feature.' Usually quitting and restarting Mail.app (a lame solution to my mind) would cause it to retry. Still, every once in a while, I'd still have messages that defy even that treatment.
Recently, I serendipitously stumbled upon the solution: Drag the offending messages to the Outbox folder in the folders pane (which you'll only have if you tried to send messages while offline). They'll be redelivered. Yes, I am aware of the Message » Send Again menu option. But there are times when I want/need to keep the Date header the same (yes, it can be forged) and the time stamp of the cryptographic signature the same as the original send date and time. Dragging the message to the Outbox accomplishes all of those things.
Messages Stuck In Outbox Mac Mail
Yesterday, I tried to send an email on my iPhone. But it seemed that my email was stuck in my outbox. My email would not go. For some reasons, the iOS mail app could not reach the email server to send my mail. I wanted to delete it and resend again. but I could not delete the email because the “Edit” button was grayed out.
The Edit option is grayed out and the message has a perpetually spinning status icon
This short article explains how you can clear a stuck email in your outbox.
There may be many issues stopping the mail from being sent; such as:
- A bad connection
- Offline mail server
- Corrupt messages
- Too large file (videos, pictures etc) attachments for your email server to handle
- Wrong password for the email account
- Wrong email address
Also note that iPad, iPod touch and iPhone users may experience this problem. If you think that your email sending process takes too long on your iOS device, here is how you can troubleshoot:
How to clear stuck emails
1-Turn on Airplane mode (Settings > Airplane Mode)
2-Restart your iPhone or iPad by pressing and holding the on/off (sleep/wake) button until you see the red slider. Slide the read slider. Wait a few seconds. Then again press and hold the on/off button until the Apple logo appears.
3-Do not turn off Airplane Mode
4-Launch the Mail app
5-If you have more than one email accounts, select the one you are having problems with, e.g., iCloud, Gmail etc
6-Tab Outbox. Note if you do not see an Outbox, this means that your email was already sent successfully.
7-Now you can tap Edit as you will see this option is no longer grayed out or dim.
8-Select the stuck email message in the Outbox and then tap Trash
Now you can turn off Airplane mode. You may want to resent this email again.If your cannot send the email again, you may want to do the followings:
- Contact your email provider
- Make sure that your email account settings are correct
- Remove your email account and add again by going to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Your Email Account > Delete
Mac Mail Stuck Sending Message
![Mac mail stuck sending message Mac mail stuck sending message](/uploads/1/3/3/8/133863342/554159674.jpg)
See also:
![Apple Apple](/uploads/1/3/3/8/133863342/138491772.png)
Mail Stuck In Outbox On Mac
Did these tips work for you? Let us know.