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How to Resolve Mac Mail Stuck Moving Messages Issue Quickly?

Ritu Roy | apple mail fix How to's mac os mailbox Software Technology | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 04-08-2025
Mac Mail moving messages issue

Summary: The “Mac Mail stuck moving messages” error is a common issue faced by many users, regardless of their macOS version. This problem typically arises when attempting to move emails between folders, causing delays and frustration. Through detailed analysis, we’ve uncovered the main reasons behind this glitch and compiled practical solutions to help you resolve it quickly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to fix this issue with ease.

When Mac Mail encounters something unfamiliar or unusual, it may display error messages such as “Apple Mail moving messages stuck.” This error not only causes delays but can also lead to permanent data loss. So, how can you safely fix this issue? Let’s dive in and explore effective solutions to resolve these unexpected Mac Mail errors and keep your data secure.

When Does the “Mac Mail Stuck Moving Messages” Error Occur?

This issue can arise under various conditions. Below are some common scenarios that may trigger the “Mac Mail stuck moving messages” error:

  • Outdated Mac Mail Application: If your Mac Mail is not updated to the latest version, it may become unstable and prone to errors.
  • Corrupted Mailbox Items: Damaged or corrupted emails and mailboxes can interrupt the normal operation of the Mail app.
  • Insufficient Folder Space: If the target folder you’re moving emails to is near its storage limit, the operation may fail.
  • Malware or Temporary Glitches: Occasional malware activity or temporary system bugs can interfere with Mac Mail’s performance.

Now that we’ve identified the possible causes, let’s move on to the most effective solutions to resolve this issue.

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Solutions to Resolve the “Mac Mail Stuck Moving Messages” Error

Below are several tried-and-tested solutions to help you fix the “Apple Mail stuck moving messages” issue. Choose the one that best fits your situation.

#1: Fix Your IMAP Email Account Settings

  1. Open the Mac Mail application.
  2. Go to Mail > Preferences.
  3. Select the Accounts tab and choose the affected email account.
  4. Click on Server Settings, then go to Advanced IMAP Settings.
  5. In the IMAP Path Prefix field, type: INBOX and click OK.
  6. Now go to the Mailbox Behaviors tab and select INBOX/Trash as the trash folder.

Try transferring emails again. If the issue persists, proceed to the next solution.

#2: Rebuild the Mailbox

  1. Launch the Mac Mail application.
  2. Go to Mailbox in the top menu.
  3. Select Rebuild.

Note: The rebuild process may take time depending on the size of your mailbox.

#3: Repair & Reindex Mac Mail Messages

  1. Close the Mac Mail app completely.
  2. Press Command + Shift + G in Finder and go to:
    /Library/Mail/V2/MailData/
  3. Delete all files named Envelope Index (backup first).
  4. Relaunch the Mac Mail application.

This will force Mac Mail to reindex messages and may resolve stuck email movements.

#4: Manually Assign Mail Folders

  1. Open Mac Mail and locate the desired folder (e.g., Drafts, Sent, Trash).
  2. Click the dropdown arrow next to your email account to view folders.
  3. Go to Mailbox > Use This Mailbox As, then assign the correct mailbox type (e.g., Drafts, Sent, etc.).

#5: Remove a Corrupt Folder from iCloud

  1. Log in to your iCloud account via browser.
  2. Locate and delete the corrupt folder.
  3. Once Mac Mail detects the deletion, it may refresh the mailbox and resolve the issue.
  4. Clean up any leftover or unsynced folders in Apple Mail.

#6: Boot Mac into Safe Mode

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Restart your Mac and immediately hold the Shift key.
  3. Release the Shift key when you see the login screen.
  4. Continue logging in — your Mac will now boot into Safe Mode.
  5. Try accessing Mac Mail again.

Restart normally after Safe Mode to return to regular usage.

If you’ve been experiencing recurring issues with Apple Mail messages getting stuck, the solutions discussed in this article should help you resolve the problem. However, it’s important to note that these issues can reappear, potentially disrupting your workflow. As a result, many users consider switching to more stable and feature-rich email clients like Microsoft Outlook. If you’re planning a move, the CubexSoft Apple Mail Converter offers a reliable and user-friendly way to migrate your Apple Mail data seamlessly. It ensures a smooth transition without data loss or technical hassle.

Concluding Words

Facing the “Apple Mail Moving Messages Stuck” error can be frustrating, but with a structured troubleshooting approach, the root causes can often be identified and resolved. From checking your internet connection to updating software, managing mailboxes, or adjusting server settings, each step can help restore smooth functionality in Apple Mail.

If the issue persists despite your efforts, reaching out to Apple Support is a smart next step for tailored assistance. Ultimately, taking the time to troubleshoot ensures your email communication remains reliable, efficient, and free from disruptions.

Recommendation Note:

You can also use CubexSoft MBOX Converter for Mac as a reliable solution to address the “Apple Mail Moving Messages Stuck” error. This professional tool not only helps you migrate your MBOX files to other email platforms like Outlook, Thunderbird, Gmail, Office 365, and more, but it also assists in backing up or restructuring your mailbox to avoid such issues in the future. With its intuitive interface, batch conversion support, and preservation of email properties and folder hierarchy. It’s especially helpful for users looking for a smooth transition with minimal technical effort.