Basic Fixes

• Check your network connection: Ensure your device is connected to stable internet. Test its speed online.
• Check Apple Mail servers: Open the Apple System Status page to check an active service outage.
• Disable the Low Power Mode on iPhone: Open the Settings app, select Battery, and toggle off the Low Power Mode.
• Force restart your iPhone: Press and quickly release the Volume Up key followed by Volume Down. Press and hold the side button and release it when the Apple logo appears.
• Check your Mail account storage: Ensure you’ve sufficient storage in your mailbox linked to the Apple Mail app.
• Update or reinstall the Mail app on iPhone: Long-tap the Mail app icon and select Remove app. Reinstall it from the Apple App Store.

Fix 1: Rebuild the Mailbox (Mac)

If Apple Mail is stuck on downloading messages and isn’t updating the message list on your MacBook, rebuilding the mailbox should restore its normal functioning.

Open the Mail app, select Mailbox from the top, and click Rebuild. This will discard all stored messages and attachments, and your Mac will re-download them from the Apple Mail server.

Fix 2: Enable Mobile Data for Mail

A missing mobile data permission can freeze the Mail app and prevent it from downloading messages. Head to your iPhone settings to enable it manually.

Open iPhone settings, select Mobile Service, scroll down, and enable its toggle for Mail.

Fix 3: Remove Your Account, Restart and Add It Again

Apple Mail may stuck at downloading messages indefinitely if there’s a configuration issue with your mail account. Remove your account manually and re-add it to resolve the issue.

Step 1: Open the Settings app, select Mail, and tap Accounts.

Step 2: Select your mail account (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, etc.), and tap Delete Account. Select Delete Account when prompted to confirm it.

Step 3: Restart your iPhone and head to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account.

Step 4: Pick your desired mail service and follow the on-screen instructions to log in and sync with the Mail app.

Fix 4: Disable Privacy Protection for Mail

Apple Mail’s privacy protection hides your IP address to prevent the sender from tracking your activity or location. However, the feature can sometimes cause the Mail app to get stuck on downloading messages. Disable it manually to fix the issue.

Step 1: Open iPhone Settings, select Mail, and tap Privacy Protection.

Step 2: Toggle off Protect Mail Activity to disable it.

Fix 5: Reset Network Settings

Lastly, reset all network settings on your iPhone to remove the incorrect network configuration causing issues when downloading messages on Apple Mail.

Step 1: Open the Settings app, select General, and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2: Tap Reset and select Reset Network Settings. When prompted, enter your device passcode to confirm it.