How to set IMAP Prefix in Apple Mail

Summary

When syncing your email account using IMAP and Apple Mail and your folders do not display properly, you may have problems saving emails to your drafts, deleted items and sent folders.

Cause

Apple Mail has an incorrect IMAP Path Prefix

Resolution

Configure Apple Mail to use the correct IMAP Path Prefix for your IMAP server.

How to set IMAP Path Prefix in Apple Mail

  1. Open Apple Mail
  2. Click Mail, Preferences.
    Apple Mail - Preferences
    Apple Mail - Preferences
  3. Select your email account and click Advanced
    Apple Mail - Advanced
    Apple Mail - Advanced
  4. Set the IMAP Path Prefix to INBOX (all uppercase). Close the window and if prompted, Save changes.
    Apple Mail - IMAP Path Prefix
    Apple Mail - IMAP Path Prefix