Apple mail takes a long time to send messages

Frustrating! Apple Mail can sometimes take a while to send messages, and there are several reasons why this might be happening. Let's troubleshoot together to identify the cause and find a solution.

Here are some potential reasons why Apple Mail might be taking a long time to send messages:

  1. Network connectivity issues: Check your internet connection to ensure it's stable and working properly. Restart your router or modem if necessary.
  2. Server overload: If the mail server is experiencing high traffic or maintenance, it might slow down the sending process. Try sending the message later or use a different mail server.
  3. Large attachment size: If you're sending a large attachment, it might take longer to send. Consider reducing the attachment size or using a cloud storage service like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox to share files.
  4. Outdated Apple Mail version: Ensure you're running the latest version of Apple Mail. Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for updates.
  5. Mail server configuration issues: Check your mail server settings to ensure they're correct. Go to Apple Mail > Preferences > Accounts > [Your Account] > Advanced > Server Settings.
  6. Spam filters: If your email account has strict spam filters, it might take longer to send messages. Check your email account settings to see if there are any filters that could be causing the delay.
  7. Mailbox size limitations: If your mailbox is almost full, it might take longer to send messages. Check your mailbox size and delete any unnecessary emails to free up space.
  8. Third-party extensions or plugins: If you're using third-party extensions or plugins with Apple Mail, they might be causing the delay. Try disabling them to see if it resolves the issue.

To troubleshoot the issue, you can try the following:

  1. Send a test message: Try sending a simple message with no attachments to see if it sends quickly.
  2. Check the Mail activity monitor: Go to Apple Mail > Window > Activity Monitor to see if there are any issues with the sending process.
  3. Reset Apple Mail: Try resetting Apple Mail by going to Apple Mail > Preferences > General > Reset and then restart your computer.
  4. Contact your email provider: Reach out to your email provider's support team to see if there are any issues on their end that could be causing the delay.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you can try seeking further assistance from Apple Support or a professional IT expert.