How to delete mac var mail file

The infamous ~/Library/Mail folder!

Deleting the Mail folder in ~/Library can be a bit tricky, but I'll guide you through the process. Please note that this will delete all your email data, including messages, accounts, and settings.

Before you start:

  1. Backup your email data: If you want to preserve your email data, you can export your emails from the Mail app using the "Export Mailbox" feature. Go to Mail > File > Export Mailbox, and choose a location to save your emails.
  2. Make sure you're using the correct folder: The ~/Library/Mail folder is specific to the user account you're currently logged in with. If you're using a different user account, you'll need to navigate to that account's ~/Library/Mail folder.

Deleting the Mail folder:

  1. Open the Terminal app: You can find Terminal in the Applications/Utilities folder, or use Spotlight to search for it.
  2. Navigate to the ~/Library/Mail folder: Type the following command and press Enter:
    cd ~/Library/Mail

    This will take you to the ~/Library/Mail folder.

  3. Delete the Mail folder: Type the following command and press Enter:
    rm -rf Mail

    This will delete the entire Mail folder and all its contents.

Alternative method using the Finder:

  1. Open the Finder: You can find the Finder in the Dock or use Spotlight to search for it.
  2. Navigate to the ~/Library folder: Go to the ~/Library folder by clicking on the Finder menu and selecting "Go" > "Library" (or use the keyboard shortcut Cmd + Shift + L).
  3. Find the Mail folder: Look for the Mail folder inside the ~/Library folder.
  4. Delete the Mail folder: Right-click (or control-click) on the Mail folder and select "Move to Trash" (or use the keyboard shortcut Cmd + Delete).
  5. Empty the Trash: Go to the Finder menu and select "Empty Trash" (or use the keyboard shortcut Cmd + Shift + Delete) to permanently delete the Mail folder.

After deleting the Mail folder:

  1. Restart your Mac: To ensure that the changes take effect, restart your Mac.
  2. Recreate your email accounts: You'll need to set up your email accounts again in the Mail app.

Remember that deleting the Mail folder will remove all your email data, including messages, accounts, and settings. If you're unsure about deleting the folder, you can always back up your email data using the "Export Mailbox" feature before proceeding.