Mac storage basics · Mail, Messages and chat apps

How do I stop Apple Mail downloading every attachment?

Q: How do I stop Apple Mail downloading every attachment?

For IMAP accounts (most email services), open Mail → Settings → Accounts, choose the account, and on the Account Information tab set Download Attachments to Recent or None. Attachments then download when you open a message instead of all in advance. The option isn't available for every account type, and messages already downloaded stay until you delete them or remove and re-add the account.

Short answer: In Mail → Settings → Accounts → Account Information, set Download Attachments to Recent or None for IMAP accounts. Attachments then download only when you open them.

For IMAP accounts (most email services), open Mail → Settings → Accounts, choose the account, and on the Account Information tab set Download Attachments to Recent or None. Attachments then download when you open a message instead of all in advance.

The option isn't available for every account type, and messages already downloaded stay until you delete them or remove and re-add the account.

Last reviewed October 1, 2026

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How do I stop Apple Mail downloading every attachment?

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