If you own a Mac, you might be familiar with how seamless it works. With a beautiful interface and an intuitive user experience, Mac has become a preferred choice for many computer users globally. One of the most critical features on your Mac is your email. The default email app on Mac is Apple Mail. However, you might have a preference for other email apps such as Gmail or Outlook. If you find yourself in a position where the default email app is not what you want to use, don’t worry! In this article, we will guide you on how to change the default email app on Mac.
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The Challenge of Changing the Default Email App on Mac
When you upgrade your Mac or install a new version, you might find that Apple Mail has been reset as the default email app, even if you have previously set a different email client as the default. The challenge then becomes finding out how to change it to the preferred email app. That’s where we come in!
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we get started, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth process.
- Make sure you have installed the email client you want to set as default on your Mac.
- Save any important data in your current email app as we will be switching to a new one.
Method 1: Via System Preferences
The first method to change the default email app on Mac is through System Preferences. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Click on the Apple menu on the top left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
Step 2: Choose "Internet Accounts."
Step 3: Select the email client you want to set as default from the list of email providers on the left-hand side.
Step 4: Check the box next to "Mail" and any other items you would like to use with this email client.
Pros:
- Straightforward process
- No technical skills required
Cons:
- May not work for some email clients
- Does not remove Apple Mail entirely from the computer
Method 2: Via Email Client
Some email clients allow you to set them as the default email app directly from their settings. Here are the steps to follow if you’re using Gmail:
Step 1: Open Gmail on your Safari browser and sign in to your Gmail account.
Step 2: Click on "Mail" in the top left corner of the screen and select "Preferences."
Step 3: Scroll down to the "Default email reader" section and select "Select Gmail."
Pros:
- Quick and easy process
- Email client-specific
Cons:
- Not all email clients have this option
- Can only set specific email client as default
Method 3: Via Terminal
For the more technical among us, you can use Terminal to change the default email app on Mac. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open Terminal on your Mac and type in the following command and hit enter: defaults write com.apple.mail UserHeaders ‘{"X-Mailer" = "Microsoft Outlook";}’
Step 2: Close the Terminal window and open Outlook or another email client in which you have your email account set up on your Mac.
Step 3: When you receive an email, open it and click on the reply button. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to make Outlook your default email app. Select "Yes."
Pros:
- Gives you control over your Mac’s settings
- Works with most email clients
Cons:
- Not recommended for those without technical knowledge
- May not work for all users
Why Can’t I Change My Default Email App?
If you find that you’re having issues changing your default email app on Mac, don’t worry. Here are some reasons why you might be experiencing this issue and how to fix them:
1. Apple Mail is still running in the background
Q: Why can’t I change my default email app?
A: One reason for this issue could be that Apple Mail is still running in the background. To fix this issue, close Apple Mail completely and restart your computer before trying again.
2. There might be bugs or glitches in the email client you want to set as default
Q: Why can’t I change my default email app?
A: Bugs and glitches in the email client can cause issues when trying to set it as the default email app. In this case, try reinstalling the email client or updating it to the latest version.
3. You might not have the necessary permissions to make the change
Q: Why can’t I change my default email app?
A: OSX can be sensitive to app preferences so ensure: that you have the necessary permissions set to change the default email app.
Additional Tips
If you’re still having issues changing your default email app on Mac, here are some additional tips to try out:
- Try resetting your computer before trying again.
- Ensure that the email client you want to set as the default is compatible with your Mac’s operating system.
- Check for any updates for both Apple Mail and the email client you want to set as the default.
5 FAQs about Changing the Default Email App on Mac
Q: Can I have more than one email app set as the default on my Mac?
A: No, you can only have one email app set as the default on your Mac.
Q: Will changing my default email app delete my emails and contacts from the previous email app?
A: No, changing your default email app will not delete any of your emails or contacts from the previous email app. You can access them from the previous email app as you would normally.
Q: What email clients are compatible with Mac?
A: Nearly all email clients are compatible with Mac. Some of the most popular email clients include Apple Mail, Gmail, Outlook, Thunderbird, and Airmail.
Q: Can I revert to Apple Mail after changing my default email app?
A: Yes, you can revert to Apple Mail after changing your default email app. You can set it as the default email app following the same steps as the alternative email client.
Q: Do I need to restart my Mac after changing the default email app?
A: No, you don’t need to restart your Mac after changing the default email app.
In Conclusion
Changing your default email app on your Mac can be an easy task with the right tools and guidance. While there are several ways to make the change, we hope that our guide has provided you with the necessary steps to follow. Be sure to prepare beforehand and follow the steps carefully for a seamless process. Remember, you can always revert to Apple Mail if you prefer it as your default email app. Good luck!