Guide to Fix “IMAP Emails Not Syncing” Issue
Users often face difficulties related to IMAP, such as why IMAP emails are not syncing. Complications like this usually take place in email clients that are desktop-based. This blog breaks down all the aspects of why IMAP emails not syncing, along with some of the proven ways to fix the issue.
It delivers to users a step-by-step solutions for clients like Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and perhaps archive IMAP emails in Outlook, in order to fix problems with IMAP email folders not syncing properly.
What is IMAP Exactly?
IMAP, which the professionals know as Internet Message Access Protocol, is largely as it enables users to efficiently organize their email communications across multiple devices, with the goal of syncing with the email server at the same time.
However, while being in the middle of the synchronization process, users often come across situations where IMAP emails are not syncing properly. This creates many disruptions, such as data loss, mismanagement of emails, and the absence of crucially outdated folders on not just one, but on all the devices.
Due to such challenges, gigantic organizations face tons of loss, which further ruins their productivity, putting sensitive data at critical risk. That is why it is essential to be aware of the causes of IMAP inbox not syncing, along with how one can solve such an issue in order to avoid the repetition of the same issue.
How Does IMAP Work with Email Clients?
This particular protocol has been manufactured to store emails on the server instead of on users’ local devices to keep storage issues in mind. IMAP works simultaneously on all users’ connected devices, so that if any changes have been made on one device, it could reflect on the rest in order to have the same information.
Common Signs of IMAP Email Folders Not Syncing
- IMAP fails to sync properly on mobile, webmail, or even on browsers.
- Not syncing on all possibly connected devices where emails are usually visible on desktop or phone, but not on the email client.
- IMAP is responsible for the disappearance of sent emails.
- Failing to receive brand new emails and causing a large gap of delays.
Why is IMAP Not Syncing Across Devices?
The following are some of the main reasons why such a problem is taking place on users’ desktops, mobiles, and other devices:
- User is possibly entering the wrong details like incorrect port, name, email and password due to which IMAP account not syncing.
- Bad or interrupted network connection or which often blocks or lags the syncing communication.
- Usage of outdated email clients or recently updated email clients on devices that do not support new versions.
- Processing of damaged, corrupted, or oversized data files can also lead to IMAP sent emails not syncing.
- An incorrect email client or desktop setting can result in such an issue.
Interference of VPNs or antivirus that are unknown to the server usually prevents files from syncing process.
Fix “IMAP Email Folder Not Syncing” Using Built-in Solutions
To eliminate such clogs for a smooth syncing procedure, we have provided several modern built-in and complete processes for email clients like Outlook, Apple Mail, and Mozilla Thunderbird. Rather than taking support from any third-party tools or sites, users can easily sync and check their communication path from their respective devices to the email folders using native solutions.
1. Microsoft Outlook: Account Name and Sync Settings
- Open Outlook on your desktop.
- Click on “File.”

- Go to “Account Settings”

- Further select “Account Name and Sync Settings.”
- Check your “General details.”
- Finally, hit “Reset Mail Settings” and click “Next.”
2. Apple Mail: Advanced Settings
- Access your “Apple Mail.”
- Select the option for “Mail.”
- Add your preferences and select “Accounts.”
- Further, select your IMAP Email.
- Tap on “Advanced Tab.”
- Now, close “Preferences” and close the client.
- Again, open “Apple Mail.”
- Tap “View.”
- Select “Show Mailboxes.”
- Finally, check out your IMAP folders.
3. Mozilla Thunderbird: Subscribe
- Open Mozilla Thunderbird.
- Go to your IMAP email account and right-click.
- Choose the “Subscription”.
- A list of folders will appear on your screen.
- Select the required folders.
- Tap “OK”.
Limitations of Going with Manual Solutions
- Consistently high risk of data theft, loss, and hacking.
- Does not ensure the data integrity and folder hierarchy of users’ data
- Not suitable for non-technical or beginners due to complex and technical steps
- High chances of occurrence of repetitive issues
- Consumes plenty of time, leading to slow process execution.
- Not preferred for bulk synchronization.
Automated Solution to Solve “IMAP Emails Not Syncing” Issue
Repetitive issues like these underline a critical restriction of depending on client synchronization. While using traditional techniques can assist one when they have less time, they are not of any use when it comes to individuals or large organizations with heavy and large mailboxes that need to be synced on an immediate basis.
That is why users must avail themselves of the advanced Email Backup Wizard. This robust utility effortlessly eliminates any possible risk that causes IMAP emails not syncing and ensures a safe export of IMAP emails. In contrast to manual methods that heavily relied on the built-in solution, this solution does not require any requirement of such client to backup users’ crucial IMAP emails.
Moreover, acts as a proactive guard that guarantees 100% protection and allows organizations and individuals to have full control over their attachments, emails, and metadata, regardless of issues repeating frequently.
Follow these Steps when IMAP Inbox is Not Syncing
- Install and open the above-mentioned pro tool.
- Now, select “IMAP Server” from the email source.
- Then, enter your IMAP account credentials.

- Choose the emails and attachments that are required.
- Finally, select “Backup” to fix IMAP emails not syncing error.

Discover the Features of Manual Solution and Advanced Method?
| Aspects | Manual Solutions | Automated Solutions |
| Technicality | High | Low |
| Data Loss Risk | High due to cache | Minimal to None |
| Bulk Sync | Restricted | Supported |
| Long-Term Suitability | No | Yes |
| Organizational Use | Not Suitable | Highly Recommended |
Conclusion
Handling challenges such as “IMAP emails not syncing” causes a major disruption among users. However, such difficulties can easily be fixed with the right solution. Whether the user is having difficulty with IMAP email not syncing across devices, the foremost steps for anyone are to always thoroughly examine the client settings and as well the health of IMAP emails, whether it’s damaged or corrupted.
For precise, safe, and reliable results, use a modern backup tool without having any sort of risk to your data information. In case of any queries, users can always reach out to the brilliant customer support service that is available 24/7.