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Tips for managing OSX Mail notifications

Feeling overwhelmed by constant email alerts?

Here are some simple adjustments to your macOS preferences that can help you stay focused and reclaim control of your inbox.


Taking Control:

Before diving in, consider taking screenshots of your current settings for easy reference if needed. Here’s how to capture a screenshot: Link to screenshot guide.


A. Quieting Notification Clutter:
Mute the Noise

Head over to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.” Then, navigate to “Notifications.”

Choose Your Style

Decide if you prefer discreet “Banner” notifications that fade away or persistent “Alerts” that require dismissal.


Silence the Sounds

Consider turning off the notification sound effects. Less audio clutter means less distraction!


B. Fine-Tuning Your Mail App


Optimize Mail Checking:

Open “Mail Preferences” and head to the “General” tab. Here, you can adjust the frequency of checking for new emails. We recommend checking every 5 minutes to allow time for SaneBox to process your messages on the server.

Prioritize VIPs

Let only your most important contacts interrupt your flow. Under “General” preferences, activate notifications only for emails from your VIP list.

C. Create a Custom Notification Rule


Refine Notifications

Within “Mail Preferences,” head to the “Rules” section.


Craft Your Rule:

Create a new rule and give it a descriptive name.


Set Conditions

Define the criteria for receiving notifications. Here’s an example: “Sender is in my contacts,” “Sender is not in my previous recipients,” or “Sender is VIP.”


Action Alert

“Perform the following actions,” choose “Send Notification.” Click “OK” and “Apply” to finalize the rule.

Image of Mail Notification Rule


These adjustments should significantly reduce unnecessary email notifications, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.


We believe these tweaks will significantly improve your inbox experience!