OS X Mail: Permanently Delete Email

To permanently remove deleted email from the server using IMAP:

1. Open OS X Mail. 

2. From the menu bar, select Mail, Preferences. Click Accounts.

3. Highlight your account and click the Mailbox Behaviors tab.

4. Uncheck "Store deleted messages on the server."

5. Choose a preference to Permanently erase deleted messages when under the dropdown menu:

   • One week old

   • One month old

   • One day old

   • Quitting Mail

   • Never

6. Close the Mail Preferences window. Click Save.

Last Reviewed: 11-07-2011

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