So many unread messages (which, perchance, you have already seen)? Find out here how to mark all emails as read in iCloud Mail (in any folder) using a browser and iCloud.com.
First, 1 400 Pounds of Camera Built for 2½ Minutes
A massive camera was constructed for a mere 150 seconds of photography in the year 1900.
The Chicago and Alton railroad was eager to show off its picture-perfect Alton Ltd. train in, of course, a perfect picture. Getting to see a train of 524 feet (160 meters) on a single picture of at least eight feet took the world’s largest camera (and some fifteen people to operate it). The exposure took 150 seconds.
Now, want to see all a folder’s messages in iCloud Mail using iCloud.com? It takes a browser window—large or small—and a few keystrokes to operate in a couple of seconds.
How to Mark All Emails as Read in iCloud Mail at iCloud.com
Mark All Read in a Folder
Time needed: 2 minutes
To mark all messages as read in a folder accessing iCloud Mail in a browser at iCloud.com using the keyboard:
- Open the folder that contains the messages you want to mark as read.
- Click Filter.
Here’s where: The Filter button is on top of the folder’s message list.
- Ensure Unread is selected for Filter by.
Here’s why: iCloud Mail lets you only select messages visible in the list; seeing only unread messages makes it easier to gather the lot.
- Press Command A (Mac) or Ctrl A (Windows, Linux).
Select one: Highlight a random message if the keyboard shortcut does not select all messages, then press Command A (or Ctrl A) again.
More ways to select all: How to select all mail on iCloud.com - Continue scrolling to the bottom until no further messages are loaded.
- Press Command Shift U (Mac) or Ctrl Shift U (Windows and Linux).
Using the mouse: You can also click Mark, then select Mark as Read from the context menu that has appeared.
Marks all unread: This will mark all messages in the current folder as read; see below for marking only certain emails read.
Mark All Emails as Read Matching Certain Criteria Using Search
To mark as read certain emails that match a particular set of criteria in iCloud Mail at iCloud.com:
- Open the folder that holds the emails you want to mark read.
Multiple folders: If the emails are spread across iCloud Mail folders, you will have to go through the folders individually. - Click Search <Folder Name> atop the folder list.
- Enter your search criteria.
Example: Type a sender’s email address or name to mark all mail read from a certain sender; enter words from the “Subject” line to focus on a different set of messages.
Filters: You can also use iCloud Mail folder filters to focus on certain emails—such as those sent directly to you or those from VIP senders. - Press Command A (Mac) or Ctrl A (Windows, Linux) to highlight all messages.
- Now click Mark followed by Mark as Read in the reading pane.
Keyboard shortcut: You can also press Command Shift U (Mac) or Ctrl Shift U (Windows and Linux).
(How to mark emails all as read in iCloud Mail at iCloud.com tested using a desktop browser; updated February 2024)