Keep your emails in a safe place and move them to it with ease. Find out here how to set up an “Archive” folder in iPhone Mail.
First, Squirrels Never Take Off without It
Squirrels use their tail to reduce air resistance when they take off for one of their jumps, of course.
That is not the only use of the feathery extension, though: a squirrel’s tail, they say, also acts as a parasol.
Now that we’re all safe from the sun, let’s set up a place to save emails that we can take with us:
How to Set Up the iPhone Mail Archive Folder
Time needed: 3 minutes
To configure the archiving folder used in iPhone Mail for each email account:
- Open the Settings app.
- Open the Mail category.
- Now choose Accounts.
- Select the account for which you want to configure the iPhone Mail archive folder.
- Go to the account’s Advanced Settings.
iCloud Mail: For iCloud Mail accounts, select iCloud followed by iCloud Mail, iCloud Mail Settings and Advanced.
Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Exchange: For these account types, tap Account and then Advanced.
IMAP: For IMAP email accounts, choose Advanced. - Tap Archive Mailbox under MAILBOX BEHAVIORS.
- Choose the desired folder under ON THE SERVER or ON MY IPHONE.
Creating folder: You can create a custom iPhone email folder for archiving, of course.
- Tap < Advanced (followed by < Mail if available).
- Now tap Done.
Another way to archive: How to Save an Email as a PDF File on an iPhone
How to Set Up the iPhone Mail Archive Folder: FAQ
Can I choose any folder for archiving?
No.
You can pick from custom folders and folders not otherwise used for system functions. You cannot choose the same folder for archiving and deletion, for example, or the account’s inbox.
Can I create a new archive folder right in iOS Mail?
Yes.
To make a new folder in iPhone Mail:
- Tap < Mailboxes.
- Now tap Edit in the top right.
- Select New Mailbox.
- Enter the name for your new archive folder over Name.
- Now choose an account or parent folder under MAILBOX LOCATION.
- Tap Save.
What can I do with the archive folder?
Mail uses the archiving folder when you “archive” an email on your iPhone. It marks the email as read and moves it to that folder.
The archive consequently holds the emails you wanted to keep. Search the archive for a record of your saved emails.
(How to set up the archive folder tested with iOS Mail 16–17; updated March 2024)