What does Apple Mail Need for Yahoo Mail on Mac?
Apple Mail on a Mac reads Yahoo Mail over IMAP. The messages remain on the Yahoo server and a copy shows in Mail.
Yahoo asks third party mail apps for an app password. Yahoo explains the code on its help page for third party app passwords.
| Situation | Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| First setup in Mail | Yahoo option with an app password | Free |
| Yahoo option fails to sign in | Other Mail Account with IMAP | Free |
| Offline copy of the mailbox | IMAP Backup software | Paid |
How do You Create the Yahoo App Password?
- Sign in to the Yahoo Account Security page.
- Under External connections, select Create app password.
- Enter a name for the app, for example Mac Mail.
- Select Generate password.
- Copy the one time password.
- Select Done.
Yahoo advises a browser you have used to sign in for several days. Avoid an Incognito window.
Heads Up. Use the app password in Mail and not your normal Yahoo password. Delete the app password on the Account Security page to revoke it.
How do You Add Yahoo With the Mail Account List?
Method #1: Yahoo Option in Mail (Free)
Who it suits. Mac users on a first setup. Extra application. None.
- Open the Mail app on your Mac.
- Select Mail, then Add Account.
- Select Yahoo from the list and select Continue.
- Enter your Yahoo address and the app password.
- Confirm that Mail is selected and select Done.
Apple lists the steps on its page for adding email accounts in Mail on Mac. Mail on the Mac starts to download the folders after the sign in.
What Fixes a Failed Yahoo Sign in?
Method #2: Other Mail Account With IMAP (Free)
Use it when. Mail shows a sign in error for the Yahoo option. Extra application. None.
- Select Mail, then Add Account.
- Select Other Mail Account and select Continue.
- Enter your name, your full Yahoo address and the app password.
- Select Sign In.
- Enter the server names from the table when Mail asks for them.
| Setting | Incoming (IMAP) | Outgoing (SMTP) |
|---|---|---|
| Server | imap.mail.yahoo.com | smtp.mail.yahoo.com |
| Port | 993 | 465 or 587 |
| SSL | Required | Required |
| Sign in | Full address and app password | Full address and app password |
Yahoo lists these values on its page with IMAP server settings. Several Apple Community answers report that this route works when the Yahoo option fails.
How do You Save a Copy of the Yahoo Mailbox?
Method #3: SysTools IMAP Backup for Mac (Paid)
Who it suits. Users who want an offline copy of the mailbox. Extra application. macOS app.
SysTools IMAP Backup lists Yahoo Mail as a supported service and has a Mac version. The Mac version exports to PST, PDF, MBOX, EML, EMLX, TXT, MSG, CSV, HTML and MHT.
- Start the software and choose Yahoo Mail as the email service.
- Enter your Yahoo address and the app password.
- Choose the folders and the export format.
- Select the destination folder and start the export.
The demo processes 100 emails from the first 5 folders. Read the guide to download Yahoo email to a Mac computer for more detail.
What Else Fixes Yahoo Sign in Errors?
- Enter the app password and not your Yahoo password.
- Create a new app password when the old one fails.
- Remove the Yahoo account in Mail on your Mac and add it again.
- Check the IMAP server and port 993 with SSL.
- Create the app password in a browser with no Incognito window.
Where Else do You Go From Here?
- Save Yahoo mail as PDF on your Mac with the guide to save Yahoo emails as PDF.
- Save a Verizon mailbox with the guide to Verizon Yahoo email backup.
- Fix a locked Verizon account with the guide to fix Verizon Yahoo email access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Add Yahoo Mail to a Mac?
Open Mail, select Add Account, choose Yahoo and enter your address with an app password.
What is a Yahoo App Password?
A one time code that Yahoo creates for mail apps. Create it on the Account Security page.
Why does Mail Show a Yahoo Sign in Error?
Mail needs the app password and not the normal Yahoo password. Create a new code and sign in again.
What are the Yahoo IMAP Settings?
Use imap.mail.yahoo.com on port 993 with SSL. Outgoing mail uses smtp.mail.yahoo.com on port 465 or 587.
Does Apple Mail Download Every Yahoo Folder?
Mail downloads the folders after sign in. The messages remain on the Yahoo server too.
Can You Save an Offline Copy of Yahoo Mail on a Mac?
Yes. IMAP Backup for Mac exports Yahoo mail to PST, MBOX, EML and other formats.
How do You Revoke a Yahoo App Password?
Delete the code on the Yahoo Account Security page. Mail then asks for a new one.
Author's Verdict
Add Yahoo with an app password and switch to Other Mail Account with IMAP when the sign in fails.
Use Mac backup software when you need an offline copy.
Key Takeaways
- Yahoo needs an app password in Mail.
- IMAP uses imap.mail.yahoo.com on port 993.
- Backup software saves an offline copy.
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