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How Do I Phrase Mail Rules So They Actually Accomplish Desired Effect?

In Mail I want to delete all Junk mail automatically. I set up several rules in Mail (e.g.-if Junk delete it). Apply to inbox. Duplicate apply to Junk mailbox. Does it work — Nope.

OK, if mail is from FedEx, Google, etc, delete it. Apply to inbox, duplicate it apply to Junk mailbox. Does it work –Nope

Several more versions, but you get the idea.

In looking at all headings it’s obvious that mail is not from FedEx nor Google but various other locations. Pinning down where is not so easy.

So do I automatically delete Junk mail (Mail does a good job identifying it) so I don’t have to even look at it.

Yes I know that this could possibly bite me in the butt, but I take responsibility for my actions and accept that.

Thanks for any help you can provide. Your website the best for information on “How To”.

Carl
—–
CLM

Comments: One Response to “How Do I Phrase Mail Rules So They Actually Accomplish Desired Effect?”

    7 years ago

    So my first suggestion is to stop using "Duplicate" to try to get the rule applied to a folder. Duplicate is for when you want to make a new but different rule, starting with another rule. Like if you want to make all messages with the subject 12345 as read, and then want to do the same thing for messages with the subject 678910. You can duplicate the rule and just change that one thing about it. Otherwise, you end up with a bunch of rules that all do the same thing.
    Rules typically work on email as it arrives. So setting a rule to have junk mail delete automatically, and never have it even go to the junk mailbox, could work. But I don't think it makes sense to then try to apply it to the Junk mailbox. It isn't needed either -- just select the mail in the Junk mailbox and delete it. No rule is needed.
    Also, no Rule is needed in the first place. If you go to Mail, Preferences, Accounts and look under Mailbox Behaviors for that account, there should be a "Erase junk messages" option. You can set it for one day, or when quitting mail to be very aggressive in deleting them.
    Also note that if you wish to make special rules concerning junk mail you may want to start in the Mail, Preferences, Junk Mail settings, set it to Perform custom actions, and then use the Advanced button.
    Another thing to consider here is that many email services, like Gmail, will do their junk mail filtering on the server. This is the best way to handle it. But as a result the spam messages won't ever get to your inbox. You can find them in a special Junk mail folder in Gmail (not your local Junk mail folder), which means they bypass the inbox completely (like they should) and Rules may not apply.
    I haven't tested this with iCloud as I don't use any special Rules for junk mail, nor do I use the Mail app's junk mail filtering -- I let Gmail handle it and it works very well.
    Another thing about Rules -- they work on your computer, but what about your phone or other devices? If you get email on multiple devices it no longer makes sense to use Rules on a single computer. iCloud.com have Rules too, which is useful if you are using Apple as your email service.

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