iOS - push for new e-mails in subfolders

Note on Exchange ActiveSync

Since Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) was developed by Microsoft, it runs smoothly on most Microsoft devices with Microsoft software.
On all other devices (Android, iOS, Linux), the ability to synchronize multiple calendars depends on the implementation of EAS and therefore cannot be fixed or changed by us.
For this reason, we recommend our users to use the open standards IMAP and CalDAV/CardDAV for synchronization.

Push Notifications for Subfolders on iOS with mailbox

If you use filters or mail extensions on your mailbox account to automatically move incoming emails into specific subfolders, you might not receive push notifications for these folders on your iPhone or iPad. By default, iOS supports push only for the Inbox, so new messages in subfolders are not pushed to your device automatically without manual adjustment.

Why Are Subfolders Not Synced via Push?

The push technology on iOS for mailbox is based on Exchange ActiveSync (EAS), a proprietary protocol from Microsoft. EAS sends push notifications only for the Inbox by default. If emails are automatically moved by Sieve filters or other mail extensions, iOS does not automatically recognize these new messages in subfolders as push-relevant.

How Do I Enable Push for Subfolders on iOS?

To receive push notifications for additional folders, you need to activate them manually in your iOS settings:

1. Open Settings on your iOS device.
2. Navigate to Passwords & Accounts (or Mail > Accounts depending on your iOS version).
3. Select your mailbox Exchange account.
4. Tap on Fetch/New Data.
5. Scroll to the folder overview and check all folders for which you want push notifications.

This will include these folders in the push synchronization, so you receive timely notifications for new emails in subfolders as well. Please note that synchronization discrepancies may occur and mailbox cannot provide support for third-party software.

Important Notes on Exchange ActiveSync

• Exchange ActiveSync is a protocol developed by Microsoft and works most reliably on Microsoft devices.
• On iOS, Android, and other platforms, support for EAS—especially for features like push in subfolders—can vary and depends on the respective device and software implementation.
• mailbox has no influence on these limitations and cannot change their behavior.

Recommendation: Use of Open Standards

For better compatibility and more flexibility, we recommend using the open protocols IMAP (for emails) and CalDAV and CardDAV (for calendars and contacts). These standards are widely supported by most email clients and devices and ensure more reliable synchronization.

Following this approach ensures that you do not miss important push notifications on your iOS device even when your emails are automatically sorted into subfolders.