Apple removed this feature in Apple Mail version 5 and later. Here’s a look at why the feature was removed and how Apple now recommends users handle spam and other unwanted emails.
Why the ‘Bounce to Sender’ Feature Was Removed
As time and technology progressed, Apple realized that this feature might be doing more harm than good. These bounced messages confirmed to the spammer that the email address was valid and their messages were received. Furthermore, if the spammer used spoofed email addresses, the bounce message would head back only to a forged address.
Apple’s Recommendations for Dealing With Spam
Instead of bouncing messages back to a sender, Apple Mail has several tools for dealing with unwanted emails.
Use the Built-In Junk Mail Feature
The Apple Mail built-in junk mail filter has a keen eye for spam, highlighting suspected messages that you can confirm as junk or mark as safe. This process teaches Apple Mail how to better filter your email. If Apple Mail misses a junk mail message, mark the message as junk by right-clicking the email and selecting Mark as Junk, or by selecting the Junk button on the toolbar (represented by a thumb).
Set Up Apple Mail Rules
Rules in Apple Mail help you organize and automate your email system, allowing you to direct email to certain folders. Set up rules to help determine what is junk or unwanted mail, and have it sent to the Trash folder or another folder you designate.
