The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To add a VIP in Apple Mail, open an email from the person, tap their name or email address, choose View Contact Card, then tap Add to VIP. Their messages appear in Mail’s VIP mailbox and can receive separate alerts. Despite the common phrase “VIP contacts,” this is primarily a Mail sender feature—not a priority setting in the Contacts app.
What does VIP mean on an iPhone or iPad?
Apple Mail VIPs are senders whose messages are collected in a dedicated VIP mailbox and marked with a star or VIP indicator. You can also configure special alerts for them. See Apple’s Mail VIP documentation.
A Mail VIP is not the same as:
- A favorite in the Contacts app, which provides quicker access for calls, messages, or FaceTime.
- A Gmail star, label, filter, or importance marker.
- A phone-contact priority level.
- A guarantee that messages will bypass spam filtering, provider rules, Mail notifications, Focus, mute, or other device restrictions.
VIP status affects how Apple Mail organizes and alerts you about email. It does not automatically change the person’s contact record or prioritize their calls and texts.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How to add a VIP in Mail
- Open Mail.
- Open a message from the sender you want to prioritize.
- Tap the sender’s name or email address in the message header.
- Tap View Contact Card.
- Tap Add to VIP.
The sender is now a Mail VIP. Future messages from that sender should appear in the VIP mailbox, and Mail can show a VIP or star indicator beside them.
#1 Best Overall
- Super Magnetic Attraction: Powerful built-in magnets, easier place-and-go wireless charging and compatible with MagSafe
- Compatibility: Only compatible with iPhone 13/14; precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras, soft and sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press
- Matte Translucent Back: Features a flexible TPU frame and a matte coating on the hard PC back to provide you with a premium touch and excellent grip, while the entire matte back coating perfectly blocks smudges, fingerprints and even scratches
- Shock Protection: Passing military drop tests up to 10 feet, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
- Check your phone model: Before you order, please confirm your phone model to find out which product is right for you
VIP treatment is associated with the sender identity shown in Mail, particularly the email address—not just the person’s display name. If someone uses multiple addresses or aliases, add each address separately if messages from one of them do not appear in VIP.
How to show the VIP mailbox
If you cannot find VIP in Mail:
- Open Mail and go to the Mailboxes list.
- Tap Edit in the upper-right corner.
- Select VIP.
- Tap Done.
On iPad, Mail may display mailboxes in a sidebar. Open the sidebar or Mailboxes view first, then look for Edit and the mailbox-selection controls. Apple’s current interface and menu placement can vary slightly by iOS or iPadOS version, device layout, and language.
How to view VIP messages
Open Mail, open the Mailboxes list or iPad sidebar, and tap VIP. This is an aggregate view of messages from your VIP senders. It is an Apple Mail organization feature, not necessarily a new folder created at your email provider.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If a VIP message is already visible in another mailbox, look for the star or VIP indicator beside the sender or message.
Rank #2
![miracase for iPhone 17e Case & iPhone 16e Case, Full-Body Phone with Built-in Glass Screen Protector, [Magnetic with MagSafe] Military Drop Proof 17 E/ 16 E Cover Bumper 6.1 inch, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rLsz7MLIL._SL160_.jpg)
- 【Bubble Free Built-in 9H Glass Screen Protector】Miracase for iPhone 17E &16E case with built-in full screen protector protect your phone screen from scratches and cracks, no gap and won't lift up the screen,and making you enjoy the sensitive touch without bubbles
- 【360°Full-Body Protection】Military-grade 8000 times drop tested. Dual layer provides truly 360 ° no dead angle full body protection. The camera precisely protected is completely non-destructive picture quality.
- 【Fit All Magnet Accessories】Miracase full-body case built in upgraded 3rd generation magnet ring, locking and compatible with magsafe accessories, wireless charging is faster, easier, and safer. The powerful magnetism support charging from any angle, and there is no need to worry about the charger separating from the phone anymore
- 【Never Yellow Crystal Clear】Diamond hard clear back to show off the real color of your iPhone 17 E &16 E, always clear new as day 1
- 【PRODUCT SUPPORT】 Installation: install the front cover with iPhone - install the back cover from the bottom; Removal: press the bottom cover from the bottom to separate the case
How to change VIP alerts
- Open Mail.
- Find VIP in the mailbox list.
- Tap the Info button next to VIP.
- Tap VIP Alerts.
- Choose the alert behavior you want.
These settings control VIP-specific alert behavior, but several separate layers can still affect whether an alert appears or sounds:
- VIP Alerts: Mail’s special settings for VIP messages.
- Mail notifications: whether the Mail app is allowed to notify you.
- Sound and alert settings: volume, mute, and notification presentation.
- Focus or Do Not Disturb: whether alerts are permitted in the current Focus.
- Account and provider filtering: whether the message reaches Mail at all.
Turning on VIP Alerts does not guarantee that every system-level restriction will be overridden.
How to edit the person’s contact information
Changing a person’s name, email address, phone number, photo, pronunciation, birthday, or other details is separate from managing Mail VIP status.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
On iPhone
- Open Contacts.
- Tap the person’s contact card.
- Tap Edit.
- Change the information you need.
- Tap Done.
Apple’s iPhone instructions are available in its Contacts guide.
Rank #3
- Perfect Fit for iPhone 12 and 12 Pro: Engineered exclusively for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, this OtterBox case offers a flawless fit. It not only preserves your phone's sleek design but also ensures unparalleled protection against everyday hazards.
- Lasting antimicrobial technology helps protect case exterior against many common bacteria *Helps protect the case exterior against many common bacteria. It does not protect you or the screen.
- One-piece design pops on and off in a flash
- Thin profile slips in and out of pockets with soft inner and hard outer layers absorb and deflect impacts, open access to ports and speakers
- Trusted OtterBox Quality: With OtterBox, you're not just buying a case; you're investing in peace of mind. Our limited warranty covers material and workmanship defects.
On iPad
- Open Contacts.
- Select the person.
- Tap Edit.
- Update the contact fields.
- Tap Done.
See Apple’s iPad contact-editing guide. Editing a contact does not necessarily add, remove, or reassign that person’s Mail VIP status.
How to remove a sender from VIP
Do not delete the person from Contacts just to remove Mail VIP status. Use Mail’s VIP controls instead:
- Open the VIP mailbox.
- Tap the Info button next to VIP.
- On the VIP management screen, select the sender and use the available removal control, such as Remove from VIP or a delete/remove gesture.
You can also open one of the sender’s messages, tap the sender’s name or address, open the contact card, and look for the control that replaces Add to VIP, such as Remove from VIP.
The exact label or gesture can vary across iOS and iPadOS releases. If you do not see the option in one location, use the other route. Apple’s current VIP support page documents adding VIPs and configuring alerts more clearly than every possible removal layout.
Rank #4
- 【Bubble‑Free Built‑in 9H Glass Screen Protector】Please note: The Miracase 360° full‑body case for iPhone 17 features a built‑in screen protector. Ensure no extra tempered‑glass screen protector is installed on your phone prior to use, as stacking protectors may lead to reduced touch‑screen responsiveness.This Miracase iPhone 17 case with built-in screen protector defends your display against scratches and cracks. It fits snugly with zero gaps and will not lift at the edges, delivering bubble‑free installation and responsive, natural touch performance.
- 【Military Full Body & Unique Camera Control】SGS test standard: MIL-STD-810H-2019.SGS certificate No.: GZMR220802655103.Military-grade 8000 times drop tested. Dual layer provides 360 grad full body rugged.Unique camera lens&camera control button Protector.Different from other brands' direct hole digging design, Miracase's design focuses more on the overall protection of the phone, providing a more comfortable grip without affecting the use of camera control.
- 【Fit All Magnet Accessories】Miracase iPhone 17 phone case Built in upgraded 3rd generation magnet ring, locking and compatible with magsafe accessories, wireless charging is faster, easier, and safer. The powerful magnetism support charging from any angle, and there is no need to worry about the charger separating from the phone anymore
- 【Never Yellow Crystal Clear】Diamond hard clear back to show off the real color of your iPhone 17, always clear new as day 1
- 【PRODUCT SUPPORT】Any product issues please contact us for a replacement. Installation: install the front cover with Phone - install the back cover from the bottom-clos the camera control cover; Removal: open the camera control cover-press the bottom cover from the bottom to separate the case
How to delete a contact
Delete a contact only if you genuinely want to remove the contact record:
- Open Contacts.
- Open the contact.
- Tap Edit.
- Scroll down and tap Delete Contact.
- Confirm the deletion.
Apple warns that deleting a contact from an account can remove it from other devices using that account. Read Apple’s contact account and deletion guidance. Contact deletion is not the normal way to remove a Mail VIP.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the sender is not saved as a contact
You can normally add a sender to VIP directly from an email using sender name or address > View Contact Card > Add to VIP. Mail can work with the email address even when the sender does not have a complete Contacts record.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf you want a full record, create or edit it in Contacts. On iPad, tap the Add button in Contacts to create a new contact. Contact accounts and the default account for new contacts are managed under Settings > Apps > Contacts on current software. Older iOS and iPadOS versions may place Contacts directly under Settings.
Best Value
- PRECISION FIT FOR IPHONE 17e–13 – Expertly engineered to match the exact dimensions of iPhone 17e, 16e, 15, 14, and 13 for a secure, form‑fitting hold that stays confidently in place.
- 3X MILITARY‑GRADE DROP PROTECTION – Dual‑layer construction engineered to withstand drops beyond everyday accidents, exceeding military drop standards for dependable daily defense.
- SLIM, POCKET‑FRIENDLY PROTECTION – A streamlined profile with rubber‑gripped edges delivers a secure hold without bulk, while port covers help block dust and debris during daily use.
- DUAL‑LAYER IMPACT DEFENSE – A shock‑absorbing soft inner layer cushions impacts while a rigid outer shell adds structure and durability, crafted a minimum of 35% recycled plastic.
- TRUSTED OTTERBOX QUALITY – As America’s most trusted phone case brand, OtterBox pioneered military‑grade phone case protection and continues to raise the bar. With OtterBox every design is built for real‑world reliability and everyday readiness.
With iCloud, Google, Microsoft Exchange, school or work directories, CardDAV, and other accounts enabled, check which account owns the record before editing it. Do not disable or delete an account merely to fix a VIP display problem.
Fix common Mail VIP problems
The VIP mailbox is missing
- Make sure you are viewing the main Mailboxes list, not only one account’s Inbox.
- On iPad, expand the Mail sidebar.
- Tap Edit and enable VIP.
- Close and reopen Mail.
- Confirm that at least one Mail account is configured and receiving messages.
- Update iOS or iPadOS if the interface appears incomplete.
The sender is not appearing in VIP
- Confirm that the person was added through Mail—not merely saved in Contacts.
- Check whether the message came from another address or alias.
- Make sure you are checking the correct account and Mail view.
- Look in other folders if the message was filtered, blocked, deleted, or archived.
- Allow time for the account to synchronize.
VIP alerts are not sounding
Check VIP Alerts first, then verify that Mail notifications are enabled. Also check notification sounds, device mute and volume, and any active Focus or Do Not Disturb mode. Work or school devices may have management policies that restrict notification behavior or account changes.
iCloud Mail and third-party accounts
For iCloud Mail, you can also mark a sender as VIP on the web:
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- Sign in to iCloud Mail.
- Select a message from the sender.
- Select the sender’s name or email address in the header.
- Turn on VIP.
Apple says the sender then appears with a star and in the VIP mailbox in iCloud Mail. A third-party provider or its own app may instead use terms such as starred, important, priority, focused, or filtered. Those systems should not be assumed to mirror Apple Mail VIP exactly.
VIP compared with other Mail and Apple features
| Feature | Best for | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Mail VIP | Important senders | Collects their messages in VIP and can provide special alerts. |
| Contacts Favorites | Quick communication | Provides faster access to calls, messages, or FaceTime. |
| Mail flags | Individual follow-up | Marks specific messages that need attention. |
| Focus | Time-based interruption control | Controls which people and apps can interrupt you. |
| Custom mailboxes | Durable categories | Organizes messages into categories such as projects, receipts, clients, or family. |
| Provider rules | Cross-client organization | Filters or routes mail at the email-provider level. |
Use Mail VIP for a small group of important senders. Choose flags for message-level follow-up, custom mailboxes for long-term categories, Focus for broader notification control, and provider rules when the same organization must work across multiple mail apps.
Apple’s Mail documentation covers VIPs, flags, and custom mailboxes. The names and placement of controls can change by software release, so the wording may not be identical on every iPhone or iPad.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
