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SanderTjalling
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

How can I fix column widths in iPad Mail?

Since a few days the widths of the three columns in my iPad Mail have suddenly changed. The mailbox column is too wide and therefore the message list column way to narrow. I use my iPad Air (iPadOS 26.5) in horizontal mode. It seems I can't drag the dividers. Closing the app and re-starting the iPad did not help. How can I fix this?

Posted on Oct 30, 2026 4:04 AM

5 replies

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 31, 2026 7:11 AM in response to SanderTjalling

Something must be stuck in the Mail app. I tested a 2nd iPad (iPadOS 26.7.2) and I can resize the panes there too.


Try to hide the account list (the leftmost pane) by tapping the icon in the upper right corner of that pane and see if you can resize the two remaining panes.


Otherwise, try to delete the Mail app completely (not just removing it from the Home Screen) and download it again from the App Store: App Store - Mail. (I have done this before to fix an issue with notifications. Upon reinstalling, my email accounts were still there.)

SanderTjalling Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 31, 2026 7:37 AM in response to 6x6

Thank you, 6x6, reinstalling the mail program fixed the issue!

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 30, 2026 4:56 PM in response to SanderTjalling

I'm on an iPad Air 3rd generation with iPadOS 26.7.2 and I can resize the panes in Mail (the email list pane and the preview pane). Quit the Mail app, open it again and see if you can resize the panes.


You could also try to restart your iPad.


Finally, try to update to iPadOS 26.7.2.

SanderTjalling Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 31, 2026 2:29 AM in response to 6x6

Thank you, 6x6. I updated to iPadOS 27.2. However, although the thin vertical lines between the three panes look like draggable separators, they still can't be moved in my iPad Mail app.


ChatGPT also just gave me a discouraging message: "Unlike on a Mac, Mail on iPad does not offer freely adjustable widths for all three panes." Interesting that you are able to do it on your iPad Air. I will keep searching for a fix.

6x6
User level: Level 7 (26,777 points)

Oct 31, 2026 8:07 AM in response to SanderTjalling

Great! I'm glad you got it fixed.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256385804