Scroll to the Top on an Email Fast in iPhone Mail

Try this quick tip for navigating the Mail app

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on June 1, 2021
Email

What to Know

  • iPhone: Tap the ​iPhone status bar in the upper-right corner, where you see the battery and signal strength indicators.
  • iPad: Tap the blank space above Inbox at the top of the message list. If you scrolled down in an email, tap the blank area above the email.

It's easy to scroll in the iPhone and iPad Mail app. However, once you scroll down, you need a trick to avoid swiping over and over to reach the top of the message or mailbox again. Learn how to quickly scroll to the top of an email or mailbox using any iOS device.

One Tap to the Top of an Email or Mailbox: iPhone

To go to the top of an email or mailbox quickly in iPhone Mail:

  • Tap the ​iPhone status bar in the upper-right corner, where you see the battery and signal strength indicators.
  • The same process works for scrolling to the top of a folder's message list. To go to the top of your mailbox, tap the upper-right corner of the status bar.
Quickly reach the top of iOS Mail

One Tap to the Top of an Email or Mailbox: iPad

The method to go to the top of an email or mailbox in the iPad Mail app is different from an iPhone. It works just as well—after you find it the first time.

  • If you scrolled down in the list of messages and want to return to the top of the list quickly, tap the blank space immediately above Inbox at the top of the messages list.
  • If you scrolled down in an individual email, tap the blank area above the email. The position is sensitive. Aim for the center point of the email's width and at the top edge of the screen to return to the top of the email.
iPad Mail scroll to the top

Quick Scrolls and Jumps in iPhone Mail

Here are a few tips for navigating your iPhone emails and inboxes:

  • Return to Mailbox Message List: If you have a message open, tap the Back link in the upper-left corner of the screen to go back to the message list. The link may say Inbox, Mailboxes, or the name of the service provider. You'll return to the area of the screen where you opened the email rather than go to the top of the message list.
  • Scroll to Next or Previous Message Using the Arrows: Use the two arrows in the upper-right corner of the screen, under the status bar, to open the next message or to return to the previous message. Tap these arrows to go through your mailbox without returning to the list of messages. They are visible at the top of every email, even when you scroll down in the message.
  • Return to Mailbox Message List and then Jump to Top of the Message List: If you have a message open and want to return to the message list and then jump to the top of the list, use two taps. First, tap the Back link (or whatever the link is named) in the upper-left corner below the status bar. Then, tap the status bar in the right corner to return to the top of the message list. If you have a message string open, this shortcut may not work as expected.
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