AI Features and MCP Server in Airmail - Configuration and Privacy

As of Airmail 27.0.0, the application introduces optional AI integrations, including support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server. This article explains what these features are, how they work, and — most importantly — how to ensure they remain disabled if you prefer not to use them.

Overview

Airmail's AI features are designed to be entirely opt-in. They are disabled by default after installation or update, and no AI integration runs unless you explicitly enable and authorize it. Your mailbox content is never shared with any AI provider unless you take deliberate steps to do so.

What is the MCP Server?

The MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server is a local component, running directly on your Mac, that allows authorized AI assistants — such as Claude or other compatible tools — to access selected information from your mailbox to help with tasks like summarizing threads, drafting replies, or searching for specific messages.

Key points:

• The MCP Server runs locally on your Mac. It does not send your mailbox to any external service by itself.
• - It is disabled by default.
• - Each AI application that wishes to access Airmail must be explicitly authorized by you.
• - You can revoke access to any authorized application at any time from Preferences.

How to verify AI features are disabled

1. Open Airmail on your Mac.
2. 2. Go to Airmail > Preferences > AI.
3. 3. Confirm that the toggles for "Enable MCP Server" and any other AI integrations are turned off.
4. 4. Confirm that the list of "Authorized AI Applications" is empty.

If all of the above are off / empty, no AI integration will run and no AI tool will have access to your mailbox.

How to enable AI features (only if desired)

1. Go to Airmail > Preferences > AI.
2. 2. Toggle Enable MCP Server on.
3. 3. From the AI client of your choice, request a connection to Airmail. A confirmation prompt will appear inside Airmail.
4. 4. Review the requested permissions carefully and click Authorize only if you trust the application.
5. 5. The authorized application will then be listed under "Authorized AI Applications". You can revoke its access at any time.

Privacy guarantees

• Airmail does not train any AI model on your email content.
• - Email content is not transmitted to Airmail's own servers as part of the AI features.
• - All AI requests originate from applications running on your own device, after your explicit authorization.
• - Disabling the MCP Server completely removes any possibility of an external AI tool reaching your mailbox via Airmail.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will Airmail still work normally if I never enable AI features?

Yes. Airmail remains a fully featured, fast, and privacy-focused email client without any AI functionality.

Q: Will future updates re-enable AI features automatically?

No. Your preferences are preserved across updates. If you have disabled AI features, they will remain disabled after future updates.

Q: Can I tell which AI applications have access to my mailbox?

Yes. The complete list is always visible in Preferences > AI > Authorized AI Applications, where you can revoke any access with a single click.

Q: Does enabling MCP send my emails to OpenAI / Anthropic / Google?

Only if you separately authorize an external AI application that connects to those services. Airmail itself does not transmit your data to any AI provider.

Need assistance?

If you have additional questions about Airmail's AI architecture, or wish to confirm your current configuration, please contact our support team and we will be happy to help.

Updated on: 05/08/2026