Using Airmail on an Older macOS (Catalina 10.15, Big Sur, Monterey): How to Get a Compatible Version

Airmail is distributed exclusively through the Mac App Store, and the current version requires a recent version of macOS. If your Mac runs an older system such as macOS Catalina (10.15), Big Sur (11) or Monterey (12), the App Store will not install the latest release. Apple provides a built-in way to download the last version of Airmail that is compatible with your Mac. No third-party tools, no Terminal commands and no special system permissions are required.

Why we cannot send you a download link

Airmail is a sandboxed application published only on the Mac App Store. We are not able to distribute installer files or direct download links for previous versions: Apple manages the delivery of every build, and older versions can only be obtained through your own Apple Account. This also protects you, because any Airmail installer found outside the Mac App Store is not an official build.

How to download the last compatible version

You need to have downloaded Airmail at least once with your Apple Account. If you have, the app stays in your purchase history.

1. Open the App Store on your Mac.
2. From the top menu bar, choose Store, then Sign In, and sign in with the Apple Account you originally used for Airmail.
3. Click your name in the bottom-left corner of the App Store window to open your account page.
4. Find Airmail in the list of purchased apps.
5. Click the download (cloud) icon next to it.
6. macOS detects that your system cannot run the current release and asks whether you want to download the last compatible version instead. Confirm, and the older build is installed automatically.

If Airmail is already installed on the Mac, remove it from the Applications folder first, then repeat the steps above so the App Store offers you a fresh download.

If Airmail is not in your purchase history

The compatibility download only works for apps already linked to your Apple Account. If Airmail never appears there, the app was never obtained with that account. In that case, download Airmail once from any Mac signed in with the same Apple Account, so that it is registered in your purchase history. After that, the older Mac will be able to fetch its compatible version.

Good to know

• Older builds are provided by Apple as-is. They no longer receive updates or fixes, and some newer features are not available in them.
• Your Airmail Pro subscription is tied to your Apple Account, not to a specific build, so it remains valid on the older version.
• If you later upgrade macOS, open the App Store and update Airmail to the current release.

If you follow these steps and the App Store still does not offer a compatible version, please contact us and let us know your exact macOS version and the region of your Apple Account. We will be glad to help you further.

Updated on: 07/13/2026