Have you ever tried to change a setting in Yahoo Mail, only to find that the instructions don't seem to be correct? This is often due to the fact that Yahoo Mail actually has two different "modes." One mode is the current, full-featured mode, and the other is a more basic mode.

Many of the things that you can do in Full Featured mode aren't possible in Basic mode, but longtime users of Yahoo Mail may be more comfortable navigating the Basic mode, as it's more similar to the classic Yahoo Mail application. Our tutorial below will show you how to switch between these modes so that you can use whichever option you prefer.

How to Switch to Basic from Full Featured Mode in Yahoo Mail

The steps in this article were performed in the desktop version of Google Chrome, but will work in other desktop Web browsers as well. Note that this guide assumes that you are currently using the Full Featured version of Yahoo Mail, and that you would like to switch to the Basic mode. Some features of Yahoo Mail will no longer work if you switch to this mode, but most of the core functionality of the mail client will continue to work after making this switch. If you find that you needed something that is only available in full featured mode, you can always switch back.

Step 1: Navigate to https://mail.yahoo.com/ and sign into the Yahoo account for which you would like to switch from full featured to basic mode.

Step 2: Click the gear icon at the top-right corner of the window, then choose the Settings option.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Step 3: Scroll down to the Mail version section of the menu, select the Basic option, then click the Save button to apply the change. Note that your inbox will refresh to accommodate the new display mode.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

How to Switch from Basic to Full Featured Mode in Yahoo Mail

If you have made the change and decided that you don't like Basic mode, or if you were already in Basic mode and want to try out the Full Featured option, then you can follow the steps below.

Step 1: Sign into your Yahoo Mail account at https://mail.yahoo.com/.

Step 2: Click the Switch to the Newest Yahoo Mail link at the top-right corner of the window.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Note that this will not affect anything about the way any other Mail applications, such as the one on your smartphone or Outlook, will handle your mail.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Yahoo Mail Improvements

According to Jeffery Bonforte, SVP of Communication Products at Yahoo, the changes were made to celebrate the 16th birthday of the email service. From the post on the company's recently acquired Tumblr blog:

Since it's not a birthday without party favors, we're making many features previously reserved for premium Mail Plus customers free. Disposable email addresses, enhanced filters and automatic message forwarding are now available for everyone. And if that wasn't enough, we're giving you a monstrous amount of storage, 1TB (that's 1,000 GBs), so you have ample space for all your emails and attachments. It sure beats one of those annoying noisemakers. Current Mail Plus customers can continue to use Mail Plus and can learn more here.

It's also interesting to note that if you're a current Yahoo Mail Plus subscriber, you'll continue to get an ad-free email for $19.99 / year. But for new subscribers, if you want its newly renamed "Yahoo Ad Free Mail," it will set you back $49.99 / year.

The biggest change to Yahoo Mail is the new interface and lack of specific features previously available. Also, several users are reporting that it's just plain buggy. If you look at the Yahoo Mail User Voice Forums, you'll find it full of people who are complaining about the redesign and buggy features.

If you're in the same boat, let's take a look at how to get your old email back…and it's surprisingly easy.

Change Yahoo Mail to Basic

It's easy to switch your mail back to the interface you're used to. Just click the gear icon located at the upper right corner by your name and select Settings.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Then in the Settings screen, select Viewing email, then tick Basic under Mail version.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

While you're in Settings, I recommend turning on HTTPS for improved security. Gmail and Outlook.com already have had this feature for what seems like forever, but even if you use your Yahoo account to sign up for newsletters, it's always nice to have extra security.

Hit the Save button, and your Yahoo mail will switch back to the interface you know and are comfortable with. While there are more features in the new full-featured version, you may not want or need them.

If you want to switch it back to the new full-featured version, click the link "Switch to the newest Yahoo! Mail" located in the upper right corner. This will allow you to ease yourself into the new interface and still use your Yahoo email productively while the new mail bugs get fixed.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Here's a look at the company's promotional video for the new mail service:

If you still use Yahoo, what are your thoughts on the new Yahoo Mail redesign? Leave a comment and let us know!

Get this simpler version of Yahoo Mail if you have troubles loading emails

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

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What to Know

  • Select Settings > More Settings and choose Switch to Basic Mail.
  • To change back, click Switch to the newest Yahoo Mail in the upper-right corner of the Basic Mail screen.

Switching from regular Yahoo Mail to Yahoo Mail Basic gives you a cleaner, faster loading interface, which can be useful if your internet connection is slow, your browser is having issues, or you prefer a simpler experience.

How to Switch to Yahoo Mail Basic

Yahoo Mail turns to basic mode automatically when it senses a slow connection or a browser that doesn't know how to handle the full-featured interface. However, to switch it over manually takes a few steps:

Click the Settings gear.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Select More Settings in the drop-down menu.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Click Switch to basic Mail. The basic interface loads.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

How to Switch Back to the Full Yahoo Mail

Changing back to the latest version of Yahoo Mail is simple: Click Switch to the newest Yahoo Mail in the upper-right corner of the screen.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Starting the week of June 3rd, tomorrow, Yahoo is discontinuing Mail Classic. It's requiring all Mail users to switch to the new version of Mail and accept a TOS/Privacy Policy update that lets it scan emails to "deliver product features, relevant advertising, and abuse protection". You can opt out of the ads, but if you don't want to be scanned, you have to ditch Yahoo Mail.

Yahoo launched the new version of Mail in December, and announced the discontinuation of Classic back in April. However, it didn't mention anything about the new terms of service and privacy policy until it just began sending Classic users an email about having to switch. In an aptly named Help center entry "Do I have to upgrade to the new Yahoo! Mail?", the company explains

"Beginning the week of June 3, 2013, older versions of Yahoo! Mail (including Yahoo! Mail Classic) will no longer be available. After that, you can access your Yahoo! Mail only if you upgrade to the new version. When you upgrade, you will be accepting our Communications Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This includes the acceptance of automated content scanning and analyzing of your communications content."

Those who upgrade can opt out of contextual ads through Yahoo's Ad Manager. Yahoo bluntly tells users who refuse its new policies that they should either download their mail to another IMAP client, or close their account. Premium Mail Plus users who want to cancel their accounts can get a prorated refund.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Some are labeling the switch an aggressive invasion of privacy. An anonymous Jottit user writes: "Yahoo can now openly troll through email for personal information that it can share or hold onto indefinitely. Gay and haven't come out yet? Yahoo knows…"

However, as commenters on Hacker News note, Gmail has long scanned your email to show you related ads. Even if you use a system like StartMail that doesn't scan your messages, the system your conversation partners use might not be so hands-off. And as many warn, anything you send in an email could end up public, so keep the naughty stuff off the web.

Introducing Yahoo Plus. Subscriptions designed for the fanatic in all of us. Explore your options below and get closer to your passions on Yahoo.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Value you can't get enough of and can't get anywhere else—everything from disposable email addresses to phone protection and more.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Enjoy perks like limited ads across Yahoo, deep discounts and even premium 1:1 phone support when you sign up for an eligible subscription.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Immerse yourself in Yahoo like never before. Yahoo Plus subscriptions bring you closer to what matters most.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Choose one or more Yahoo Plus subscriptions

Created with you in mind, each of these subscriptions takes your Yahoo experience to the next level. From premium content to an ad-free inbox, you can get everything you want and more.

The inbox you've always wanted

Get an ad-free Yahoo inbox experience, faster performance on your desktop, the ability to auto-forward emails to another address and priority customer support.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Stay ahead of the market

Access advanced data, expert analysis and tools to navigate volatile markets so you can take control of your portfolio and optimize your trading strategy.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Tech support and device coverage all in one place

Get greater peace of mind with accidental damage and warranty coverage for your devices. Not to mention, 24/7 US-based support when you need us most.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Tools that turn into titles

Get an edge on the competition with draft, trade and research tools and much more. Available on all platforms for all season-long fantasy games, including football.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

The inbox you've always wanted

Get an ad-free Yahoo inbox experience, faster performance on your desktop, the ability to auto-forward emails to another address and priority customer support.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Stay ahead of the market

Access advanced data, expert analysis and tools to navigate volatile markets so you can take control of your portfolio and optimize your trading strategy.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Tech support and device coverage all in one place

Get greater peace of mind with accidental damage and warranty coverage for your devices. Not to mention, 24/7 US-based support when you need us most.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Tools that turn into titles

Get an edge on the competition with draft, trade and research tools and much more. Available on all platforms for all season-long fantasy games, including football.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

But wait. there's more!

Any time you sign up for an eligible Yahoo Plus subscription, you'll automatically get these added perks. At Yahoo, we want to give our members more of the things they love, and less of the things they don't. All you need is one eligible Yahoo Plus subscription to get fewer ads, tech support and deep discounts. 1

Fewer ads on Yahoo

Enjoy fewer ads on your favorite Yahoo websites and apps with Ad-Lite.

24/7 Tech Support

Get around-the-clock access to live support for nearly any Yahoo account issue. ‡

Buy More. Save More.

Unlock extra savings when you buy more subscriptions. Get up to 20% off eligible Yahoo Plus products. ✣

1 Not all Yahoo Plus subscriptions include Ad-Lite, Buy More Save More and Support. Refer to the "What are Yahoo Plus perks?" in the FAQ section for details.

‡ If your account was created through AT&T or Frontier, please contact your applicable Internet Service Provider for account-related support, including password resets and updating account information. View our help article for more information.

✣Buy more and save more on eligible Yahoo Plus subscriptions—get 10%, 15% or 20% off your subscription fee. Terms apply.

Frequently asked questions

Need more info? We've provided answers to our most commonly asked questions about Yahoo Plus.

What is Yahoo Plus?

Is there a free-trial period?

How much does it cost?

What are Yahoo Plus perks?

  • Yahoo Mail Plus (web)
  • Yahoo Finance Plus (web and apps)
  • Yahoo Plus Protect Home.
  • Yahoo Mail Plus (apps)
  • Yahoo Plus Protect Mobile
  • Yahoo Fantasy Plus
  • Yahoo Mail Plus (apps)
  • Yahoo Finance Plus (apps)
  • Yahoo Fantasy Plus

Enjoy 24/7 Technical Support with all Yahoo Plus subscriptions where you can get help with general account inquiries.

How do I access Yahoo Plus perks?

Will my Yahoo Ad-Lite experience remove all ads?

How do the Buy More Save More discounts work?

What's included with the 24/7 general account support subscriber perk?

*Accounts created through AT&T must contact AT&T for account-related support, including password resets and updating account information. View our help article for more information.

After June 5, users running old browsers will have to use a version of Yahoo Mail that doesn't have spell-check or chat.

alt="yahoohq3.jpg" width="1092″ height="819″ />Richard Nieva/CNET

Yahoo on Thursday told users of its email service that they'll need to use the most recent iteration of their web browsers, or else they'll be automatically switched to a more bare-bones version of the service.

Specifically, that means upgrading to the two most recent versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Safari by June 5. If users don't want to make the switch, the'll only be given access to Yahoo's Basic Mail, which does not include spell-check, integration with Yahoo's Messenger chat service, or customizable themes.

Yahoo notes that people running IE 8 — a browser that is now 5 years old — will be most widely affected.

Related Stories

The company said the reason for the switch was to improve safety and security. "We understand that this policy update may be frustrating for some affected users," Jeff Bonforte, Yahoo's senior vice president of communication products, said in a blog post.

Security has been top of mind for website owners as cyberattacks become more prevalent. And Yahoo's email service has suffered some black eyes from security issues. When news was disclosed of the — a severe security vulnerability that affected much of the web — Yahoo, including properties like Yahoo Mail and Yahoo Sports, was one of the biggest sites to be majorly affected.

And in January, the company had to reset some users' passwords after an attempted hack on its email service, though Yahoo said the target of the attack was a third-party database, and not Yahoo's own servers.

Enjoy ad-free email, head-to-toe customization, and security features—plus 24/7 customer support.

* To avoid being charged the recurring subscription fee, cancel before your free-trial period ends.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Take control of your inbox. Upgrade to Yahoo Mail Plus today.

The features below are available on desktop and most mobile devices.

Yahoo Mail Plus

All features included with Yahoo Mail.

Declutter your inbox with domain blocking

Disposable email addresses

Fewer ads on Yahoo

24/7 tech support

Faster performance on desktop

No account expiration^

Use any email address

Email organized automatically

One-click, easy unsubscribe

All attachments & photos in 1 place

Get alerts for key emails

1,000 GB storage

see more features

Yahoo Mail Free

Use any email address

Email organized automatically

One-click, easy unsubscribe

All attachments & photos in 1 place

Get alerts for key emails

1,000 GB storage

see more features

1 Please note: Disposable Email Addresses and Automatic Forwarding can only be set up on Desktop Webmail. Reply Reminders are not available on Mobile Webmail. Domain Blocking and Disposable Email Addresses are only supported on @yahoo.com email addresses.

2 Subject to storage limits, spam and email abuse policies and future changes in storage policy.

‡ If your account was created through AT&T or Frontier, please contact your applicable Internet Service Provider for account-related support, including password resets and updating account information. View our help article for more information.

Ad-free email wherever you are

Say buh-bye to distractions in your email

Stretch on out with the ad-free Yahoo Mail experience. Email mom on desktop or open that deal on mobile with ZERO ads in your way.

Domain blocking

We're giving you control to block whoever you want

Now you can permanently say no thank you. Block up to 500 domains and you'll never hear from them again – including all email addresses associated with that domain.

Disposable email addresses

Protect your privacy by using a temporary email address

For those times you don't want to give out your real email address. Easily make up to 500 temporary addresses and toss 'em when you're done.

Subscriber perks

With a Yahoo Mail Plus subscription, you'll automatically qualify for Yahoo Plus perks including fewer ads, premium tech support and deep discounts.

Fewer ads on Yahoo

Enjoy fewer ads on your favorite Yahoo websites and apps with Ad-Lite.

24/7 Tech Support

Around-the-clock access to live support for general Yahoo account issues.

Buy More. Save More.

Unlock extra savings when you buy more subscriptions. Get up to 20% off eligible Yahoo Plus products. ✣

‡ If your account was created through AT&T or Frontier, please contact your applicable Internet Service Provider for account-related support, including password resets and updating account information. View our help article for more information.

✣ Buy more and save more on eligible Yahoo Plus subscriptions – get 10%, 15% or 20% off your subscription fee. Terms apply.

Frequently asked questions

Want to know more about Yahoo Mail Plus? We've provided answers to our most commonly asked questions below.

What is Yahoo Mail Plus?

I'm currently a Yahoo Mail Pro subscriber. What will happen to my subscription?

How can I pay for Yahoo Mail Plus?

You can pay for Yahoo Mail Plus using:

  • Mastercard (credit or debit)
  • Visa (credit or debit)
  • Discover (credit or debit)
  • American Express
  • PayPal

At this time we don't accept cash, checks, money orders or prepaid credit/gift cards.

How do I manage my Yahoo Mail Plus subscription?

You can manage your subscription in the following ways, based on where you initially purchased.

Web:
Manage your subscription any time on the My Subscriptions page.

App Store:
Open your device's Settings app. Tap on your Apple ID at the top of your screen, then Subscriptions.

Google Play:
Open the Play Store app on your device. Tap the Menu icon at the top left located in the Search bar, then Subscriptions.

Once you sign up for Yahoo Mail Plus, your original payment method will be automatically charged when it's time to renew. Unsuccessful payments result in cancellation of the service.

If you no longer want to subscribe to Yahoo Mail Plus, be sure to cancel so you aren't charged.

What are Yahoo Plus perks?

How do I access Yahoo Plus perks?

Will my Yahoo Ad-Lite experience remove all ads?

How do the Buy More Save More discounts work?

What's included with the 24/7 general account support subscriber perk?

*If your account was created through AT&T or Frontier, please contact your applicable Internet Service Provider for account-related support, including password resets and updating account information. View our help article for more information.

System requirements:
Ad-Lite on Yahoo mobile apps require the latest version of the app installed on the device.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

Overnight, Google began to roll out the revamped Gmail which introduces a handful of new features alongside a new design. But if you aren't a fan of these changes, you can still switch it back to the classic design. Here's how…

How to switch back to the classic Gmail on the web

  1. Try out the new Gmail
  2. Switch back to the classic Gmail

1. Try out the new Gmail

If you aren't seeing the new Gmail, there's a good chance that you can manually activate it. To do this, head to Gmail in your web browser. Next, locate the gear icon in the top left corner, just below your avatar. Click on this, and you should see an option to try the new Gmail. It'll take a second, but Gmail will then reload and launch the new design and features.

Use the images below for help if you get lost along the way.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

2. Switch back to the classic Gmail

So, if you've used the new design and hate it, you can reverse the above steps to switch back to classic Gmail. First, make sure you're looking at Gmail in a web browser. Next, click on the gear icon just below your avatar in the top right corner of the screen. Finally, select the "Go back to classic Gmail" button.

Just like when Google rolled out a new look for Google Calendar, the ability to change back to the classic design will most likely go away in a couple of months. So while you might prefer the classic Gmail look, you'll eventually have to switch and use the new design.

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

How to switch between the full and basic versions of yahoo mail

If you have any questions, make sure to leave them in the comment section below or hit me up on Twitter.

Update 9/29: It seems that it's no longer possible to revert back to the old Gmail. As the featured comment says below, your best option is probably to go to "Display Density" and choose "Comfortable," as it's the closest to the old layout.

TL;DR: The new Material Theme design is here to stay and there's no way to switch back

— Justin Duino (@jaduino) September 29, 2018

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Moving beyond the e-mail basics, let's take a look at more features of Yahoo Mail, such as e-mail attachments, message archiving and searches and remote access to Yahoo Mail. We'll also see why some Yahoo users may prefer to stick with the older version, Mail Classic, although it lacks some Yahoo Mail features.

Attachments are documents or images that you send with a message. You can attach up to 10MB (megabytes) of files to each message. These can be word-processing or spreadsheet documents, audio files, images and Web pages as HTML files. Here's how to add an attachment:

  1. Click "Attach" next to the paperclip above the Compose window.
  2. Using the file-locating window, find the file you want to attach and click "Open" or "OK."
  3. The file name will appear above the Compose window. To add more attachments, repeat this process. Yahoo Mail scans each outgoing attachment for viruses.

When you open a message with a paperclip above it, you've received an attachment. Here's how to download it:

  1. Switch to "Full Message View" to see the name, type and size of the attached file.
  2. Click on the name of the file, and a virus scan will check the document. A window will open telling you if a threat was detected in the document.
  3. Click "Cancel" if you don't want to open the attachment or "Download Attachment" if you do.
  4. Another window will let you choose to save the file to your computer's hard drive, to just open and view it, or to cancel.

Message Archiving and Searches

Yahoo Mail allows you to set up folders to store and manage your messages. Several folders exist automatically at the left of the home screen — Inbox, Drafts, Sent, Spam, Trash, Contacts and All Feeds. Below that is a section for the folders you create. To create a folder, click on "Add" next to the My Folders icon. A new untitled folder will appear below. Click twice on "untitled" to open a box where you can rename the folder. To add messages to the folder, drop and drag them from your inbox or other folders.

You'll probably want to search at some point for information like an address, a document or a name you need. Here's how.

  1. Find the search window, upper left with a magnifying glass icon and the words "Find Messages."
  2. Type what you need to find — a name, a word in a message or attachment, or a subject.
  3. Click "Go," or press "Enter."
  4. A tab will open listing all the messages that contain what you want, including in attachments.
  5. Click on the message you want to open.

Remote Access

You can access Yahoo Mail by going to http://mail.yahoo.com and signing on from any PC running Windows 2000 or later that has Web access via Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, Firefox 1.0 and newer, or Mozilla Suite 1.7. With a Mac running Mac OSX 10.0 or newer, you need Web access via Firefox 1.0 or newer, or Mozilla Suite 1.7. (We'll talk about mobile access later.)

Yahoo Mail vs. Yahoo Classic

Not all features of Yahoo Mail are available for some browsers or for Macintosh computers. You can switch back to Mail Classic at any time by hitting the "Switch Back" link at the upper left of your home page.

Yahoo Mail offers plenty of tools to make e-mailing easier. Next, let's take a closer look at some of them.