To switch to classic Yahoo Mail, sign in at mail.yahoo.com on a computer and click Go back to the old Yahoo Mail in the upper-right corner. If you don’t see that link, your account may not be able to switch right now, since Yahoo decides which versions each account can use. For a simpler, lightweight view, some accounts can also switch to Basic Mail from Settings.
Here’s how each version works, how to switch back and forth, and what to do if the option is missing.
Yahoo Mail versions at a glance
| Version | What it is | Available to |
|---|---|---|
| New Yahoo Mail | The current design with the latest features | Everyone |
| Classic Yahoo Mail | The previous full-featured design | Some accounts |
| Basic Mail | A simple, fast version with fewer features | Some accounts |
How to switch to classic Yahoo Mail
- Sign in to mail.yahoo.com in a web browser on your computer.
- In the upper-right corner, click Go back to the old Yahoo Mail.
- The page reloads in the classic design.
To return to the new version later, click Try the new Yahoo Mail in the upper-right corner, then Try it out.
How to switch to Basic Mail
- In Yahoo Mail, open Settings. In New Yahoo Mail, click the More options icon, then Settings.
- Look near the bottom left for a link to switch to Basic Mail.
- Click it to switch.
If the Basic Mail link isn’t on your Settings page, it’s not available for your account at this time.
If you can’t switch back
- Use a computer. Switching versions only works on the desktop website, not in the Yahoo Mail app.
- Update your browser. Yahoo may hide older versions on unsupported browsers.
- Accept that it may be gone. Yahoo retires older versions over time, and not all accounts can use them.
- Customize the new version instead. Go to Settings > More Settings > Viewing email to change the layout, message list density, and reading pane.
Make New Yahoo Mail feel more like classic
- Turn off conversations: Settings > More Settings > Viewing email > turn off Enable conversations to see each message separately.
- Hide the reading pane: Choose Full screen message view in the same menu.
- Pick a simple theme: Settings > choose a light theme with a spacious or compact layout.
Going away? See how to set a vacation response in Yahoo Mail.
Frequently asked questions
Is classic Yahoo Mail still available?
For some accounts, yes. If you see the “Go back to the old Yahoo Mail” link, you can use it.
Will switching versions delete my emails?
No. All versions show the same mailbox, folders, and contacts.
Can I use classic Yahoo Mail on my phone?
No. The mobile app and mobile website use their own design.
What’s the difference between classic and Basic Mail?
Classic has most of the full features. Basic Mail is a stripped-down version that loads fast on slow connections but has fewer options.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.