Private email AI with a local model
Summaries and draft replies from a model running on your own Mac. Your messages never go to a cloud AI.
The short answer
For fully private email AI, run the model locally and connect it through a read-and-draft bridge. LM Studio runs open models on your Mac, and MoltenMail connects it to your mailbox: the model can list folders, read messages and save drafts, but can’t send, delete, move or mark mail. Your password stays in the macOS Keychain, and no cloud AI ever receives your email.
The problem
Cloud AI and confidential email don’t mix
- Messages leave your MacWith a cloud model, every email you ask about goes to the provider.
- Client confidentialitySome email simply shouldn’t be sent to a third party.
- Credentials at riskEmail tools for AI often want your password in plain text.
How MoltenRock handles it
Model on your Mac, mail on your Mac
- Local modelLM Studio runs the AI on your Mac.
- Read and draft onlyMoltenMail blocks sending, deleting, moving and marking.
- Password keptIn the macOS Keychain, inside MoltenMail.
How it works
Set it up
- 01Install LM StudioDownload a model your Mac can run comfortably.
- 02Install MoltenMailAdd your mailbox.
- 03Connect LM StudioMoltenMail supports LM Studio with no extra tools.
Straight answer
What “private” means here
Stays on your Mac
- Your messages: the model reading them runs on your Mac
- Your password
- The send button
Leaves your Mac
- Your mail, from your provider to your Mac, as with any mail app
- Drafts, saved back to your own mail server
- Local models are smaller than the best cloud ones; expect simpler drafts
Questions
What people ask first
Does anything go to a cloud AI?
No, as long as the model runs in LM Studio on your Mac.
Which Macs work best?
Apple silicon Macs with more memory run larger, better models.
Can the model send email?
No. MoltenMail blocks sending; drafts wait for you.
What does it cost?
MoltenMail is free; LM Studio is free to download.
Email AI that never leaves your Mac.
MoltenMail for Mac.