Mail.app wants to sign using key "privatekey" in your keychain

[Axiom Online]

I wanted to sign a document using the sign/signature tool but for whatever reason, I ended creating a digital signature by mistake now I can't send the email without attaching a private key. I needed to remove this ASAP. 

Adobe Reader doesn't allow me to remove the certificate. i.e clicking on the "Remove Id" does nothing.

SOLUTION:

1. Open Keychain on your mac "search 'keychain' in Spotlight (The magnifying glass icon on the top right of your screen) or Go to >Applications>Utilities>Keychain.app

2. Find the culprit certificate in the list

3. Take a back of the key in case something goes wrong by exporting the certificate.

4. >>> Delete

5. Restart the Mail app and also the Adobe Reader app.

Sorted 🙂  

[Huma5DD1 · Accepted solution]

Go to "my certificates' and delete them all and then send mail you should be allowed.

[Lonna5CD0]

So which key chain is the culprit?  

I've deleted a bunch of them and none of them have the effect.

I really must remove the request to type in my password for each email --it's absurd!

[Blissology]

Hi @Lonna5CD0 did you get this resolved.  I am having the exact same issue - it's so annoying.  Trying to solve it.  Any insights would be great.

[defaultlooyaxzrykjj]

Hey,

Did you resolve this issue. I have the same problem. I also looked under 'My Certificates' but it was empty. Its so frustrating, I cant send any mail. Thanks! 

[Huma5DD1 · Accepted solution]

Go to "my certificates' and delete them all and then send mail you should be allowed.

[Jennifer5EE9]

Huma5DD1's solution (delete items in "MyCertificates" - found under the Category menu in the bottom L of the Keychains window) worked for me.

Thank you so much!

[upperstudio]

I can't find a section described as "MyCertificates" - where is this located?

[cameron225210054uhm]

Mine were located in the "login" section under the Default Keychains title, using MacOS Monterey 12.0.1 with a MBA M1.

[defaulte0v1b8qzteps]

Wonderful easy solution to a terrible obscure problem.  Thank you!!

[default9lute3nodog0]

Worked great so far.

Thanks and Aloha

[Huw287591251dll]

This worked so far.  Thanks.    Amazed that Adobe Pro for all that one spends on it effs-up Mail so badly.  It appears as though one has a choice - use digital certificates or get mail.  PATHETIC.

[nancye35836001]

I deleted Certificates rather than keychains and it worked. They are found at the top of the screen in Keychain Access.

[defaultc2g7ww6yc0h2]

This worked a treat!  Thank you 😄

[Jelle5C10 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

When you open a new email, you can simply deactivate this digital encrypted signing by clicking on the little blue encircled checkmark in the new mail editor window. If you do this, it will stay unchecked for all subsequent emails. So no need to manually delete digital certificates from the keychain.

(I'm on Big Sur 11.1).

[Pingu77]

Thank you Jelle5C10, simple and elegant.  I somehow created a monster without intending to, and all attempts to send some urgent documents failed until I found your solution.  Phew! (I am on Monterey 12.0.1).  Please accept a large virtual bouquet of flowers 💐

[Alan22362810lyxl]

perfect!

[Claudia23065599htjk]

This is the correct solution. No need to delete my digital signatures.

[Kim Goldman]

Where is this little blue encircled checkmark? I don't see it! I'm on Monterey

[Kim Goldman]

oh wait - it isn't blue on mine but I found it and that worked!!! Thank you!

[lisac61174007]

THIS is the solution that works! thx

[TahoeVista]

11/28/2022. I had the same problem after signing a PDF document and trying to send. Found @JelleSDC10 reply, tried it and it could not have been easier. Thanks.

[defaultvl5gj6m8chcg]

Huge thanks Jelle5C10! It solved my problem also. Who would have known if it wasnt for clever heads like you 🙏 The encircled check mark is to the far right in the Subject line. untick it and problem is solved. Big Sur 11.7

[Christine25507804ksxy]

yesss! this is it! they should fix the pinned "correct answer" as this is actually the correct answer

[henryy77775724]

Thanks Jell5C10,

A Brilliant and simple solution. I was afraid to delete all my certificates. I don't even know what the hell they are.

thansk, Henry

[Chad32350611aszy]

Thank you! This worked like a charm!