How to block emails
If you find that particular people or organisations are bothering you with unwanted emails, you can block them. It won’t stop them from sending any more to you, but you’ll never see them. We show you how to do this on the most popular email services, ensuring that you no longer have to dread opening your inbox.
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How to block email on Gmail (web browser)
For the desktop version ofGmail, the method of blocking email is very simple. First, open a message from the offender, then click on the three dots icon found in the upper right corner.
This opens a menu, from which you should clickBlock ‘[name of sender]’and then confirm your choice by clicking theBlockbutton in the pop-up box that appears.
How to block email on Gmail (iOS & Android)
On your Android device, launch the Gmail app then open a message from the person you want to block. In the upper right corner (just along from where their name appears) you’ll see three dots. Tap this, then select theBlock ‘[sender’s name]’option.
iPhone and iPad users can’t directly block someone via the app, but there is an option to unsubscribe from newsletters and the like. You can find out more in ourhow to block someone in Gmailguide.
How to block email on Outlook (web browser)
The method for blocking people onOutlookin a web browser is very similar to that of Gmail. Launch the app, open a message from the people you want to silence, then click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the message.
From the drop-down menu that appear, select‘Block [sender’s name]’then clickOKto confirm.
How to block email on Outlook (iOS & Android)
There is no direct way of blocking particular senders via the mobile apps, so you’ll need to follow the above instructions, using a web browser instead. As Outlook is synced across all your devices, this will mean the blocking is applied to the mobile apps as well.
How to block email on Apple Mail
In the Mail app on your Mac, iPhone or iPad the only way to block someone is by creating a ‘rule’. To do this you’ll need to either use the Mail app on Mac or log onto the web version ofiCloud.
We’ll use the latter as it’s available to everyone. Go to iCloud and log onto your account. Open theMailapp and then click on theSettingsicon in the bottom left corner.
SelectRules…and then click theAdd a Rule…option to appears in the pop-up box.
Now use the drop-down menus to set up the rule thatIf a message is from [sender’s name] Then Move to Trash.
ClickDonewhen you’re finished, and all of your devices should now be free from any new emails by that sender.
How to block email in Yahoo
Yahoo is another popular email service that doesn’t offer that ability to block people via the mobile apps. Instead you’ll need to go to theYahoowebsite, log onto your mail account, then open a message by the person in question.
Here, click on the three dots icon found at the top of the email, then select theBlock sendersoption.
You’ll now be given the choice to confirm the email address, plus tickboxes forBlock all future emailsandDelete all existing emails.
When you’re happy with your choices, clickOKand your inbox should be free of content from this person or organisation in the future. Often this can be the most effective way to rid your inbox of unwanted newsletters if the unsubscribe option doesn’t have any effect.
Author: Martyn Casserly, Contributor
Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews.
