How to Block an Email
Receiving unwanted emails can be a major annoyance. Whether it’s spam, phishing attempts, or messages from people you don’t want to hear from, there are several ways to block emails and prevent them from reaching your inbox.
Using Your Email Provider
Most email providers offer built-in tools for blocking emails. Here’s how to block an email using some of the most popular providers:
Gmail:
- Open the email you want to block.
- Click the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select "Block [sender’s name]."
- Confirm your action.
Yahoo Mail:
- Open the email you want to block.
- Click the "More" button next to the Reply button.
- Select "Block Sender."
- Confirm your action.
Outlook.com:
- Open the email you want to block.
- Right-click on the sender’s name.
- Select "Block."
- Confirm your action.
Using Third-Party Apps
Several third-party apps can help you block emails. These apps typically offer more advanced features than native email provider tools, such as the ability to block emails based on keywords, phrases, or even IP addresses.
Some popular third-party email blocking apps include:
- SpamSieve: A paid app that uses machine learning to identify and block spam emails.
- Clean Email: A paid app that offers a range of email management features, including email blocking.
- Unroll.me: A free app that allows you to unsubscribe from mailing lists and block unwanted emails.
Using Email Filters
You can also use email filters to block emails. Filters are rules that you create to automatically sort and manage your incoming emails. Here’s how to create a filter to block emails in Gmail:
- Click the gear icon in the top right corner of your Gmail inbox.
- Select "Settings."
- Click the "Filters and Blocked Addresses" tab.
- Click "Create a new filter."
- Enter the email address or domain you want to block in the "From" field.
- Click "Create filter."
- Select "Delete it."
- Click "Create filter."
Blocking Emails on a Mobile Device
You can also block emails on your mobile device. Here’s how to do it on iOS and Android devices:
iOS:
- Open the Mail app.
- Tap the email you want to block.
- Tap the sender’s name.
- Scroll down and tap "Block this Contact."
Android:
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap the email you want to block.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select "Block & report spam."
FAQs
Q: How do I unblock an email address?
A: To unblock an email address, follow the same steps as blocking an email but select "Unblock" instead of "Block."
Q: Can I block emails from an entire domain?
A: Yes, you can block emails from an entire domain by entering the domain name in the "From" field when creating a filter.
Q: What if the sender continues to send me emails after I block them?
A: If the sender continues to send you emails after you block them, it’s possible that they are using a different email address or domain. You can try using a third-party email blocking app or contacting your email provider for further assistance.
Q: Is it illegal to block emails?
A: Blocking emails is not illegal in most countries. However, there are some exceptions. For example, in the United States, it is illegal to block emails from political candidates.
Q: What is the difference between blocking an email and marking it as spam?
A: Blocking an email prevents it from reaching your inbox, while marking it as spam sends it to your spam folder. Spam filters are not always effective, so blocking an email is a more reliable way to prevent unwanted emails from reaching you.