Last updated: June 02, 2026 · 5 min read

How to Block Emails

Getting too many annoying emails? Maybe it’s spam trying to sell you something. Maybe it’s someone you don’t want to hear from anymore. Whatever the reason, you have the power to stop those emails from cluttering your inbox.

The good news is that blocking emails is simple. Every email program has a blocking feature built right in. You don’t need special software or technical knowledge. This guide will walk you through exactly how to do it, step by step.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, adults over 60 lose more to online fraud than any other age group — over $3.4 billion in 2023. Blocking suspicious emails is one simple way to protect yourself.

How to Block Emails in Gmail

Gmail is Google’s email service. If your email address ends with @gmail.com, these steps are for you.

1. Open the unwanted email: Click on any email from the sender you want to block. You don’t need to read it.
2. Find the three dots: Look at the top right corner of the email. You’ll see three little dots stacked vertically. Click on them.
3. Click “Block”: A menu will appear. Look for the option that says “Block [sender’s name]” and click it.
4. Confirm your choice: Gmail will ask if you’re sure. Click “Block” again to confirm.

That’s it. From now on, emails from that sender will go straight to your spam folder. You won’t see them in your inbox anymore.

Don’t worry if you can’t find the three dots right away. They’re always in the same spot at the top of every email. Take your time.

How to Block Emails in Outlook

Outlook is Microsoft’s email program. You might use it through a web browser or as a program on your computer.

1. Open the email you want to block: Click on the message from the sender you don’t want to hear from.
2. Right-click on the sender’s name: At the top of the email, you’ll see the sender’s name or email address. Right-click on it (that means click with the right mouse button instead of the left).
3. Choose “Block”: A menu will pop up. Look for an option that says “Block” or “Block sender” and click it.
4. Confirm: Outlook will ask if you’re sure. Click “OK” or “Block.”

If you’re using Outlook on the web, you can also click the three dots next to the sender’s name and choose “Block” from that menu instead.

Once you block someone in Outlook, their future emails will go to your Junk Email folder automatically. Microsoft’s official guidance on blocking senders offers additional help if you need it.

How to Block Emails in Yahoo Mail

Yahoo Mail has a slightly different layout, but blocking is just as easy.

1. Open the email: Click on the message from the person you want to block.
2. Click the three dots: Look for three dots (sometimes called “More”) near the top of the email.
3. Select “Block senders”: From the menu that appears, click “Block senders.”
4. Confirm: Yahoo will ask you to confirm. Click “OK.”

Yahoo will now send all future emails from that sender straight to your spam folder. You won’t be bothered by them anymore.

How to Block Emails on iPhone or iPad (Apple Mail)

If you check your email on an iPhone or iPad using the Mail app, here’s how to block someone.

1. Open the email: Tap on the message you want to block.
2. Tap the sender’s name: At the top of the email, tap on the sender’s name or email address.
3. Choose “Block this Contact”: A menu will appear. Look for “Block this Contact” and tap it.
4. Confirm: Tap “Block Contact” when asked to confirm.

Apple Mail will now filter out emails from that sender. You won’t see them in your inbox.

What Happens When You Block Someone

When you block an email address, here’s what happens. The sender can still send you emails, but you won’t see them. Their messages will either go to your spam or junk folder, or they might not appear at all.

The sender won’t receive any notification that you blocked them. They won’t know. Their emails will just disappear from your view.

If you ever change your mind, you can unblock someone. Every email program has a settings area where you can see your blocked senders list and remove people from it.

Tips for Managing Unwanted Emails

Blocking specific senders is helpful, but here are a few more tips to keep your inbox clean.

First, be careful about unsubscribe links. If the email is from a legitimate company you signed up with, the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom is safe to click. But if the email is suspicious or from someone you don’t know, don’t click any links. Just block the sender instead.

Second, never reply to spam. Even saying “stop” or “remove me” tells scammers your email address is active. They’ll send you more junk. Just block and delete.

Third, mark emails as spam. Most email programs have a “Report spam” or “Mark as junk” button. Using this helps your email service learn what you don’t want to see.

Fourth, be selective about where you share your email address. Some websites sell email lists to advertisers. If a website looks questionable, think twice before giving them your email.

You’ve got this. Managing your email is easier than it sounds once you know where to click.

When Should You Ask for Help Instead of Fixing It Yourself?

Most of the time, blocking emails is straightforward. But sometimes you might need a hand. Here are situations where calling for help makes sense:

• You’re receiving hundreds of spam emails a day and blocking isn’t keeping up
• You’re worried an email might be a scam and you’re not sure what to do
• You accidentally blocked someone important and can’t figure out how to unblock them
• Your email program looks different from these instructions and you’re confused

That’s exactly what we’re here for. If email problems are making you anxious or taking up too much of your time, we can fix it quickly. Our email help service is designed for situations just like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a blocked sender tell that I blocked them?

No. When you block someone, they receive no notification. From their perspective, they can still send emails to you. They just don’t know those emails aren’t reaching your inbox. The process is completely private.

Will I still receive emails from a blocked sender?

Technically yes, but you won’t see them in your inbox. Blocked emails usually go straight to your spam or junk folder. Some email programs might delete them automatically. Either way, they won’t bother you in your main inbox.

How do I unblock someone I blocked by mistake?

Every email service has a settings area where you can see all your blocked senders. Go to your email settings, find the “Blocked” or “Junk” section, locate the person’s name, and click “Unblock.” The exact steps vary by email program, but it’s always reversible.

Is blocking the same as marking as spam?

Not quite. Marking as spam tells your email program “this type of message is junk.” Blocking is more specific — it says “I never want to see emails from this exact sender.” Both are useful, but blocking is more precise and permanent.

Should I block emails or just delete them?

If you’re getting repeated emails from the same unwanted sender, blocking is better than just deleting. Deleting removes one message. Blocking stops all future messages from that person. It saves you time and keeps your inbox cleaner.

Can I block an entire domain instead of just one email address?

Yes, most email programs let you block entire domains. For example, you could block everything from “@spammycompany.com.” This option is usually in your email settings under junk mail or blocked senders. It’s helpful when one company uses multiple email addresses.

Taking Control of Your Inbox

Blocking unwanted emails is one of the simplest ways to make your digital life less stressful. You don’t have to put up with junk, spam, or messages from people you’d rather not hear from.

The steps are the same whether you use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or Apple Mail. Open the email. Find the block option. Click it. Done.

Remember, you can always change your mind and unblock someone later. Nothing is permanent. And if you ever feel overwhelmed or confused, our email help service is here to guide you through it.

Most people get this working in under five minutes. You’re doing great just by reading this far. Now go ahead and clear out those annoying emails. You deserve a peaceful inbox.