How to Block an Email in Outlook

If manually deleting emails or unsubscribing from branded newsletters isn’t your idea of a good time, this guide is for you. Unwanted emails can clutter your inbox, distract you from important tasks, and sometimes even pose security risks. To add to that, Forbes notes that a disorganized inbox can be a cause of stress. 

Outlook provides easy tools to block email addresses and senders so you can manage your inbox more effectively. Here we’ll take you the practical steps to block senders, the differences between Outlook’s desktop, web, and mobile apps, and you’ll discover tips to permanently remove unwanted emails to minimize future email noise.

How to take control of your Outlook inbox

Managing an inbox filled with messages you don’t want (or need) is frustrating. Outlook offers several methods to block email addresses, making it easier to stay organized and focused. 

How to block a sender in Outlook desktop

Blocking a sender in the desktop version of Outlook only takes 4 steps. This method ensures that emails from unwanted contacts do not appear in your inbox.

Steps:

1. Open Outlook and select an email from the sender you want to block
2. Click Junk on the toolbar
3. Select Block Sender
4. Confirm the action

Future emails from this sender will go directly to your Junk Email folder before being automatically deleted

Tip: If you use Outlook 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365, the steps are the same. For older versions, check the Help section under “Junk Email Options.”

How to block an email address in Outlook web app

The Outlook web app allows you to block unwanted emails directly in your browser. This is helpful if you don’t have the desktop app installed.

Steps:

1. Log in to Outlook.com
2. Open an email from the sender you want to block
3. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the email
4. Select Block
5. Confirm - this will send future messages from this address to your Junk Email folder
   

How to block emails in Outlook mobile app

Blocking emails on the app is also a simple 4-step process:

iOS and Android Steps:

1. Open the Outlook mobile app
2. Tap an email from the sender you want to block
3. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
4. Select Block Sender

The sender will no longer be able to send messages to your main inbox.

How to permanently block an email

Looking to say ‘goodbye’ to a specific sender forever? Here’s how you manage your blocked senders list:

1. In Outlook Desktop, go to Home > Junk > Junk Email Options
2. Navigate to the Blocked Senders tab
3. Add any email addresses you want to block permanently

You can remove addresses from this list if you decide to receive emails from them again in the future.

Tip: You can also set up Outlook rules to automatically delete messages containing specific words, domains, or phrases. This adds another layer of inbox protection.

Blocking unwanted emails is simple

Blocking emails in Outlook is an easy way to take control of your inbox. Whether you’re using the desktop app, web app, or mobile app, you can stop unwanted messages, manage blocked senders, and maintain a cleaner inbox. 

• Use your desktop app for permanent blocking and rule setup
• Use the web app for quick access without installing software
• Use the mobile app if you’re blocking on the go
• Always keep an eye on the blocked senders list to ensure no important contacts have been accidentally blocked
  

Frequently asked questions 

How do I block a sender in Outlook?
Select the email, click Junk, then Block Sender. Future emails from that address go to your Junk folder (before being deleted). 

Can I block multiple emails at once?
Yes. Outlook lets you add multiple addresses to the blocked senders list via Junk Email Options.

How do I unblock someone in Outlook?
Go to Junk Email Options, select the Blocked Senders tab, and remove the email address.

Does blocking a sender delete existing emails?
No. Blocking prevents future emails but does not remove existing messages. These will need to be deleted manually. 

How do I block emails on the Outlook mobile app?
Open the email, tap the menu (three dots), and select Block Sender.

Can I permanently block spam in Outlook?
Yes. Use the blocked senders list and create rules for specific keywords or domains.

Is blocking an email the same as marking it as junk?
No. Blocking prevents future messages from the sender, while marking as junk moves existing emails in your inbox to the Junk folder.

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