How to Block an Email Address on Yahoo

How to Block an Email Address on Yahoo

It’s too easy to end up underwater with unwanted emails. They clutter your inbox, waste time, and expose you to potential phishing or scams. If you're using Yahoo Mail, blocking specific email addresses or entire domains is one of the easiest ways to regain control of your inbox. In this guide we'll run through how to block emails on Yahoo, on the web version and on your phone. 

We'll also look at alternative tools, like filters and spam settings, that make managing emails easier. Whether you're dealing with persistent newsletters or aggressive spam, the steps below will help you permanently block unwanted senders and streamline your email experience.

How to Block an Email Address on Yahoo

1. Block an Email Address from a Desktop Browser

Blocking an email address on Yahoo Mail is straightforward from a desktop browser. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Yahoo Mail account on your computer.
2. Click the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the top-right corner.
3. Select More Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. In the left-hand menu, click on Security and Privacy.
5. Under the Blocked Addresses section, click the Add button.
6. Enter the email address you want to block and click Save.

This will prevent emails from that address from appearing in your inbox. For more detailed instructions, refer to Yahoo's official help page on blocking and unblocking email addresses in Yahoo Mail: Yahoo Help

2. Block Emails Using the Yahoo Mail App

While the Yahoo Mail app doesn't allow you to directly block of email addresses, you can mark unwanted emails as spam to prevent them from appearing in your inbox:

1. Open the Yahoo Mail app on your mobile device.
2. Locate the unwanted email.
3. Tap the More icon (three dots).
4. Select Mark as Spam or Move to Spam.

Tip: Marking emails as spam helps Yahoo's algorithm identify and filter similar messages in the future. 

3. Use Filters to Block Certain Types of Emails

Filters allow you to automate the process of managing unwanted emails. If you want to block emails based on specific criteria, such as sender, subject, or keywords, you can create filters in Yahoo Mail:

1. In Yahoo Mail, click Settings → More Settings → Filters.
2. Click Add new filters.
3. Name your filter (e.g., "Blocked Senders").
4. Enter the criteria for the filter (e.g., specific email addresses, domains, or keywords).
5. Choose the action to take (e.g., Move to Trash or Delete).

4. Permanently Block an Email Address

When the barrage of emails from a particular sender becomes too much, blocking an email address prevents future messages from that sender from appearing in your inbox. However, if you continue to receive emails from a blocked address, it may be due to email spoofing, where the sender's address is disguised. Here's what to do:

1. Identify the true email address of the sender.
2. Add the correct email address to your blocked list.
3. Consider using filters to block emails from specific domains or keywords.

Tip: For newsletters and marketing emails you no longer want to receive - unsubscribe.

Block Emails With Confidence

Taking control of your inbox doesn't have to be complicated. With these blocking methods, filters, and smart habits, you can create an email experience that works for you instead of against you. Remember, your inbox is your space and you get to decide who has access to it.

Need a hand managing your inbox? Fyxer works across Gmail and Outlook to categorize your emails, draft responses and manage your meeting schedule. Get set up in 30 seconds. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I block someone on Yahoo Mail without opening their email?

Yes. Right-click the email in your inbox, select Block Sender, and confirm. This will prevent future emails from that sender from appearing in your inbox.

2. Why do I still receive emails from blocked senders?

Spammers sometimes change email addresses or use spoofing techniques to bypass blocks. Using filters to delete emails by domain or keyword can help catch these variations.

3. Can I block an entire domain in Yahoo Mail?

Yes. Add @domainname.com in the Blocked Addresses section to block all emails from that domain.

4. Does blocking an email delete old messages?

No. Blocking prevents future messages but does not delete previously received ones.

5. Can I unblock someone later?

Yes. Go to Settings → More Settings → Security and Privacy, then delete the address from the Blocked list.

6. Is marking as spam the same as blocking?

No. Spam marking trains Yahoo’s algorithm, while blocking manually prevents emails from specific addresses.

7. What’s the difference between Yahoo’s spam filter and manual blocking?

Spam filters work automatically using behavior analysis; manual blocking gives you direct control over specific senders.

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