The fastest way to block an email depends on which email service you use

Most email services let you block a sender in two or three clicks. In Gmail, open the email, click the three dots in the top right, and select "Block [sender]". In Outlook, right-click the email and choose "Junk" then "Block Sender". In Apple Mail, click the sender's name and select "Block Contact". Once you block someone, their emails go straight to spam or a blocked folder, and you won't see notifications from them.

The exact steps change depending on whether you use a web browser or a phone app, and whether you're on Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, or another service. The principle is the same: find the email, open the menu, and select block. Most services also let you block a sender before opening their email — just right-click it in your inbox.

Key Takeaways

  • Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and Apple Mail all have built-in block features accessible from the email itself or from the sender's name.
  • Blocked emails typically go to your spam or junk folder instead of your inbox, and you receive no notification when they arrive.
  • Blocking works only for that exact email address — if someone uses a different address, you will need to block that one separately.
  • If blocking does not stop the emails, the sender may be using multiple addresses, and you may need to report them as spam instead.

How to block in Gmail

Open the email from the sender you want to block. Click the three vertical dots (the menu icon) in the top right corner of the email. Select "Block [sender's name]" from the dropdown menu. Gmail will move that sender's future emails to spam automatically.

If you want to block someone without opening their email, hover over the email in your inbox, click the three dots that appear on the right side of that row, and select "Block [sender]". You can also block a sender by clicking their name or email address at the top of an email and selecting "Block" from the options that appear.

How to block in Outlook (web and desktop)

In Outlook on the web, open the email and click the three dots in the top toolbar. Select "Junk" and then "Block Sender". In Outlook desktop (Windows or Mac), right-click the email in your inbox and hover over "Junk" to see the submenu, then click "Block Sender". Outlook will send future emails from that address to your Junk folder.

You can also block someone from your contacts. Open your contacts, find the person, click the three dots next to their name, and select "Block Contact". This prevents them from emailing you and removes them from your suggested contacts.

How to block in Yahoo Mail and Apple Mail

In Yahoo Mail, open the email and click the three dots in the toolbar. Select "Block sender" from the menu. In Apple Mail on Mac, click the sender's name or email address and select "Block Contact" from the dropdown. On iPhone or iPad, open the email, tap the sender's name at the top, and select "Block this Contact".

Both services move blocked emails to spam or a blocked folder. Apple Mail also prevents the blocked contact from seeing your read receipts or knowing when you are online if you use iCloud Mail.

What happens after you block someone

Once you block a sender, their emails go to your spam or junk folder automatically. You will not see them in your inbox, and most services do not send you a notification when a blocked sender emails you. The blocked sender does not receive a message saying they have been blocked — their email straightforward goes through, but you do not see it.

Blocking is not permanent. If you change your mind, you can unblock the sender by going to your spam folder, finding one of their emails, and selecting "Not spam" or "Unblock sender". This moves them back to your normal inbox and stops the automatic blocking.

When blocking does not work

If you block someone and keep receiving emails from them, they are likely using different email addresses. Block each new address as it appears. If the emails are coming from many different addresses that seem random or automated, report them as spam instead of blocking individual addresses — this helps your email service identify the pattern and stop them at the server level.

Some email services also let you create filters or rules that automatically delete emails containing certain words or from certain domains. In Gmail, you can create a filter by clicking the three dots on an email, selecting "Filter messages like this", and choosing what to do with matching emails. This is more powerful than blocking if you are receiving spam from many addresses in the same domain.

Blocking on phone apps versus web browsers

The block feature works the same way on phone apps as it does on the web, but the menu locations differ slightly. On Gmail's phone app, swipe left on an email (iPhone) or long-press it (Android), then tap the block icon. On Outlook's phone app, swipe left on the email and tap "Junk", then "Block Sender". On Yahoo Mail's app, swipe left and tap "Block".

If you block someone on your phone, they are blocked across all your devices — the block syncs to the web version and any other devices you use. You do not need to block the same person twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the person I block know I blocked them?

No. The blocked sender does not receive any notification. Their email goes through normally on their end, but it lands in your spam folder instead of your inbox. They have no way to know you blocked them unless you tell them.

Can I block an entire domain or company?

Blocking works only for individual email addresses. If you want to block all emails from a domain (like @example.com), use filters or rules instead. In Gmail, create a filter for emails from that domain and set it to skip inbox or delete. In Outlook, create a rule that moves emails from that domain to junk.

What if I block someone by mistake?

You can unblock them anytime. Find one of their emails in your spam or blocked folder, open it, and select "Not spam" or "Unblock sender". They will then be removed from your blocked list and their future emails will go to your inbox normally.

Does blocking stop someone from seeing my email address?

No. Blocking only stops their emails from reaching your inbox. If they have your email address, they can still send you messages — you just will not see them. Blocking does not hide your address from them or prevent them from finding you elsewhere.

Should I block or report as spam?

Block individual senders you know personally or recognize. Report as spam for unsolicited bulk emails, phishing attempts, or emails from many different addresses. Reporting spam helps your email service improve its filters for all users, while blocking is just for you.