Where Outlook stores your blocked messages
When you block an email address in Outlook, the messages don't disappear — they move to a folder called Junk Email. You can open this folder at any time to see what you've blocked, read the messages if you change your mind, or permanently delete them. The folder sits in your folder list on the left side of Outlook, below your Inbox.
On the web version of Outlook (Outlook.com or Outlook on the web), the Junk folder appears in the same left sidebar. On the desktop version of Outlook (the program you read), it's in the same place. On Outlook mobile apps, you may need to tap a menu icon to see all folders, but Junk is always there.
Key Takeaways
- Blocked emails go to your Junk Email folder, where you can read or delete them without them reaching your Inbox.
- You can unblock a sender by removing them from your blocked list in Outlook settings, after which their future emails will arrive normally.
- The Junk folder is separate from Deleted Items — messages there stay until you empty the folder or they auto-delete after 30 days.
- You can move a blocked email back to your Inbox if you decide to stop blocking that sender.
How to open your Junk Email folder and see blocked messages
In Outlook on the web or desktop, look for Junk Email in your folder list on the left. Click it once. All messages from addresses you've blocked will appear in the main window, listed by sender and date, just like your Inbox.
If you don't see a Junk Email folder, it may be hidden. In Outlook on the web, click the three dots next to your folder list and select Show folders. In Outlook desktop, right-click in the folder list and choose Show in Folder Pane. The Junk folder should then appear.
On Outlook mobile (iPhone, Android, or Windows Phone), tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top left, then scroll down to find Junk. Tap it to see blocked messages.
Reading a blocked email without unblocking the sender
You can open and read any message in your Junk folder without changing your block status. Click the message to open it, read the content, and then close it. The sender remains blocked — their future emails will still go to Junk.
This is useful if you blocked someone by mistake, want to check what they sent before deciding whether to keep the block, or need to retrieve information from a message you blocked. Reading it doesn't undo the block.
Moving a blocked email back to your Inbox
If you want a specific message from a blocked sender to appear in your Inbox, right-click the message in your Junk folder and select Move. Choose Inbox from the menu. The message moves, but the sender remains blocked — only that one email is affected.
On mobile, open the message, tap the three dots or menu icon, and look for a Move option. Select Inbox. Again, this moves only that message; the sender stays blocked for all future emails.
Unblocking a sender so their emails reach your Inbox again
To stop blocking someone entirely, you need to remove them from your blocked senders list in Outlook settings. In Outlook on the web, click the gear icon (Settings) at the top right, then select View all Outlook settings. Go to Mail > Junk email. You'll see a list of blocked senders. Find the address you want to unblock, click the trash icon next to it, and confirm.
In Outlook desktop, click File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Safe Senders & Block List. Click the Blocked Senders tab. Select the address you want to unblock and click Remove.
On mobile, the process varies by device. In Outlook for iPhone, go to Settings > Mail > Blocked Senders, swipe left on the sender you want to unblock, and tap Delete. On Android, tap Settings > Blocked Senders, long-press the sender, and select Remove.
Once you remove someone from your blocked list, their emails will arrive in your Inbox normally starting with the next message they send.
What happens to blocked emails over time
Messages in your Junk folder stay there until you delete them manually or until Outlook automatically removes them. Outlook keeps Junk messages for 30 days by default, then deletes them permanently. You can change this setting in Outlook options if you want to keep them longer.
If you permanently delete a message from Junk (by selecting it and pressing Delete), it goes to your Deleted Items folder. From there, it stays for another 30 days before Outlook removes it completely. You can recover it during that window if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see who I've blocked without opening the Junk folder?
Yes. Go to your blocked senders list in Outlook settings. In Outlook on the web, click Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Junk email. In Outlook desktop, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Safe Senders & Block List > Blocked Senders tab. This shows all addresses you've blocked, whether or not they've sent you messages.
If I unblock someone, will their old messages move back to my Inbox?
No. Unblocking only affects future emails from that sender. Messages already in your Junk folder stay there. If you want to see an old message, you must move it manually from Junk to Inbox before or after unblocking.
What's the difference between Junk Email and Deleted Items?
Junk Email holds messages from blocked senders and suspected spam. Deleted Items holds messages you've manually deleted from any folder. Both auto-delete after 30 days, but they're separate folders. Blocked emails don't go to Deleted Items unless you delete them from Junk.
Can I block someone without their emails going to Junk?
No. In Outlook, blocking an address automatically sends that sender's messages to Junk. The two actions are linked. If you want to receive emails from someone but organize them differently, use a rule or folder instead of blocking.
Will a blocked sender know I've blocked them?
No. Outlook doesn't send any notification to a blocked sender. They won't receive a bounce-back message or any indication that you've blocked them. Their emails straightforward arrive in your Junk folder instead of your Inbox.