The fastest way to block an email sender
The simplest method across all email services is to open the unwanted email, find the block or report option (usually a three-dot menu or a "More" button), and select "Block sender" or "Block this contact". The sender's future emails go straight to spam or a blocked folder, and you won't see notifications. On most services, blocking takes effect when ready.
If you cannot find the block option in your email's main menu, look for a small arrow or three dots next to the sender's name at the top of the email. That menu almost always contains the block function. The exact wording and location differ between Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail, but the outcome is the same: that sender's messages stop reaching your inbox.
Key Takeaways
- Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail all have a block sender option accessible from the email itself, usually in a menu next to the sender's name.
- Blocked senders' emails typically go to your spam or junk folder rather than disappearing entirely, so you can review them later if needed.
- Blocking works on the email address itself, so if a sender uses a different address, you will need to block that one separately.
- You can unblock a sender at any time by finding them in your blocked list and removing them.
How to block a sender in Gmail
Open the email from the sender you want to block. At the top right of the email, click the three dots (the "More" menu). A dropdown list appears. Click "Block [sender's name]" or "Report spam". Gmail moves that sender's future emails to your spam folder automatically.
If you want to block a sender without opening their email, you can also right-click the sender's name in your inbox list and select "Block" from the context menu. Either method produces the same result: Gmail remembers that address and filters it out.
To see your blocked senders list in Gmail, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), click "See all settings", then go to the "Filters and Blocked Addresses" tab. You will see every address you have blocked and can unblock any of them by clicking the "unblock" link next to their name.
How to block a sender in Outlook
Open the email from the sender you want to block. At the top of the email, click "Junk" (or the trash/block icon, depending on your Outlook version). A menu appears with options including "Block Sender". Click it. Outlook sends that sender's future emails to your Junk folder.
In Outlook on the web, the Junk button is usually near the top of the email. In Outlook desktop (Windows or Mac), it is in the toolbar. If you do not see a Junk button, look for a three-dot menu at the top right of the email and select "Junk" from there.
To review your blocked senders in Outlook, go to Settings (the gear icon), then "View all Outlook settings". Click "Mail", then "Junk email". You will see a list of blocked addresses and can remove any by clicking the X next to their name.
How to block a sender in Apple Mail
Open the email from the sender you want to block. Click the sender's name or email address at the top of the email. A small menu or card appears. Look for an option that says "Block Contact" or a three-dot menu with more options. Click "Block Contact". Apple Mail moves that sender's future emails to your Junk folder.
On an iPhone or iPad, open the email, tap the sender's name at the top, then tap "Block this Contact" from the menu that appears. On a Mac, the process is the same: click the sender's name and select the block option from the popup.
To unblock a sender in Apple Mail on a Mac, go to Mail menu > Preferences > Junk Mail. Click the "Reset" button to clear your blocked list, or manage individual blocked addresses through your Contacts app by finding the contact and removing the "blocked" status.
What happens after you block a sender
Blocked senders' emails do not disappear — they go to your spam or junk folder instead. This means you can still find them later if you need to, but they will not clutter your inbox or trigger notifications. You will not see a notification that an email from a blocked sender arrived.
Blocking works on the specific email address you blocked. If the same person sends you an email from a different address, that new email will reach your inbox normally. You would need to block that address separately. This is why blocking is most effective against automated spam; people who want to contact you can often find another way.
Unblocking a sender if you change your mind
All three services let you unblock a sender by visiting your blocked list and removing them. In Gmail, go to Settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses and click "unblock" next to the sender's name. In Outlook, go to Settings > Junk email and click the X next to their address. In Apple Mail on Mac, manage blocked contacts through your Contacts app.
Once you unblock a sender, their future emails will reach your inbox normally again. Unblocking does not retrieve old emails they sent while they were blocked — those remain in your spam folder unless you move them manually.
When to block versus when to report spam
Blocking a sender stops their emails from reaching you, but reporting them as spam also tells your email service that the sender is problematic. If many people report the same sender, the email service may block them for everyone. Use "Report spam" for unsolicited bulk emails, phishing attempts, or obvious scams. Use "Block" for legitimate senders whose emails you straightforward do not want to see.
Some email services combine these actions — clicking "Block" automatically reports the sender as spam. Check your email service's documentation if you want to know whether blocking and reporting are separate actions or the same action with different names.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked sender tell that I blocked them?
No. When you block a sender, they do not receive any notification. Their emails straightforward go to your spam folder instead of your inbox. They have no way of knowing you blocked them unless you tell them.
What if a blocked sender uses a different email address?
Blocking works on individual email addresses, not on people. If the same sender uses a different address, that email will reach your inbox normally. You can block multiple addresses from the same person by blocking each one separately as they arrive.
Can I block an entire domain instead of just one email address?
Gmail and Outlook allow you to create filters that block all emails from a domain (for example, all addresses ending in @example.com). In Gmail, go to Settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses and create a new filter with the domain in the "From" field. In Outlook, use the Junk email settings to add the domain to your blocked list. Apple Mail does not have a built-in domain-blocking feature.
Will blocking a sender stop text messages or calls from them?
No. Email blocking only affects email. If you want to block someone's phone number or text messages, you need to use your phone's built-in blocking feature, which is separate from email blocking.
Can I block an email without opening it?
Yes. In Gmail and Outlook, you can right-click a sender's name in your inbox list and select "Block" from the menu. In Apple Mail, you can select an email in the list and use the block option from the toolbar or menu. You do not have to open the email first.