How to block unwanted emails?

Whether it's Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Hotmail, in 2022, it's highly likely that you've all had an email account—sometimes referred to by the rather charming name of webmail—for quite some time. And like everyone with an email account, you've probably woken up to spam in your inbox at some point.

So yes, I agree, we're all the same, and quite frankly, who likes receiving spam in their mailbox? I can see some of you at the back of the room looking at me strangely, as if to say: "I should know what this is, or have I missed something... what is spam?".

What is spam?

Well, spam, my dear friend, is the unwanted email you receive in your mailbox without, by definition, having asked for anything from anyone…

So why is this a problem? Simply because unsolicited emails can contain malware, be used as phishing tools – meaning an open door to web scams – or simply clutter your inbox with newsletters you don't want or no longer want… As a reminder, nearly 85% of emails sent are spam, which represents approximately 120 billion messages per day.

How can I avoid receiving unwanted emails?

And you're right to ask the question, because before even wondering how to block unwanted messages in your email inbox, you might as well wonder how to avoid receiving them altogether. So follow these few tips:

1. When browsing a website, always read the fine print of the terms and conditions. You might unintentionally leave a box checked to automatically subscribe to a newsletter or other promotional email. So before proceeding, uncheck those boxes.

2. Trust only verified senders. If you voluntarily choose to receive newsletters and other promotional messages, make sure they come from reputable brands. Trustworthy companies don't spam their subscribers and are less likely to be involved in a data breach.

3. Never reply to suspicious messages. You might be tempted to respond to enticing emails that try to make you believe you've won a prize, or to senders pretending to be your bank who explain they need your credit card PIN to verify your identity, even though you haven't requested it: do absolutely nothing and don't even try to click on the email subject line. These are, in any case, spammers trying to abuse your trust to steal money and/or sensitive information.

4. Don't write to spammers asking them to stop sending you messages. It's better not to agitate them.

This article might interest you: 4 simple tips to secure your Gmail inbox

How to block unwanted emails?

Want to know how to effectively block future unwanted emails arriving in your inbox? Follow the guide!

How to block emails on Gmail?

Via the Web Browser

1. Click on the message from the sender you want to block
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner
3. Select "Block"

Via the Application

1. Open the email from the sender you want to block
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner
3. Select "Block sender"

How to block emails on Hotmail?

1. "Home" > "Settings" > "View all Outlook settings"
2. "Email" > "Junk Mail" > "Filters"
3. Type the sender's name in the "Blocked Senders" field

How to block emails on Outlook?

Via the Web Browser

1. Open the message from the sender you want to block
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner
3. " To block "

Via the Application

1. Open an email from the person you want to block
2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner
3. "Move to Spam".

Via the Office

1. Right-click on the email address of the person you want to block
2. "Junk mail" > "Block sender".

How to block emails on Yahoo?

Via the Web Browser

1. Open an email from the sender you want to block
2. Click on the three dots at the top of the email
3. "Block the sender"

Via the Application

1. Tap the menu icon in the top left corner
2. “Tools” > “Filters”.
3. Press the “+” in the top right corner
4. Choose a name for the new anti-spam filter
5. Enter the email address you wish to block in the "Sender" field

How to block emails on iPhone?

1. Open the “Mail” app
2. Open an email from the sender you want to block
3. Tap the sender's name
4. Tap the email address shown in the header
5. "Block this contact.".
6. Confirm

Other tips to avoid receiving unwanted mail in your mailbox

Use a disposable email address

Another technique used by tech enthusiasts is to use a separate email address when signing up for new websites. This is called a disposable email address , and it's not linked to your personal accounts. If its security is compromised, you can simply abandon this email address; it won't pose a risk to your other online accounts.

Do not reveal your private email address on public domain websites or social media groups

Bots, spammers, and scanners are always on the lookout for easily accessible email addresses online. If you still wish to publish your email address on social media, you can limit who can see it to only certain contacts.

Get yourself some cybersecurity software

The most secure barrier known to date, cybersecurity software is capable of proactively sending you alerts and protecting all aspects of your digital life, especially your webmail.

Read also: Gmail: Disconnect your account remotely to protect your privacy

What is cold email?

A tip for writing a cold email ? Advertising professionals, like those in the IT sector, believe in the power of cold emailing. Discover why it's important.

A cold email is an initial email sent to an unknown recipient – ​​so maybe you – with the aim of gaining a business advantage.

In short, when you send an email to someone you don't know for a specific reason, it's called cold emailing. The goal of these emails is to build a relationship with the prospect – a potential future customer – and move them through what's known as a sales funnel.

A quick and easy example of a cold email might be the one in your inbox right now. Someone specializing in a particular field may have contacted you for a product demonstration or wanted to get in touch for some other reason.