How to Block Emails and Stop Spam in Gmail and Outlook

TL;DR: In Gmail, open a message, click the three-dot More menu next to Reply and choose Block; future mail from that sender goes to Spam. In Outlook, right-click the message (or use the ... menu) and choose Block or Block sender. Report junk as spam so filters learn, unsubscribe only from real companies you recognise, and report fraud to the FTC or your national agency. Lots of spam usually means your address has leaked, so check where.

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Block a sender in Gmail

From Gmail Help, on a computer:

Open a message from the sender.
Click More (three dots) next to Reply, top right.
Choose Block “sender”.

“After you block the sender, all future emails from them go to Spam.” To undo it, open Settings, See all settings, Filters and Blocked Addresses. In the Gmail app the same Block option sits in the three-dot menu on the message.

For newsletters you signed up for, use Gmail's unsubscribe option instead of blocking.

Block a sender in Outlook

Select the message.
Right-click it, or use the ... (More actions) menu.
Choose Block, then Block sender.

Microsoft's Outlook help page also covers managing your Blocked senders list under Settings, Mail, Junk email, where you can block whole domains.

Block vs spam vs phishing

Block when one sender keeps bothering you.
Report spam for bulk junk, so the filter learns for everyone.
Report phishing when a message impersonates a bank, delivery firm or service and asks for details or payment. Never click links in those. Our phishing statistics show why this matters.

The FTC's tips for getting less spam

The FTC's guide recommends using your provider's filter, blocking addresses and whole domains, checking privacy policies before handing over your email, using your provider's unsubscribe banner, keeping devices free of malware, and reporting spam to your provider and to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

One caution: an unsubscribe link in an obvious scam email just confirms your address is live. Only unsubscribe from companies you recognise; block and report the rest.

Why you get so much spam

Spam lists are built from leaked and sold addresses. If spam suddenly jumps, your address may have turned up in a breach. Read what to do if your email appears in a data breach, and if someone got into the account, follow email account hacked: what to do.

To stop it happening again, sign up with email aliases so you can switch off any address that starts getting spam. For junk post and sales calls in the UK, see the TPS and Mailing Preference Service.

A free email exposure check shows exactly which breaches your email appears in, in about 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I block an email in Gmail?

Open the message, click the three-dot More menu next to Reply and choose Block. Future emails from that sender go to Spam.

Where do blocked emails go in Gmail?

To your Spam folder. Gmail Help says all future emails from a blocked sender go to Spam.

How do I block emails in Outlook?

Select the message, right-click or open the More actions menu, and choose Block, then Block sender. Manage the list under Settings, Mail, Junk email.

Should I click unsubscribe on spam?

Only for companies you recognise. On obvious scam emails, unsubscribing can confirm your address is active, so block and report instead.

Why am I suddenly getting so much spam?

Often because your address appeared in a data breach or was sold. Check whether your email is in known breaches and change any reused passwords.