Outlook’s blocked senders list automatically filters unwanted messages into your junk folder before you see them. If you’re wondering how to block email address on outlook, you’ve come to the right place. This guide walks you through every method—whether you’re on desktop, web, or mobile.
How To Block Email Address On Outlook
Blocking an email address in Outlook is a simple process that stops messages from that sender from reaching your inbox. Instead, they go straight to your Junk Email folder. You can do this from the desktop app, Outlook.com, or the mobile app.
Block An Email Address In Outlook Desktop (Windows & Mac)
For Windows users, the steps are slightly different than for Mac. We’ll cover both.
On Windows (Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, Microsoft 365)
- Open Outlook and select the email from the sender you want to block.
- On the Home tab, find the Delete group.
- Click Junk and then select Block Sender.
- A confirmation message appears. Click OK.
That’s it. All future emails from that address will go to your Junk Email folder. You can also block an address without opening the email by right-clicking the message in your inbox and choosing Junk > Block Sender.
On Mac (Outlook for Mac)
- Select the email from the sender you want to block.
- On the top menu, click Message.
- Choose Block > Block Sender.
- Click Block in the confirmation dialog.
Alternatively, right-click the email and select Block Sender from the context menu.
Block An Email Address On Outlook.com (Web Version)
If you use Outlook on the web, the process is just as easy. Here’s how to block an email address on Outlook.com:
- Sign in to Outlook.com in your browser.
- Open the email from the sender you want to block.
- Click the three dots (More actions) in the top-right corner of the message.
- Select Block from the dropdown menu.
- Click Block again to confirm.
You can also block a sender from the reading pane. Just hover over the sender’s name, click the dropdown arrow, and choose Block.
Block An Email Address In The Outlook Mobile App (IOS & Android)
Blocking on your phone is quick. The steps are similar for both iPhone and Android.
- Open the Outlook app and tap the email from the sender you want to block.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select Block Sender.
- Tap Block to confirm.
On Android, you can also long-press the email in your inbox and tap Block from the menu that appears.
How To Unblock An Email Address In Outlook
Made a mistake or changed your mind? Unblocking is just as straightforward. Here’s how to undo a block.
Unblock On Outlook Desktop (Windows)
- Go to the Home tab and click Junk > Junk Email Options.
- Click the Blocked Senders tab.
- Select the address you want to unblock and click Remove.
- Click OK to save.
Unblock On Outlook.com
- Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
- Select View all Outlook settings.
- Go to Mail > Junk email.
- Under Blocked senders and domains, click the trash icon next to the address you want to unblock.
- Click Save.
Unblock On Outlook Mobile
There’s no direct unblock option in the mobile app. You’ll need to use the web version or desktop app to remove an address from your blocked list.
How To Block A Domain In Outlook
Sometimes you want to block an entire domain (like @spamcompany.com) instead of just one address. Here’s how.
Block A Domain On Outlook Desktop
- Go to Home > Junk > Junk Email Options.
- Click the Blocked Senders tab.
- Click Add.
- Enter the domain name (e.g., @spamcompany.com) in the field.
- Click OK and then OK again.
Block A Domain On Outlook.com
- Go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Junk email.
- Under Blocked senders and domains, enter the domain in the field.
- Click the plus icon to add it.
- Click Save.
How To Block Email Address On Outlook Using Rules
Rules give you more control. You can block emails based on subject, sender, or even keywords. Here’s a simple rule to block a specific address.
Create A Rule In Outlook Desktop
- Right-click the email from the sender you want to block.
- Select Rules > Create Rule.
- Check the box From [sender’s name].
- Check Move the item to folder and select Junk Email (or create a new folder).
- Click OK.
Create A Rule In Outlook.com
- Click the gear icon and select View all Outlook settings.
- Go to Mail > Rules.
- Click Add new rule.
- Name your rule (e.g., “Block Spam”).
- Under Add a condition, choose From and enter the email address.
- Under Add an action, choose Move to and select Junk Email.
- Click Save.
Common Issues When Blocking Email Addresses In Outlook
Sometimes blocking doesn’t work as expected. Here are a few problems and fixes.
Blocked Emails Still Appear In Inbox
This can happen if the sender uses a different address or if your junk filter settings are too low. Check your Junk Email Options and make sure the filter is set to Low or High. Also, verify the address is correctly listed under Blocked Senders.
Can’t Block Sender On Outlook Mobile
The mobile app only blocks from within an email. If the option is grayed out, try updating the app or using the web version instead.
Blocked Sender List Is Full
Outlook has a limit on how many addresses you can block. If you hit the limit, remove some old entries before adding new ones.
Tips For Managing Blocked Senders In Outlook
- Review your blocked list every few months to remove outdated addresses.
- Use domain blocking for persistent spam from the same company.
- Combine blocking with rules for better control.
- Report phishing emails to Microsoft to improve their filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Block An Email Address On Outlook Without Opening The Email?
Right-click the email in your inbox, go to Junk, and select Block Sender. This works in the desktop app and Outlook.com.
Can I Block An Email Address On Outlook For Free?
Yes, blocking senders is a free feature in all versions of Outlook, including the free Outlook.com account.
Will The Sender Know I Blocked Them?
No, Outlook does not notify the sender. Their messages will simply go to your junk folder without any bounce-back.
How Do I Block Multiple Email Addresses At Once In Outlook?
You can’t block multiple addresses in one action. You’ll need to add each one individually to your blocked senders list. Using rules can help automate this for similar addresses.
What Happens To Emails From Blocked Senders In Outlook?
They are automatically moved to your Junk Email folder. You can still see them there if you want, but they won’t clutter your inbox.
Final Thoughts On Blocking Email Addresses In Outlook
Knowing how to block email address on outlook is a key skill for keeping your inbox clean. Whether you use the desktop app, web version, or mobile app, the process is simple and effective. Start by blocking individual senders, then move on to domains and rules for more control. Check your blocked list occasionally to keep it up to date. With these steps, you’ll spend less time deleting spam and more time on what matters.