How to Block Emails on iPhone: Stop Spam and Unwanted Messages

If your inbox is constantly filled with unwanted newsletters, spam, or messages from senders you no longer want to hear from, you’re not alone. Email is a powerful tool, but without control, it becomes digital noise.

This guide explains exactly how to block emails on iPhone with clear, verified steps. Whether you're using the built-in Apple Mail app or a third-party provider like Gmail or Outlook, you’ll learn how to reduce email clutter and protect your focus.

How to Block Emails on iPhone Using Apple Mail

The Apple Mail app allows you to block senders directly from the message itself.

Steps:

• Open the Mail app
• Tap the email from the sender you want to block
• Tap the sender’s name at the top of the message
• Tap their name again in the contact card that appears
• Tap Block this Contact
• Confirm by tapping Block Contact

What this does:

• Future emails from this sender will be automatically moved to Trash
• You won’t receive notifications from blocked senders

✅ Use this for newsletters, promotions, or any repeat sender you no longer want to engage with.

You can also read: How to Block Text Messages on iPhone

How to Unblock a Contact in Apple Mail (if needed)

Steps:

• Open Settings
• Scroll down and tap Mail
• Tap Blocked
• Swipe left on the contact you want to unblock
• Tap Unblock

This is useful if you ever block someone by mistake or change your mind later.

How to Block Emails on iPhone Using Gmail App

If you use the Gmail app on your iPhone, blocking is just as simple.

Steps:

• Open the Gmail app
• Tap the email from the sender you want to block
• Tap the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner of the message
• Tap Block [Sender Name]

What this does:

• Future messages from this sender will go to your Spam folder
• You will not receive push notifications from that sender

✅ This is effective for aggressive marketing emails or repeat spam accounts.

How to Block Emails on iPhone Using Outlook App

For users with Outlook email on iPhone:

Steps:

• Open the Outlook app
• Tap the email from the unwanted sender
• Tap the three dots (•••) in the top-right or next to the sender’s name
• Tap Move to Spam or Report
• Some versions also offer Block Sender

What this does:

• Moves future emails from the sender to Junk or Spam
• Helps Outlook learn and filter similar messages in the future

Additional Tip: Use VIP and Focus Filters to Prioritize Important Emails

If you receive many emails each day, consider setting up VIP contacts in Apple Mail. This allows you to only receive notifications from important senders while ignoring everything else.

Steps:

• Open Mail
• Tap the sender’s name
• Tap Add to VIP

You can then adjust notifications to only alert you for VIP emails. This is especially helpful during focused work sessions.

You can also read: How to Block Any App on iPhone

Use Jolt to Help You Stay Focused During Email-Free Blocks

Blocking spam helps. But even useful emails can become a form of distraction when you check your inbox out of habit, not intention. Every quick glance at your email app can interrupt deep work, shift your focus, and waste more mental energy than you realize.

Jolt helps you protect your attention by creating clear, email-free blocks in your day. It gives structure to your focus and prevents emails from fragmenting your concentration.

With Jolt, you can:

• Block access to email apps like Mail, Gmail, and Outlook during key focus hours
• Limit how many times you open your email app each day, which reduces reactive checking
• Create focused sessions where email is excluded by design
• Add a short delay before reopening a blocked app to help interrupt impulsive behavior
• Track your sessions and streaks to build consistency over time

These are not reminders. These are boundaries.

Jolt turns your plan into practice. It helps you decide when email deserves your attention — and when your work deserves more.

Checkout our blog on: Blocking Guides on Apps

Final Thought

You don’t have to accept an inbox full of noise.

You can block what doesn’t matter. You can filter what does. And with the right tools, you can keep your attention where it belongs.

Now that you know how to block emails on iPhone, take a few minutes today to clean up your inbox. Future you will thank you.

Checkout Jolt App for iPhone

FAQs: How to Block Emails on iPhone

1. How do I block someone from emailing me on iPhone?
   Open the Mail app, tap the email, then tap the sender's name. Tap it again in the contact card, select "Block this Contact," and confirm. Future emails from this sender go directly to Trash. 
    
2. Can I block spam emails in the Apple Mail app?
   Yes. Use the built-in "Block Contact" feature. You can also mark emails as junk to train your Mail app to filter future messages more accurately.
    
3. Does blocking a sender stop their emails completely?
   Blocked senders will still be able to send emails, but those emails are automatically moved to Trash or Junk, and you won’t receive notifications for them.
    
4. How do I block emails in Gmail on iPhone?
   Open the Gmail app, tap the message, tap the three dots in the corner, then tap "Block [Sender Name]." Future messages from this sender will go to Spam.
    
5. Can I use Jolt to block access to email apps?
   Yes. Jolt lets you block apps like Mail, Gmail, or Outlook during focused sessions. You can also limit how many times you open these apps daily and add intentional delays to stop compulsive checking.
    
6. How can I stop checking my email too often?
   Use screen time limits, disable notifications, and create protected blocks of time where email is not accessible. Tools like Jolt add structure to this process by enforcing limits and removing frictionless access.