Filter spam and unwanted mail: clean up your inbox

Is your inbox overflowing with unwanted emails? Learn how to filter spam and clean up your email effectively.

How spam filters work

Email services like Gmail and Outlook automatically filter most spam. They analyze:

• Sender reputation
• Email content and links
• Sending patterns
• User reports

Gmail spam management

Report spam

• Select the email
• Click the "Report spam" button (exclamation mark)
• Gmail learns from your reports

Unsubscribe from newsletters

• Open the email
• Click "Unsubscribe" link at the top (if available)
• Or scroll to the bottom of the email

Block senders

• Open the email
• Click the three dots (more options)
• Select "Block [sender name]"

Outlook spam management

Mark as junk

• Right-click the email
• Select "Junk" → "Block Sender"

Safe senders list

• Go to Settings → Mail → Junk email
• Add trusted addresses to "Safe senders"

Tips to reduce spam

• Never reply to spam (confirms your address is active)
• Don't click unsubscribe in obvious spam
• Use a separate email for online shopping
• Be careful where you share your email address
• Consider email aliases for signups

Check your spam folder

Sometimes legitimate emails end up in spam. Check your spam folder regularly and mark good emails as "Not spam" to train the filter.