Below are the exact steps for Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, Apple Mail on the Mac and the iPhone, followed by why some spam still gets through and how to spot the messages that are scams rather than junk. For blocking, unsubscribing and the rest of inbox upkeep, see our guide to managing your inbox.

Spam, phishing or a newsletter? Each needs a different fix

Most "spam" is one of three things, and the right action depends on which.

Don't use the unsubscribe link in mail from a sender you don't recognize. CISA warns that unsubscribe options in spam are often just a way to collect working addresses, and Yahoo advises never replying to ask to be removed. Clicking or replying tells the sender a real person reads your inbox.

How to stop spam in Gmail

Gmail's filter is on for every account. Your job is to report what gets past it, because Google says that as you report more spam, Gmail gets better at catching similar mail.

Report spam

• On a computer: select one or more emails, then click Report spam at the top.
• In the Android or iPhone app: open the email, tap More (three dots) at the top right, then tap Report spam. To report several at once, tap each sender's profile picture to select them first.

Reported mail moves to Spam, and later emails from the same sender may go straight there. Gmail deletes anything in Spam after 30 days. If you report something by mistake, open Spam, select it and click Not spam.

Report phishing

If an email asks for a password, payment or personal details, report it as phishing, not spam. On a computer, open the message, click More next to Reply, then Report phishing. Google documents this option for Gmail on a computer.

Block a sender

Open an email from the sender, click (or tap) More next to Reply, then Block "sender". This works on a computer and in both apps. Everything they send afterwards goes to Spam. You can review the list on a computer under Settings > See all settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses.

Gmail's block works on single addresses. To catch a whole domain, use a filter, as below. Our step-by-step guide covers how to block emails in every app, including domains.

Filter what keeps slipping through

1. On a computer, click Show search options in the search bar.
2. Enter what the spam has in common: a domain in the From field (for example @example.com) or words that keep appearing.
3. Click Create filter, choose Delete it or a label, then click Create filter again.

Filters only apply to new mail and run only on the computer version, though they then work in every app. Choose a label rather than Delete until you're sure the filter isn't catching mail you need. Our guide to creating rules and filters in Gmail has more examples.

How to stop spam in Outlook and Outlook.com

The steps depend on which Outlook you have. Outlook.com, Hotmail and the new Outlook for Windows share one set of settings. Classic Outlook for Windows has its own.

Report junk or phishing

• Outlook.com, Outlook on the web and the new Outlook: select the message, then choose Report > Report junk or Report > Report phishing above the reading pane.
• Outlook for iPhone and Android: open the email, tap ⋮ at the top right, tap Report Junk, then choose Junk, Phishing or Block Sender.
• Classic Outlook (Microsoft 365): recent versions have the same Report button on the Home tab.

One catch on Outlook.com: Microsoft says reporting a message as phishing reports the sender but doesn't block them. If they keep writing, block them too.

Block senders and whole domains

1. Go to Settings > Mail > Junk email.
2. Type an address under Blocked senders, or a domain under Blocked domains, and select Add.
3. Select Save.

Blocked mail goes to the Junk Email folder, and the list holds up to 10,000 addresses and domains. In classic Outlook, right-click a message and choose Block > Block Sender, or manage the list under Home > Block > Junk E-mail Options > Blocked Senders.

Two things to know. Outlook empties Junk automatically (Microsoft's help pages say 14 days in one place and 30 in another), so check it for real mail every week or so. And the new Outlook for Windows can't block senders for Gmail, Yahoo or iCloud accounts you've added to it; Microsoft says to block those in the provider's own settings. Our Hotmail spam filter guide covers safe senders and inbox rules in more detail.

How to stop spam in Yahoo Mail

• Report spam on the web: select the email and click Mark as spam. Future mail from that sender goes to the Spam folder.
• Report spam in the app: open the email (or tap Edit to select several), tap More, then Mark as spam.
• Block an address: on the web, click More below your folders, then Settings > Security and Privacy. Under "Blocked addresses", click Add, enter the address and click Save. You can block up to 1,000 addresses.

When you mark a message from a mailing list Yahoo trusts as spam, it offers to unsubscribe you instead. For a company you signed up with, that's the better choice. Yahoo also asks you to report spam in its own apps or website rather than in other email apps, because its filter learns from those reports.

How to stop spam in Apple Mail on the Mac

Apple Mail has its own junk filter on top of your provider's. Check that it's on: choose Mail > Settings, click Junk Mail and make sure Enable junk mail filtering is selected. Then pick Move it to the Junk mailbox once you trust it.

• Mark as junk: select the message and click the Junk button in the toolbar. Each time you mark something junk or not junk, the filter improves.
• Block a sender: select a message, move the pointer next to the sender's name in the header, click the arrow and choose Block Sender. You can block up to 3,000 senders.
• Send blocked mail to the Trash: in Mail > Settings > Junk Mail > Blocked, choose Move it to the Trash.

Even with Mail's filter off, your provider may still move mail to Junk on the server. Our guide to junk mail filtering in Mac Mail explains how the two filters interact and what the advanced options do.

On iCloud.com, select the message, click More and choose Move Message to Junk. iCloud deletes mail in Junk after 30 days, and mail from your contacts or people you've recently written to doesn't go to Junk.

How to stop spam on iPhone and iPad

• Report junk in the Mail app: swipe left on the message, tap More, then tap Move to Junk. Apple says future messages from that sender are then marked as junk.
• Block a sender: open a message from them, tap their address, tap View Contact Card, then Block this Contact. Blocked email goes to the Trash, and the block applies across your Apple devices. In iOS 26 you can also add or remove addresses under Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts.
• Stop images confirming your address: go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Privacy Protection and turn on Protect Mail Activity.

If you read Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo in their own iPhone apps, use the app steps in those sections above. Their reports go straight to the provider's filter.

Canary Mail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Canary doesn't have a spam filter of its own. It uses the filter of each provider you connect, so if Gmail or iCloud calls a message spam, Canary shows it in that account's Spam or Junk folder. If too much spam gets through, the fix is in the provider's settings, using the steps above.

What Canary adds:

• Block a sender or a whole domain. On the Mac, click the arrow next to the sender's name and choose Block. On iPhone, tap the sender's name in the email header, then Block. Blocked mail goes to the Trash or is marked as blocked, depending on your settings. On iOS, the block list is under Settings > Rules. Blocks apply to new mail only, not to what's already in your inbox.
• 1-Click Unsubscribe on every plan, for newsletters you signed up for.
• Tracker and pixel blocking, so opening an email doesn't tell the sender your address is active.

Canary's block list is a Canary setting. If you also check mail in Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo's own apps, block persistent senders in the provider's settings too.

Unsubscribe only from senders you know

A lot of what feels like spam is mail you agreed to at some point: a store you bought from once, an app you tried, a box you forgot to untick. For these, unsubscribing works better than blocking, because the sender stops mailing you instead of your filter hiding it. Under US law, a company sending marketing email has to honor an opt-out within 10 business days, according to the FTC's CAN-SPAM guide.

• Gmail: click Unsubscribe next to the sender's name, or go to More > Manage subscriptions on a computer (still rolling out) to see every mailing list in one place. After you unsubscribe, anything that sender still sends goes to Spam.
• Outlook.com: Settings > Mail > Subscriptions lists your subscriptions with an Unsubscribe button for each.
• Apple Mail: when a message comes from a mailing list, a banner under the header has an Unsubscribe link.

Use these built-in buttons rather than links at the bottom of an email you don't trust. If you have hundreds to get through, our guide on how to mass unsubscribe from emails compares the faster ways, including Gmail's tools and unsubscribing in Gmail step by step.

Keep your real address away from spammers

Reporting and blocking deal with spam that already has your address. These habits slow down how fast new spammers get it.

• Use an alias for sign-ups. With iCloud+, Hide My Email creates random addresses that forward to your inbox. In Safari or Mail, tap the email field or the From field and choose Hide My Email. If one address starts getting spam, delete it. Gmail users can add a plus tag (yourname+shop@gmail.com) to see who shared the address. Our guide to email aliases compares the options in Gmail, Outlook.com and iCloud.
• Block remote images. Spammers use images to check whether an address is active. Turn on Protect Mail Activity on Apple devices (on the Mac, it's in Mail > Settings > Privacy; on iCloud.com, in Settings > Privacy & Security).
• Read the privacy policy and untick the boxes. The FTC and CISA both point out that companies may share or sell your address, and sign-up forms often come with marketing boxes already ticked.
• Don't post your address publicly. Bots collect addresses from websites, forums and social profiles.
• Keep your devices updated. The FTC's spam advice also covers your devices: install security updates, turn on automatic updates and change preset passwords, so spammers can't take them over.

Still getting spam? Why it gets through

• The sender changes addresses. Blocking one address doesn't stop the next. Report every message as spam (it trains the filter on the content, not just the address) and block the domain if it stays the same.
• The From address is forged. Yahoo explains that a blocked sender can still reach you when the visible From address has been faked. The real address is in the full headers, in the top Received or Mailfrom line.
• You're managing spam in the wrong place. A junk folder in a desktop app may not report back to your provider. Report spam in the provider's own website or app when you can. In Gmail's case, Google says moving a message into Spam also sends it to Google for analysis.
• A contact's account was hacked. If spam comes from someone you know, Gmail says their account has probably been taken over. Report it and let them know.
• It's a sudden flood of sign-ups. Hundreds of newsletter confirmations in an hour is usually email bombing, which can be cover for someone using your accounts. Check your bank and email for logins and purchases you didn't make; our guide to phishing emails explains what to do.
• Good mail is going to spam instead. That's the opposite problem. Mark it as not spam and add the sender to your contacts, and see why you're not receiving emails if messages are missing altogether.

If spam is still unmanageable after all of this, the last resort is a new address that you give out carefully, with aliases for everything else.

How to tell spam from a scam

Ordinary spam is annoying. Phishing is spam that wants something from you. The FTC lists the stories scammers tell most often:

• they've noticed suspicious activity or login attempts on your account;
• there's a problem with your payment information;
• you need to confirm personal or financial details;
• there's an invoice you don't recognize, or a link to make a payment;
• you're eligible for a government refund, or a coupon for free stuff.

Look at the actual sender address, not just the name. Gmail warns about addresses that swap letters for numbers (an "0" for an "O"), and Outlook shows a question mark in the sender photo when it can't verify who sent a message. If you think the message might be real, contact the company through a website or phone number you already know.

Report it as phishing in your email app, then delete it. In the US you can also forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org and report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you already clicked a link or replied, our guide to spotting and reporting phishing emails has the next steps, and our email security guide covers protecting the account itself.

For the other jobs that keep an inbox under control, like bulk deleting, marking everything as read and recovering deleted mail, see our guide to managing your inbox.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to block spam emails or just delete them?

Report them. Deleting does nothing about the next one, and blocking only stops that exact address. Reporting as spam teaches your provider's filter what the message looks like, so it can catch similar mail from new addresses. Block senders who keep getting through anyway.

Why am I suddenly getting a lot of spam emails?

Usually your address has started circulating: a data breach at a site you use, a list that was shared or sold, or a reply or click that confirmed the address is live. A sudden wave of newsletter sign-ups can also be email bombing, which is meant to hide security alerts, so check your accounts.

Will spam emails eventually stop?

Not completely. Spam costs almost nothing to send, so some always reaches every address. Reporting, blocking and using aliases for sign-ups cut it down a lot, and most of what remains lands in your spam folder instead of your inbox.

How do I block spam emails without opening them?

Select the message from the list instead of opening it. In Gmail, tick the box and click Report spam. In Outlook, select it and choose Report. On iPhone, swipe left, tap More, then Move to Junk. Apple recommends deleting suspected junk without opening it, since opening can tell spammers the address is active.

Why do I keep getting spam emails even after blocking them?

Spammers switch addresses, and some forge the From line so the real sender isn't the one you blocked. Report each message as spam, block the whole domain where your provider allows it, and use a filter for words or domains that keep showing up.

How do I stop spam emails on my iPhone?

In the Mail app, swipe left on the message, tap More and choose Move to Junk. To block a sender, tap their address, then View Contact Card and Block this Contact. Turn on Protect Mail Activity in Settings > Apps > Mail > Privacy Protection so images don't confirm your address.

Is it safe to open a spam email?

Opening one is rarely harmful by itself, but it can load tracking images that confirm your address to the sender. The real risk is clicking links, opening attachments or replying. If you opened one, don't interact with it; report it and delete it.

Sources

• FTC: How to get less spam in your email
• FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams
• FTC: CAN-SPAM Act: a compliance guide for business
• CISA: Reducing spam
• Google: Report spam in Gmail
• Google: Avoid and report phishing emails
• Google: Block an email address in Gmail
• Google: Create rules to filter your emails
• Google: Manage your subscriptions in Gmail
• Google: Send emails from a different address or alias
• Microsoft: Block or unblock senders in Outlook
• Microsoft: Filter junk email and spam in Outlook
• Microsoft: Phishing and suspicious behavior in Outlook
• Microsoft: How do I report phishing or junk email? (Outlook mobile)
• Microsoft: Report phishing and suspicious emails in Outlook
• Microsoft: Manage email subscriptions in Outlook.com
• Yahoo: Manage spam and mailing lists in New Yahoo Mail
• Yahoo: Block and unblock email addresses in New Yahoo Mail
• Yahoo: Stop spam and junk mail in the Yahoo Mail app
• Yahoo: Spot and stop emails from a blocked address
• Apple: Report and reduce spam in iCloud Mail
• Apple: Reduce junk mail in Mail on Mac
• Apple: Change Blocked settings in Mail on Mac
• Apple: Flag or block emails in Mail on iPhone
• Apple: Block phone numbers, contacts and emails on iPhone or iPad
• Apple: Set up and use Hide My Email in iCloud+
• Canary Mail: How is spam handled in Canary?
• Canary Mail: How to block senders on macOS and on iOS

Once that window closes, or once you empty the Trash, the provider says the email can't be recovered. Your options then are a copy somewhere else: a work admin, a backup, or the person who sent it. The steps for each app are below. For blocking, cleaning up and other inbox tasks, see our guide to managing your inbox.

First, check that the email is really deleted

A lot of "deleted" email was archived, filtered or filed somewhere else. Before you work through the steps below, rule these out:

• Search everywhere, including Trash. In Gmail on a computer, open the search options and set "Search" to Mail & Spam & Trash. In the Gmail app, type in:anywhere before your search words.
• Look in Archive or All Mail. Archived Gmail messages leave the inbox but stay under All Mail. Our guide to finding archived emails in Gmail shows where they go on each device. Apple Mail can be set to archive instead of delete, too.
• Check your filters and rules. A rule that deletes or moves mail from a sender can make new emails vanish as they arrive.
• Check your other accounts. If you have more than one address, the email may simply be in the other inbox.

If new emails never show up at all, that's a delivery problem rather than a deleted one. Our guide to why you're not receiving emails covers that.

How to recover deleted emails in Gmail

Gmail moves deleted messages to Trash and keeps them there for 30 days. After that, or after you empty Trash, Google says the message is permanently deleted and can't be recovered. Deleted drafts never go to Trash, so you can't get those back.

On a computer

1. Open Gmail. In the left sidebar, click More, then Trash.
2. Tick the box next to each message you want back.
3. Click Move to and choose Inbox (or a label).

In the Gmail app (Android, iPhone and iPad)

1. Tap Menu (top left), then Trash.
2. Touch and hold each message you want to restore.
3. Tap More (top right), then Move to on Android or Move on iPhone and iPad.
4. Pick Inbox or another label.

If it's been more than 30 days

• Personal Gmail: Google's help says messages deleted more than 30 days ago can't be recovered. The Gmail Message Recovery Tool that shows up in search results is for one case only: email that may have been deleted because someone got into your account without permission. You sign in and Google takes it from there, with no promise of results. If that's your situation, also change your password and check your account's security settings. Our guide to email security has the steps.
• Work or school Gmail (Google Workspace): after the 30 days, your admin has another 25 days to restore mail from the Admin console. Ask them quickly. Restored mail can take several days to show up, and spam and deleted drafts can't be restored.

If you were trying to clear space and deleted too much, our guide to mass deleting emails in Gmail explains how Trash, storage and archiving fit together.

How to recover deleted emails in Outlook

Outlook has two layers. Deleted email goes to Deleted Items first. When something leaves Deleted Items (you empty it, delete from it, or 30 days pass), it moves to a hidden Recoverable Items folder for a while longer. Microsoft's numbers for personal Outlook.com accounts are 30 days in Deleted Items, then 30 more days in Recoverable Items. Junk Email is also deleted after 30 days.

Outlook.com and Outlook on the web

1. Open Deleted Items in the folder list.
2. To restore something that's still there, tick it (or right-click it), choose Move and pick Inbox.
3. If it's not there, select Recover items deleted from this folder at the top of the message list.
4. Select the messages and choose Restore. Ctrl-click picks several, and Shift-click picks a range.

Restored items go back to their original folder where possible, or to the Inbox if that folder is gone.

New Outlook for Windows

Open Deleted Items, then select Recover next to "Recover items deleted from this folder". Pick the items and select Restore on the Home ribbon, then Go back to deleted items. For items still in Deleted Items, right-click and choose Restore, or use Move.

Classic Outlook for Windows

1. Make sure you're online, then select Deleted Items.
2. On the Home tab, select Recover Deleted Items From Server.
3. Select the items, choose Restore Selected Items, then OK. They come back to Deleted Items, so move them on from there.

If your account shows a Trash folder instead of Deleted Items, or the Recover command is missing, Microsoft says the account doesn't support this kind of recovery. That's usually an IMAP or POP account from another provider, so use that provider's own Trash instead.

Outlook on a phone

Microsoft says you can't recover messages that have left Deleted Items from the Outlook app on iPhone or Android, or from a mobile browser. Use a computer for that step.

Work or school accounts

Your organization sets how long items stay in Deleted Items and in Recoverable Items, so the 30-day figures may not apply. If an email isn't in the recovery list, ask your IT admin. Microsoft says an admin may still be able to recover it after your own window closes.

One more Outlook.com setting to check: under Settings > Message handling, clear Empty my deleted items folder if you don't want Deleted Items emptied every time you sign out.

How to recover deleted emails in Yahoo Mail

Yahoo gives you the shortest window of the big providers. Its help pages say email in Trash is deleted after 7 days.

1. On a computer (new Yahoo Mail), click More below your folders and select Trash.
2. Select the message and click Restore to Inbox.
3. In the Yahoo Mail app, tap your profile icon, swipe down and tap Trash, select the email, tap Move and choose Inbox.

If the email isn't in Trash, Yahoo still offers a restore request on its "Recover lost or deleted emails" help page. You pick a point in time to restore to. Know these limits before you send one:

• It only covers email lost or deleted in the last 7 days.
• A request can't be canceled, and Yahoo says restores aren't always successful.
• Spam and Drafts aren't restored. Mail from Trash, Sent, Archive and your own folders comes back to the Inbox.

How to recover deleted emails in iCloud Mail

iCloud Mail keeps deleted email in Trash for 30 days, then erases it. Deleting at icloud.com removes the email from every device that uses iCloud Mail.

1. Go to icloud.com/mail and sign in.
2. Open Trash in the Mailboxes list.
3. Select the email and move it to your inbox, or drag it there.

Two settings can cut that window short. Apple warns that if you read iCloud Mail in another app, such as Mail on your iPhone, mail might be deleted sooner depending on that app's settings. And if "Move deleted messages to" is turned off in iCloud Mail's Mailbox Behavior settings, deleted email is erased right away.

Don't count on iCloud's Data Recovery page to help. It restores contacts, calendars and bookmarks (and recently deleted iCloud Drive files), not email. Once you empty the Trash, Apple says the emails can't be recovered.

How to recover deleted emails in Apple Mail on Mac

1. Click a Trash mailbox in the Mail sidebar. Each account has its own.
2. Drag the message to your inbox or another mailbox. Or select it and choose Message > Move to.

How long Trash keeps messages depends on two settings. Go to Mail > Settings > Accounts, select the account and click Mailbox Behaviors. If Trash Mailbox is set to None, deleted messages skip the Trash entirely. Erase deleted messages sets when Mail empties it. Your provider's own limit still applies on top (30 days for iCloud and Gmail).

If the message is gone from Trash and you back up with Time Machine, there's one more option. It only works if Mail had downloaded the message before it was erased. Restore your Mail folder (in your user Library) from a backup made before the deletion to a different folder, then use File > Import Mailboxes and choose Apple Mail. The messages appear in a new mailbox called Import. If Trash won't empty or deletes keep coming back, see our fixes for Mac Mail not deleting emails.

How to recover deleted emails on iPhone and iPad

If you deleted it a second ago, shake your iPhone and tap Undo. That only works if Shake to Undo is on, under Settings > Accessibility > Touch.

Otherwise, go to the Trash:

1. In the Mail app, tap the back button until you see Mailboxes.
2. Tap Trash under the right account, then tap the message.
3. Tap the move (folder) icon and choose Inbox or another mailbox.

Not sure which account it was in? On the Mailboxes screen, tap Edit and turn on All Trash. That adds one mailbox with deleted messages from every account.

To keep deleted mail longer, go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts. For iCloud, tap iCloud, then Mailbox Behaviors. For other accounts, tap the account, then Account Settings > Advanced. Tap Remove and choose a longer interval. The provider can override it: Apple notes that iCloud never keeps deleted mail longer than 30 days, even if you choose Never. In the same settings you can make the swipe or trash button archive mail instead of deleting it. For more Mail app settings, see our iPhone Mail guide.

Canary Mail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Canary is an email app, not an email service. It connects to your existing Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo and IMAP accounts, so a deleted email follows your provider's rules above. It sits in that account's Trash (Deleted Items in Outlook) until the provider erases it. To get it back, open that account's Trash folder in Canary's sidebar and move the message to your inbox, or use the provider's own steps. Canary can't recover anything your provider has already erased.

Where it helps is the "which account was it?" problem. The unified inbox shows the Inbox, Sent, Drafts and Junk folders of every account in one view (unlimited accounts on the Free plan), and its search covers all your connected accounts.

Can you recover permanently deleted emails?

Usually not from your own account. Once an email leaves the provider's last recovery stage (Gmail's Trash after 30 days, Outlook's Recoverable Items, Yahoo's 7-day restore window, iCloud's Trash), the provider says it's gone. Data recovery programs scan your own computer's disk. They can't reach a copy your provider deleted from its servers.

A copy might still exist somewhere else, though:

• Your admin. On a work or school account, Google Workspace admins have 25 days after the Trash period, and organizations that use Google Vault may be able to search and export older mail. Microsoft 365 admins may be able to recover items after your window closes.
• The other person. Ask the sender to forward it again. If it's a message you sent, the recipient still has their copy.
• Another device or app. An email app that downloaded mail with POP, or a Mac with a Time Machine backup, may still hold a copy (see the Apple Mail section above).
• A backup or export you made before the deletion.

A related point: deleting an email you sent only removes your copy. It doesn't remove it from the recipient's inbox. Our post on whether you can delete an email you sent covers that.

Still can't find it?

• Email keeps disappearing. Look for a filter or rule that deletes it, a forwarding setting that removes the original, or an email app connected with POP that downloads mail and deletes it from the server. Google warns that deleting an email on any device synced with Gmail deletes it everywhere.
• Emails vanished that you didn't delete. Someone else may have access to your account. Change your password, check forwarding and connected apps, then use Gmail's Message Recovery Tool or a Yahoo restore request while you're still inside their windows.
• The Outlook recover option is missing. You're probably in the Outlook phone app or a mobile browser, or the account is IMAP or POP. Use Outlook on the web on a computer, or the provider's own Trash.
• Restored emails disappeared again. Yahoo puts restored mail back in the folder it was in at the point you chose, and that can be Trash. Move it out, or it will be deleted again.

To avoid this next time, archive instead of deleting, and set Apple Mail and the iPhone Mail app to keep Trash as long as your provider allows. For the rest of your inbox chores, see our inbox management guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I recover permanently deleted emails?

In Outlook.com, open Deleted Items and select Recover items deleted from this folder (it works for 30 days). On a Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 work account, ask your admin. For personal Gmail, Yahoo and iCloud, mail that has left the Trash can't be recovered by the provider, so look for a copy with the sender, in a backup or on another device.

Are deleted emails gone forever?

Not right away. Deleted email sits in Trash for 30 days in Gmail and iCloud Mail, and 7 days in Yahoo. Outlook.com keeps it in Deleted Items for 30 days and then lets you recover it for 30 more. After that, or after you empty the Trash, the providers say it can't be recovered.

How long do deleted emails stay in Trash?

Gmail: 30 days. iCloud Mail: 30 days. Outlook.com: 30 days in Deleted Items, plus 30 days in Recoverable Items. Yahoo: 7 days. Work and school accounts follow the rules your admin sets.

Can I recover deleted Gmail emails after 30 days?

Not on a personal account. Google says messages are permanently deleted after 30 days in Trash. The Gmail Message Recovery Tool is only for email deleted by someone who got into your account without permission. On a Workspace account, your admin can restore mail for 25 days after the Trash period ends.

How do I get deleted emails back on my iPhone?

Shake the iPhone right after deleting and tap Undo. Otherwise, in the Mail app go to Mailboxes, tap Trash for the account (or All Trash), open the email, tap the move icon and pick Inbox.

How do I recover emails deleted from Deleted Items in Outlook?

On a computer, open Deleted Items and select Recover items deleted from this folder (Outlook.com, Outlook on the web and new Outlook). In classic Outlook, use Recover Deleted Items From Server on the Home tab. You can't do this in the Outlook phone app.

Can Yahoo restore deleted emails?

Sometimes. Yahoo takes restore requests for email lost or deleted in the last 7 days. Requests can't be canceled, Spam and Drafts aren't restored, and Yahoo says restores aren't always successful.

Sources

• Google: Delete or recover deleted Gmail messages
• Google: Gmail messages are missing
• Google: Gmail Message Recovery Tool
• Google: Archive or mute Gmail messages
• Google Workspace: Restore a user's permanently deleted email
• Microsoft: Recover and restore deleted items in Outlook
• Microsoft: Restore deleted email messages in Outlook.com
• Microsoft: Email is missing from your Outlook.com inbox
• Yahoo: Recover lost or deleted emails
• Yahoo: Move deleted emails from Trash to the Inbox
• Yahoo: Restore emails from trash in New Yahoo Mail
• Apple: Delete email in Mail on iCloud.com
• Apple: If you accidentally deleted your contacts, calendars, or bookmarks from iCloud
• Apple: Delete and recover emails in Mail on iPhone
• Apple: Adjust how iPhone responds to your touch (Shake to Undo)
• Apple: Delete emails and manage storage in Mail on Mac
• Apple: Import or export mailboxes in Mail on Mac
• Apple: Restore items backed up with Time Machine on Mac
• Canary Mail: My folders aren't listed in Unified View

Below are the steps for each app, what to know before you hand your inbox to a third-party service like Unroll.Me, and what to do when emails keep coming. For blocking, filters and the rest of the cleanup, see our guide to managing your inbox.

How to mass unsubscribe in Gmail

Gmail has two ways to do it. Both work on the web and in the Gmail app for Android, iPhone and iPad.

All your subscriptions at once: Manage subscriptions

1. On a computer, open Gmail and click More in the left sidebar, then Manage subscriptions. In the app, tap Menu at the top left, then Manage subscriptions.
2. Senders are listed with a count of how many emails they've sent you recently. Click a name to see their messages first if you're not sure.
3. Click Unsubscribe next to each sender you're done with.

Gmail unsubscribes you from every active mailing list tied to that sender, and any new email from them goes to Spam with a banner explaining why. If a sender only accepts requests on its own site, Gmail offers Go to website or Block instead. Google says the page is still rolling out, so some accounts don't have it yet.

One email at a time

Open the email and click Unsubscribe next to the sender's name, then confirm in the pop-up. This can remove you from only one of that sender's lists, and Google says it may take a few days before the emails stop. Our guide to unsubscribing from emails on Gmail covers both methods in more detail, plus blocking.

How to mass unsubscribe in Outlook

Outlook.com and Outlook on the web (personal Microsoft accounts):

1. Select Settings (the gear icon), then Mail, then Subscriptions.
2. Under "Your current subscriptions", select Unsubscribe next to each sender and confirm.
3. To block a sender instead, select the three dots next to it and choose the block option.

Outlook builds this list by checking incoming mail for subscription information in the message header, so it only shows senders it recognizes. A sender won't appear if its mail went to Junk or you've already blocked it.

Outlook for Windows and Mac, and work or school accounts: Microsoft doesn't document a bulk unsubscribe page for these. Use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of each email, or block the sender. To deal with a sender's existing mail, select one of their messages and use Sweep to delete everything from them, keep only the latest, or delete anything older than 10 days. Sweep can also apply to future messages. For more Outlook sorting, see how to filter your Hotmail and Outlook inbox.

How to mass unsubscribe in Yahoo Mail

Yahoo Mail's Subscriptions view lists your mailing lists and lets you unsubscribe from each in one tap. Yahoo offers it on desktop, in the Yahoo Mail app and on mobile web, though smart features don't launch in every region at the same time. For a single message, open it and select Unsubscribe at the top when Yahoo shows that option, or use the link at the bottom of the email.

Yahoo also warns against services that promise to remove your address from spam lists, because many of them collect addresses for spammers.

How to unsubscribe in Apple Mail on Mac

When Mail recognizes a message as coming from a mailing list, a banner under the header says so and shows an Unsubscribe button. Click it, then click OK. Mail sends the request and the banner disappears. To get those emails again later, you have to sign up again on the sender's site.

Mail on the Mac handles one list at a time; there's no bulk page. If you use iCloud Mail, the iCloud Mail Cleanup option in the next section does the bulk part. Our guide to unsubscribing in Apple Mail on Mac explains why the banner sometimes doesn't appear.

How to mass unsubscribe on iPhone and iPad

Single emails in the Mail app: on many newsletters, Mail shows a banner at the top of the message with an Unsubscribe option. Tap it, then confirm. No banner means the sender didn't include unsubscribe information, so use the link at the bottom of the email instead.

In bulk, for iCloud Mail addresses: iCloud Mail Cleanup recommends senders from your Updates and Promotions categories to unsubscribe from all at once.

1. Open the Settings app and tap your name, then iCloud.
2. Below Saved to iCloud, tap Mail, then iCloud Mail Cleanup.
3. Under Unsubscribe Recommendations, tap Get Recommendations.
4. Select each sender you want to drop, then tap Unsubscribe.

Future messages from those senders go straight to the Trash. You can do the same on a computer at iCloud.com: open Mail, select iCloud Mail Cleanup at the bottom of the mailbox list, then look under Unsubscribed. Recommendations only appear once you've received enough mail in those two categories, and the feature isn't available in every language.

For Gmail or Outlook accounts on your iPhone, the Gmail app and Outlook.com tools above are the faster route. More iPhone mail settings are in our iPhone Mail guide.

How to unsubscribe in Canary Mail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Canary is an email app for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows and Android that works with Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo and other IMAP accounts in one unified inbox. Its 1-Click Unsubscribe is included on every plan, including Free. Because all your accounts sit in one inbox, you can drop newsletters from Gmail, Outlook, iCloud and Yahoo in the same place instead of visiting each provider's settings.

For the old mail, Bulk Cleaner picks out unimportant messages for you. On a Mac, click the magic wand icon and scroll; on iPhone, tap Home, then More, then Auto Select Unimportant. More messages are selected as you scroll, and the action you pick applies to all of them. Check the selection before you confirm.

Price: Free covers unlimited accounts on 2 devices. The pricing page lists the Gray Mail Cleaner on Growth ($36 a year) and Pro+ ($100 a year), with a 7-day free trial. Downside: Canary has no spam filter of its own. It relies on your provider's, so reporting spam still happens in Gmail, Outlook or iCloud.

Clear out the newsletters you already have

Unsubscribing stops new mail. The hundreds already in your inbox stay put until you delete them. A search does most of the work:

• Gmail: search unsubscribe (nearly every marketing email contains the word), category:promotions, or category:promotions older_than:1y. Select all, click the link that selects every matching conversation, then delete or archive. Our guide to deleting emails on Gmail in bulk walks through it.
• Outlook: select a message from the sender and use Sweep to remove everything from them.
• Apple Mail: search the sender's name or "unsubscribe", press Command-A to select the results, then delete.

Look over the results before you delete. Receipts, bank statements and account emails often contain the word "unsubscribe" too. Gmail keeps deleted mail in Trash for 30 days if you get it wrong. For newsletters you want but don't need to see right away, a filter is better than a delete: you can create rules in Gmail to label them and skip the inbox.

Is Unroll.Me safe? What third-party unsubscribe services do with your inbox

Services that unsubscribe you in bulk need permission to read your mailbox. That's how they find your subscriptions. The question is what else they do with the access.

Unroll.Me is the best-known example. In August 2019 the US Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement with Unrollme Inc. The FTC alleged that Unroll.Me told people who hesitated to grant access that it wouldn't "touch" their personal emails. Meanwhile it was sharing users' email receipts with its parent company, Slice Technologies, which used the purchase information in market research products it sold. The FTC noted that e-receipts can include your name, billing and shipping addresses, and what you bought. The order bars Unroll.Me from misrepresenting how it collects and shares data and required it to delete stored e-receipts from users who signed up after those statements, unless they gave consent. It runs for 20 years.

Today Unroll.Me's own data page says it is owned by NielsenIQ, a consumer data company. It says it reads the commercial emails in your inbox (receipts, travel reservations, shipping confirmations, subscriptions) and uses that data for advertising products, measurement products and datasets that it sells to businesses. It also says your identifiable personal information is never sold to target you directly. So the service now discloses the data use. Whether that's a fair trade for unsubscribing is your call.

Before you connect any unsubscribe service, check three things:

1. How it makes money. If it's free, read the privacy policy for words like "measurement", "datasets" or "research".
2. What access it asks for. Reading and changing all of your email is a lot to hand over to save a few minutes.
3. Whether your email service already does the job. Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo and iCloud all have free bulk tools now.

Already connected one you no longer want? For a Google account, go to myaccount.google.com/linkedapps, select Access to your Google Account, choose the app, then See details and Remove access. That stops future access. Google doesn't say it deletes what the app already collected, so ask the service to delete your account and data too.

When not to click unsubscribe

Unsubscribing works with companies you gave your address to. Spammers are different. Clicking a link in their email, or even opening it, can tell them your address is active, and the FTC warns that links in phishing emails can install malware. Apple's advice for iCloud Mail is to delete suspected junk before you open it.

Gmail's and Apple Mail's built-in Unsubscribe buttons are safer than the link in the footer because they use the sender's own unsubscribe instructions from the message header. You don't open a web page. Our guides on how to stop spam emails and how to spot phishing emails cover what to do instead, and you can block emails from a sender in any app.

Still getting emails after you unsubscribed?

• Give it time. US law (the CAN-SPAM Act) gives senders up to 10 business days to honor an opt-out. Google says Gmail requests can take a few days.
• You may be on more than one list. One company can run separate lists for deals, news and product updates. Gmail's Manage subscriptions removes you from all of a sender's lists; a single unsubscribe link may not. Look for a "preferences" page in the footer that turns everything off.
• Receipts, shipping notices and security alerts aren't marketing, so unsubscribing never stops them.
• Buying something or creating an account often re-adds you. Untick the marketing box at checkout. An email alias for shopping keeps this mail out of your main inbox.
• Some senders just ignore requests. Block them, or set up a filter that sends their mail straight to Trash. If you never joined the list, report it as spam.

For the rest of the cleanup, from filters to inbox zero, see our guide to managing your inbox.

Frequently asked questions

Can you mass unsubscribe from emails for free?

Yes. Gmail (Manage subscriptions), Outlook.com (Settings, Mail, Subscriptions), Yahoo Mail (Subscriptions view) and iCloud Mail (iCloud Mail Cleanup) all list your mailing lists in one place and let you unsubscribe from many senders without a paid app.

Is Unroll.Me safe?

It's a legitimate service, but it reads your commercial emails and uses that data for advertising and measurement products it sells to businesses, as its own data page says. In 2019 it settled FTC charges that it misled users about sharing their email receipts. If that trade-off bothers you, use your email provider's built-in unsubscribe tools.

Does Unroll.Me sell your data?

Unroll.Me says it sells advertising products, measurement products and datasets built from users' commercial emails, and that it doesn't sell identifiable personal information to target you directly. It is owned by NielsenIQ.

Is it safe to click unsubscribe in an email?

For companies you signed up with, yes, and the Unsubscribe button in Gmail or Apple Mail is the safest way. For spam or anything that looks like phishing, don't click; report the message as spam or phishing and delete it.

How do I unsubscribe from emails in bulk on iPhone?

For an iCloud address, go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, Mail, iCloud Mail Cleanup, and tap Get Recommendations under Unsubscribe Recommendations. For Gmail, open the Gmail app, tap Menu, then Manage subscriptions.

Why do I keep getting emails after unsubscribing?

Senders can take up to 10 business days under CAN-SPAM, you may be on more than one of their lists, or the email is transactional. If mail keeps coming after two weeks, block the sender or report it as spam.

How do I unsubscribe when there's no unsubscribe link?

Check Gmail's Manage subscriptions or Outlook.com's Subscriptions page first. If the sender isn't there, block it. If you never signed up, report it as spam, which also trains your provider's filter.

Sources

• Google: Manage your subscriptions in Gmail
• Google: Unsubscribe from an email
• Google: Search operators you can use with Gmail
• Google: Manage connections between your Google Account and third parties
• Google: Email sender guidelines
• Microsoft: How to manage email subscriptions in Outlook.com
• Microsoft: Organize your inbox with Archive, Sweep and other tools
• Yahoo: Use Yahoo Mail smart features
• Yahoo: Manage spam and mailing lists in Yahoo Mail
• Apple: Reduce junk mail in Mail on Mac
• Apple: Automatically clean up your iCloud Mail inbox on iPhone
• Apple: Automatically clean up your iCloud Mail inbox on iCloud.com
• Apple: Report and reduce spam in iCloud Mail
• FTC: Operator of email management service settles FTC allegations (August 8, 2019)
• Federal Register: Unrollme Inc.; analysis of proposed consent order (August 20, 2019)
• FTC: CAN-SPAM Act: a compliance guide for business
• FTC: How to get less spam in your email
• Unroll.Me: Your data
• Canary Mail: Pricing, Bulk Cleaner on macOS, Bulk Cleaner on iOS, How spam is handled in Canary

Below are the steps for each app, including how to block a whole domain where the app allows it, what happens to blocked mail and how to unblock someone. For other inbox tasks, see our guide to managing your inbox.

Blocking at a glance

How to block emails in Gmail

When you block someone in Gmail, all their future emails go to Spam. Gmail deletes messages in Spam after 30 days.

On a computer

1. Open Gmail and open a message from the sender.
2. At the top right, next to Reply, click More (three dots).
3. Click Block "sender name".

In the Gmail app for Android, iPhone and iPad

1. Open a message from the sender.
2. Next to Reply, tap More.
3. Tap Block "sender name".

Block a whole domain in Gmail

Gmail's Block option works on one address at a time. To stop everything from a domain, create a filter on a computer:

1. In the search bar, click Show search options.
2. In From, type the domain with an @ in front, for example @example.com. Check the domain carefully: "@mail.com" would also catch every "@gmail.com" address.
3. Click Create filter, tick Delete it (or Skip the Inbox if you'd rather keep a copy), then click Create filter.

Filtered messages that you delete go to Trash, so you still have 30 days to change your mind. If you use Gmail through work or school, your Google Workspace admin can also block an address or domain for the whole organization. More filter ideas are in our guide to creating rules in Gmail.

Unblock a sender in Gmail

Open one of their messages (it'll be in Spam) and choose More > Unblock "sender". If you can't find a message, go to Settings > See all settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses, tick the address and click Unblock selected addresses. New mail from them lands in your inbox again. For more Gmail settings, see our Gmail guide.

How to block emails on Outlook

Outlook moves mail from blocked senders to the Junk Email folder. Microsoft deletes items in Junk Email after 14 days, and they can't be recovered after that. The blocked and safe senders lists hold up to 10,000 addresses and domains between them.

Outlook.com, Outlook on the web and the new Outlook for Windows

1. Go to Settings > Mail > Junk email. If you have more than one account, pick the account first.
2. To block one address, type it under Blocked senders and select Add.
3. To block a whole domain, type the domain (for example, example.com) under Blocked domains and select Add.
4. Select Save.

The new Outlook can't block senders for Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud or other non-Microsoft accounts added to it. Block those with the provider itself, using the steps for that provider on this page.

Classic Outlook for Windows

1. Right-click a message from the sender.
2. Select Block > Block Sender.

To add an address or a domain by hand, go to Home > Block > Junk E-mail Options, open the Blocked Senders tab, select Add and enter someone@example.com or example.com. In a work account, your organization may send blocked mail to quarantine instead of Junk, and people in your company's address list can't be blocked.

Outlook app on iPhone and Android

Microsoft's help pages don't document blocking in the Outlook mobile app. For an Outlook.com or Microsoft 365 account, the reliable way is to add the sender at outlook.com under Settings > Mail > Junk email. Their mail then goes to the Junk Email folder, which the app also shows.

Unblock a sender in Outlook

In Outlook.com and the new Outlook, go back to Settings > Mail > Junk email, select the address or domain and select the Remove icon. In classic Outlook, open Junk E-mail Options, select the entry on the Blocked Senders tab and click Remove. If you'd rather sort mail into folders than block it, see our guide to filtering your Outlook and Hotmail inbox.

How to block emails on Yahoo

Block an email address

1. Open Yahoo Mail in a browser on a computer.
2. In the new Yahoo Mail, click More in the left sidebar, then Settings. In the older version, click the Settings icon, then More Settings.
3. Click Security and Privacy.
4. Under Blocked addresses, click Add, enter the address and click Save.

You can block up to 1,000 addresses. Yahoo doesn't tell the sender, and they don't get a failure notice. Their messages just don't reach your inbox.

Block a domain

Domain blocking is a Yahoo Mail Plus feature, with up to 500 domains. In Settings, open Security and Privacy and use Block unwanted sender domains. In the Yahoo Mail app, tap your profile icon, then Settings, and find the same option. Yahoo notes that blocking a domain also unsubscribes you from that brand.

Unblock a sender in Yahoo

Go back to Security and Privacy, hover over the address and click the Delete icon. For a domain, click the trash icon on a computer or tap the X in the app.

How to block emails in Apple Mail on Mac

macOS Tahoe 26 and macOS 27

1. In Mail, select a message from the sender.
2. Move the pointer next to their name in the message header and click the arrow.
3. Choose Block Sender.

A blocked icon appears next to the sender's name in the message list, and their messages get a banner saying they're blocked. To see everyone you've blocked, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts. On macOS 27 you can block up to 3,000 senders.

macOS Sequoia 15 and earlier

The menu item is called Block Contact. You choose what happens to blocked mail in Mail > Settings > Junk Mail > Blocked: turn on Enable blocked mail filtering, then pick Mark as blocked mail, but leave it in my Inbox or Move it to the Trash. You can also add or remove addresses in that list.

Unblock a sender on Mac

Click the arrow next to the sender's name and choose Unblock Sender (or Unblock Contact on older versions), or remove them from Blocked Contacts in System Settings. Apple Mail can't block a whole domain, so do that with your email provider (Gmail filter, Outlook Blocked domains). For junk that isn't from one sender, our guide to junk mail filtering in Mac Mail covers the filter settings.

How to block emails on iPhone and iPad

1. Open the Mail app and tap a message from the sender.
2. Tap their email address, then tap View Contact Card (on iOS 18 and earlier, skip this step).
3. Tap Block this Contact.

Apple says email from a blocked address goes to the Trash, and that blocking works across all your Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account. To unblock someone on iOS 26, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts, tap Edit, tap the delete button next to the contact and tap Unblock. As on the Mac, there's no way to block a domain in the Mail app itself.

How to block emails in Canary Mail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Canary is an email app for Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo and other IMAP accounts, and it can block a single address or a whole domain from inside the message.

On Mac

1. Open an email from the sender.
2. Click the down arrow next to the sender's name and select Block.
3. In the Block Sender window, choose Block Sender for that address or Block domain for every address at that domain.
4. Click Block.

Depending on your Block Sender settings, mail from that sender or domain then goes to Trash automatically or stays in your inbox marked as blocked.

On iPhone and iPad

1. Open the email and tap the header to show the sender's details.
2. Tap the sender's name, then tap Block.
3. Choose Block Sender or Block domain.

Blocked senders appear under Settings > Rules. You can also add an address or domain there with the + button, or unblock one by tapping the arrow next to it and then Delete. Blocks only apply to new mail, not to messages already in your inbox.

Canary doesn't have its own spam filter. It relies on your email provider's, so junk that your provider misses still needs a block, a filter or a spam report. If you also read the account in other apps or on the web, block the sender with your provider too.

Block, filter, unsubscribe or report spam?

Blocking is the right tool for one specific person or company you never want to hear from. It's often the wrong tool for everything else.

• Newsletters and shops you signed up for: unsubscribe. Gmail itself suggests unsubscribing instead of blocking for promotional mail. Our guide to mass unsubscribing from emails covers doing it in bulk.
• Spam from random addresses: report it as spam or junk. Spammers change addresses constantly, so blocking each one does little, while reporting trains your provider's filter. Don't reply to spam or click its unsubscribe link. Our guide on how to stop spam emails goes further.
• Phishing: use your provider's report phishing option and delete the message. See how to spot phishing emails.
• A whole domain, a keyword, or mail you want out of the inbox but not deleted: use a filter or rule. Filters can label, archive or delete, and in Gmail they're the only way to cover a domain.

Still getting emails after blocking?

• The sender changed address. A block covers one exact address. Block the domain instead, or report the mail as spam.
• The "From" name was faked. Yahoo explains that spoofed messages can show a different address than the one that really sent them. Check the full headers, then block or filter the real sending address.
• You're looking at old mail. Blocks apply to new messages. Delete or move the ones already in your inbox.
• You blocked in one app but read the mail in another. A block set at the provider (Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo) follows the account everywhere. A block set only in an email app may not. Set it with the provider.
• Outlook with a non-Microsoft account. The new Outlook can't block for Gmail, Yahoo or iCloud accounts. Block in that provider's own settings.

The opposite problem, where mail you want stops arriving, is often a forgotten block or filter. Our guide to why you're not receiving emails walks through the checks. To keep other kinds of email under control, see our inbox management guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I block an email address?

Open a message from that address and use the app's block option: More > Block in Gmail, Block Sender in Apple Mail and classic Outlook, or add the address to the blocked list in the settings of Outlook.com or Yahoo Mail.

If I block an email sender, will they know?

No. None of these providers notify the sender. Yahoo says blocked senders get no notification and no failure notice. Gmail and Outlook just move their mail to Spam or Junk.

Can I block a whole domain?

Yes in Outlook (Blocked domains), Yahoo Mail Plus and Canary Mail. In Gmail, use a filter with @domain.com in the From field. Apple Mail can't block domains.

Is it better to block unwanted emails or just delete them?

Block a sender you never want to hear from. For spam, report it instead, because spammers switch addresses. For newsletters you signed up for, unsubscribe.

How do I block emails without opening them?

Add the address in your settings: Filters and Blocked Addresses in Gmail (with a filter), Junk email in Outlook.com, or Security and Privacy in Yahoo. In Gmail you can also tick the message in the list and choose More > Filter messages like these.

Where do blocked emails go?

Gmail sends them to Spam, Outlook to Junk Email, and Mail on iPhone to Trash. Yahoo keeps them out of your inbox. Gmail empties Spam after 30 days and Outlook empties Junk Email after 14.

Sources

• Google: Block an email address in Gmail
• Google: Create rules to filter your emails
• Google: Gmail messages are missing
• Google Workspace: Block messages from an email address or domain
• Microsoft: Block or unblock senders in Outlook
• Microsoft: Block a mail sender in Outlook
• Yahoo: Block and unblock email addresses in New Yahoo Mail
• Yahoo: Block email messages from a domain with Yahoo Mail Plus
• Yahoo: Will blocked contacts know I have blocked them?
• Yahoo: Spot and stop emails from a blocked address
• Apple: Reduce junk mail in Mail on Mac
• Apple: Change Junk Mail settings in Mail on Mac
• Apple: Flag or block emails in Mail on iPhone
• Apple: Block phone numbers, contacts and email addresses on your iPhone or iPad
• FTC: How to get less spam in your email
• Canary Mail: How to block senders on macOS and on iOS
• Canary Mail: How is spam handled in Canary?

The checklist below works for any email account. After it, each app has its own section with the exact settings to check. For blocking, unsubscribing and other inbox tasks, see our guide to managing your inbox.

First, find out where the problem is

One test tells you which half of the checklist to read.

1. Sign in to your provider's website on a computer: mail.google.com, outlook.com, mail.yahoo.com or icloud.com/mail. Webmail shows what the provider has, with no app in between.
2. Send yourself an email from a different account, such as a work address or a friend's, with a subject you'll recognize. Sending from the same account can make the test look fine when it isn't.
3. Wait a few minutes and see where it lands.

• It arrives in webmail but not in your app: your account works. The problem is the app or the device, so skip to the iPhone, Mac or Canary section.
• It doesn't arrive in webmail either: the cause is your account settings, your storage, an outage or the sender. Work through the checklist.
• Everything arrives except mail from one person: look at blocked senders, filters and Spam first, then ask the sender for their bounce message.

Why am I not receiving emails? The checklist

These causes apply to every provider. The app sections further down show where each setting lives.

1. The email is in Spam, Junk or another tab

Spam filters catch real mail, especially from new senders. Gmail also splits the inbox into tabs like Promotions and Updates, Outlook sorts mail into Focused and Other, and Apple Mail has categories. Search all folders for the sender's address before you change anything. If you find the message in Spam or Junk, mark it as not spam so the next one reaches your inbox.

2. Your mailbox storage is full

This is the one that loses mail. When Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo or iCloud runs out of space, it stops accepting new email and messages sent to you bounce back to the sender. They don't wait in a queue for you. Once you clear space, people have to send them again. Yahoo says mail sent while your mailbox is full isn't stored and can't be recovered.

Empty Trash and Spam first, then delete old emails with large attachments.

3. A filter or rule is moving or deleting it

A filter you made months ago, or one an unsubscribe tool created for you, can archive mail, move it to a folder or delete it on arrival. Look for rules that match the sender, the subject or a whole domain, and for actions like "Delete it", "Skip Inbox" or "Move to".

4. Forwarding is sending it somewhere else

Automatic forwarding can send your mail to another address and, depending on the setting, remove your copy. If mail is being forwarded to an address you don't recognize, someone may have access to your account. Turn forwarding off and change your password. Our guide to spotting phishing emails explains how accounts usually get taken over.

5. You blocked the sender

Blocked mail doesn't disappear without a trace. Most providers send it to Spam, Junk or Trash. It's easy to block the wrong address while clearing out newsletters, so check the list. If you do want to block someone properly, our guide on how to block emails covers every app.

6. The sender has the wrong address

A typo, an old address or a missing letter sends the message somewhere else, and only the sender gets the error. Ask them to check the exact address they used and whether they got a bounce message. The bounce usually says why: the address doesn't exist, your mailbox is full, or the message was rejected as spam. Our explainer on Mailer-Daemon bounce messages decodes the common ones.

7. Your provider is having an outage

If mail stopped for everyone at once, check the status page before you change settings: the Google Workspace Status Dashboard for Gmail, Microsoft's service status page for Outlook.com, and Apple's System Status page for iCloud Mail. If there's an active incident, wait it out.

8. Your phone isn't syncing

If mail reaches webmail but not your phone, check the app's sync and background settings, Low Power Mode or Battery Saver, the notification settings, and whether the account needs you to sign in again. Removing the account and adding it back fixes many sync problems, as long as the account uses IMAP or Exchange (the mail stays on the server).

Gmail (web and app)

On a computer, search everything first: click Show search options in the search bar, set "Search" to Mail & Spam & Trash, and enter the sender. In the Android or iPhone app, type in:anywhere before your search. Gmail deletes messages in Spam and Trash after 30 days, so check soon.

Then check these settings on a computer:

• Settings > See all settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses: remove filters that delete or skip the inbox, and unblock anyone listed by mistake. Mail from blocked senders goes to Spam.
• Settings > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP: see whether mail is forwarded and whether Gmail keeps its copy.
• one.google.com/storage: when your Google storage is full, you can't send or receive email.

Our full guide to Gmail not receiving emails has the step-by-step fixes, the Android and iPhone app sync settings, and what "Queued" means. To rebuild a filter, see how to create rules in Gmail.

Outlook (Outlook.com, new Outlook and classic Outlook)

Microsoft's first check is storage. If your mailbox or your Microsoft cloud storage is full, you can't send or receive email in Outlook.com, and Microsoft says mail sent to you during that time goes back to the sender. Check it under Settings > Account > Storage, where you can permanently delete everything in a folder or only items older than 3, 6 or 12 months.

Then work through these in Outlook.com, Outlook on the web or new Outlook for Windows:

1. The Other tab. With Focused Inbox on, Outlook sorts mail into Focused and Other, and new senders often land in Other. To see everything in one list, go to Settings > Mail > Layout and choose Don't sort my messages.
2. Junk Email. Open the Junk Email folder, right-click anything that belongs in your inbox and mark it as not junk. Outlook.com deletes Junk items after 10 days.
3. Blocked senders. Go to Settings > Mail > Junk email. Blocked senders and blocked domains are listed there, and their mail goes to Junk Email. Remove anyone who shouldn't be on the list.
4. Rules. Go to Settings > Mail > Rules and turn off or delete any rule that moves or deletes mail you want.
5. Forwarding. In Outlook.com, go to Settings > Mail > Forwarding and IMAP. In Outlook on the web and new Outlook, it's Settings > Mail > Forwarding. If forwarding is on and you didn't set it up, choose Disable forwarding and save.
6. Sort order. If messages look missing, they may just be out of order. Choose Filter > Sort > Date.

In classic Outlook for Windows, look at the status bar at the bottom of the window. If it says Working Offline or Disconnected, open the Send/Receive tab and click Work Offline to go back online. Microsoft also suggests checking your internet connection, re-entering a recently changed password, and repairing Outlook if the problem continues. Rules in classic Outlook are under Home > Rules > Manage Rules & Alerts. For more on sorting Outlook mail, see our guide to filtering your Hotmail and Outlook inbox.

Yahoo Mail

Yahoo lists five account settings that can keep mail out of your inbox: your reply-to address, blocked addresses, blocked domains, the Spam folder and filters. On a computer, open Yahoo Mail, click More (below your folders), then Settings:

• Security and Privacy: the "Blocked addresses" list. Hover over an address and click the delete icon to unblock it. Blocking whole domains is a Yahoo Mail Plus feature, and those appear on the same page.
• Filters: Yahoo applies filters from the top down and can send mail to a folder or to Trash. Edit or delete any that catch the sender.
• Spam folder: select the message and click Not spam. Yahoo says future mail from that sender will then go to your inbox.

Then send yourself an email from a computer. If it doesn't arrive, Yahoo points you to the failed-delivery message. If your account looks fine, Yahoo says the issue is on the sender's side: ask them to check that they typed your full address.

Two Yahoo-specific cases. A full mailbox stops all incoming mail until you clear space, and mail sent in the meantime is lost. And if mail reaches Yahoo on a computer but not the Yahoo Mail app, update the app, then sign out and back in. Reinstalling is Yahoo's last step.

Apple Mail on Mac

Most "missing" mail on a Mac is hidden rather than lost. Check these first:

• Categories: Mail sorts messages into Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions. Mail outside Primary can look missing.
• Junk: the Junk mailbox in Mail, and your provider's spam folder in webmail. Mail's own settings are under Mail > Settings > Junk Mail. For tuning them, see our guide to Mac Mail junk mail filtering.
• Rules: Mail > Settings > Rules. Turn off any rule you don't recognize.
• Blocked senders: Mail > Settings > Junk Mail > Blocked. Depending on the setting, mail from blocked senders is marked but left in the inbox, or moved straight to the Trash.

If the mail really isn't arriving, the account may be offline, its password may be out of date, or the mailbox may be full. Our guide to Mac Mail not receiving emails goes through each fix, including rebuilding a mailbox. If mail arrives only when you click Get Mail, see Mac Mail not updating the inbox.

iPhone and iPad

Apple's checklist for the Mail app starts with your connection and an outage check, then confirming your password on the provider's website. After that:

• Fetch New Data: go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > Fetch New Data. Turn on Push where the account supports it. Gmail accounts usually offer only Fetch, so pick a timed schedule rather than Manual.
• Low Power Mode: it turns off email fetch, so mail waits until you open the app.
• Hidden mail: the Mail app has categories too (Primary, Transactions, Updates, Promotions), and a mailbox filter can hide messages that don't match it.
• iCloud Mail: make sure Use on this iPhone is on under Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Mail, and that you're under your iCloud storage limit. Apple says that if you run out of iCloud storage, you can't send or receive email with your iCloud address.
• Remove and re-add the account as a last step, using the Google, Outlook.com or Yahoo button rather than Other.

Our guide to the iPhone not getting emails has all ten fixes in order, plus provider-specific steps for Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo, iCloud and work accounts. For other iPhone settings, see our iPhone Mail guide.

Canary Mail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Canary is an email app for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows that works with Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud and other IMAP accounts. It shows the mail your provider delivers, so the provider checks above (storage, provider filters, forwarding, outages) apply first. If mail is in webmail but not in Canary, check these:

• Spam: Canary doesn't have its own spam filter. It uses your provider's, so a message the provider marks as spam lands in that account's Spam or Junk folder in Canary too.
• Blocked senders: when you block a sender or a whole domain in Canary, their mail is either moved to Trash or marked as blocked in your inbox, depending on your block settings. On Mac, check the blocked list in Settings. On iPhone and iPad, blocked senders are listed under Settings > Rules.
• The filter icon: if the thread list shows only Unread, Starred or Attachments, a filter is on. Tap or click the filter icon to clear it.
• Push or Fetch on mobile: on iPhone and Android you choose between Push, which runs through Canary's push server, and Fetch, which checks from your device and can be up to about 15 minutes behind. Switch in Settings if notifications are slow.
• Smart Notifications: if it's on, Canary doesn't notify you about newsletters and similar mail. The email still arrives, just quietly.

Still not receiving emails?

If the checklist and your app's section didn't turn it up, try these less common causes.

• Give it 15 minutes, then send another test. Delivery is usually quick, but a message can take a few minutes.
• Sign in to webmail and look for a notice. Microsoft, for example, can temporarily block an account after unusual sign-in activity, and it can't send or receive until you unblock it.
• If you changed your password recently, enter the new one in every app and on every device. The ones still using the old password stop syncing.
• Ask the sender for the bounce message. It names the reason and shows whether the mail ever reached your provider.
• On a work or school account, ask IT. They can trace a message in the mail logs and check the domain's MX records and your account status. Ask them before you remove the account from your devices.
• If you use your own domain, check with your domain provider that the MX records still point to your email host.

To keep junk from burying the mail you want, our guide on how to stop spam emails covers provider filters, reporting and blocking. For everything else, start with our inbox management guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why did I suddenly stop receiving emails?

When everything stops at once, the usual causes are a full mailbox, a provider outage, a changed password or an account locked after unusual sign-in activity. Check your storage and the provider's status page first, then sign in to webmail and look for a notice.

Why are my incoming emails not showing up in my inbox?

They're usually there, just not in the inbox you're looking at. Check Spam or Junk, Gmail's Promotions and Updates tabs, Outlook's Other tab, and Apple Mail's categories. Then check for filters or rules that move mail to a folder or skip the inbox.

Can a full mailbox stop me from receiving emails?

Yes. Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo and iCloud all stop accepting new mail when you run out of storage, and senders get a bounce. Those messages don't come back when you free up space, so the sender has to send them again.

Why am I not receiving emails from one person?

Check your blocked senders list, your filters and your Spam or Junk folder. If none of those explain it, ask the sender to confirm your exact address and forward you any bounce message they got.

Why am I getting emails on my computer but not my phone?

Your account is fine, so the phone is the problem. Check the mail app's sync or Fetch settings, Low Power Mode or Battery Saver, and notifications. If that doesn't work, remove the account from the phone and add it back.

How do I know if my email provider is down?

Check its status page: the Google Workspace Status Dashboard for Gmail, Microsoft's service status page for Outlook.com, and Apple's System Status page for iCloud Mail. If webmail also fails to load and others report the same problem, wait for the provider to fix it.

Why am I not getting password reset or verification emails?

Check Spam, Junk and the Promotions or Updates tabs, then make sure the service has your current address. Yahoo says it may not let recovery emails reach an inactive or recycled Yahoo address, so sign in to that Yahoo account first and request the email again.

Sources

• Google: Gmail messages are missing
• Google: Manage your storage in Drive, Gmail & Photos
• Google: Block an email address in Gmail
• Microsoft: Can't send or receive email in Outlook.com
• Microsoft: Storage limits in Outlook.com
• Microsoft: Block or unblock senders in Outlook
• Microsoft: Focused Inbox for Outlook
• Microsoft: Turn automatic forwarding on or off in Outlook
• Microsoft: Inbox rules in Outlook.com and Outlook on the web
• Microsoft: I can't send or receive messages in Outlook
• Yahoo: Emails are not received in New Yahoo Mail
• Yahoo: Not receiving email on your mobile device
• Yahoo: Yahoo Mail Storage FAQ
• Yahoo: Block and unblock email addresses in New Yahoo Mail
• Apple: If you can't receive email on your iPhone or iPad
• Apple: If iCloud Mail isn't working
• Apple: Mailbox size and message sending limits in iCloud
• Apple Mail User Guide: Change Blocked settings in Mail on Mac
• Apple Mail User Guide: Automatically sort incoming emails
• Canary Mail: How is spam handled in Canary?
• Canary Mail: How to block senders on macOS
• Canary Mail: Why does Canary Mail offer push notifications?

This guide covers the three email threats people run into most: phishing, ordinary spam, and email bombing, where your inbox is flooded on purpose to hide something worse. The advice comes from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the email providers themselves. It's part of our guide to email security.

What are phishing emails?

Phishing is an attempt to steal personal information or break into accounts using messages and sites that imitate ones you already use. The FTC says scammers are after your passwords, account numbers and Social Security number, which can get them into your email, bank or other accounts, or which they sell on to other criminals. The email is just the delivery method: the damage happens on the fake login page it links to, in the attachment that installs malware, or in the reply you send.

Who sends them? Mostly criminals working at scale, sending the same message to huge lists and waiting for a small share of people to bite. A smaller group researches specific targets first, which makes their emails much harder to spot.

How to recognise a phishing email

The FTC notes that phishing emails usually tell a story to get you to click (our phishing email examples show ten of them in full). Typical ones:

• There's been suspicious activity or a login attempt on your account.
• There's a problem with your account or payment details, so it's on hold.
• You need to confirm personal or financial information.
• An invoice you don't recognise, or a link to make a payment.
• You're eligible for a refund, a prize or free stuff.

The NCSC groups the pressure tactics behind these stories. Look for any of these:

Then check the details:

• The sender's actual address. The display name can say anything. Look at the address after it for misspellings and lookalike domains (CISA's example is amazan.com).
• Where links really go. On a computer, hover over a link without clicking to see the real destination. On a phone, press and hold. Shortened links you can't read are a warning sign in themselves.
• Generic greetings. "Dear customer" instead of your name, from a company that knows your name.
• Requests no real company makes by email. The FTC says legitimate companies won't email you a link to update your payment information.
• QR codes in emails. The NCSC warns that criminals increasingly put QR codes in phishing emails to get you onto a scam site from your phone, where the address is harder to check.

One old rule no longer works: bad spelling. The NCSC warns that generative AI already lets scammers write convincing messages without the translation, spelling and grammar mistakes that used to give phishing away, so a well-written email proves nothing. If you want to dig further, the message's email headers show which servers it really came through.

Common types of phishing attack

• Mass phishing: the same fake bank, delivery or account notice sent to millions of addresses.
• Spear phishing: aimed at one person or organisation, using details gathered about them so it feels genuine.
• Whaling: spear phishing aimed at executives and others who can approve payments or release data.
• Impersonation of someone you know: a message that looks like it's from a colleague, friend or family member, often asking for money, gift cards or a quick favour.
• Smishing and vishing: the same tricks by text message and phone call, sometimes combined with email.

What to do if you get a phishing email

The FTC's test is one question: do I have an account with this company, or know this person?

1. If not, treat it as phishing. Report it (see below) and delete it.
2. If you do, don't use anything in the email. Go to the company's website yourself, or call a number from your card, a statement or the official site, and ask.
3. Don't reply, and don't click any link in it, including an unsubscribe link. CISA's advice is simply to delete it.

If you already clicked or replied

The short version is below; our guide on what to do if you clicked a phishing link has the full checklist.

• If you entered a password, change it right away, and change it anywhere else you use the same one. Turn on multi-factor authentication if you haven't.
• If you opened an attachment or think you downloaded something, update your security software and run a full scan.
• If you gave out card, bank or Social Security details, the FTC points US readers to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan. Call your bank too.

How to report phishing in Gmail, Outlook and Apple Mail

Reporting from inside your email app trains its filter and warns the provider. Steps from each provider:

You can also report to the authorities. In the US, the FTC asks you to forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org and report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In the UK, forward suspicious emails to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk; you don't need to forward messages that are already in your junk folder.

Spam vs phishing: what's the difference?

Spam is any unsolicited bulk email: unwanted newsletters, ads, dubious offers. A lot of it is just annoying. Phishing is a kind of spam with a specific goal, getting something from you that a criminal can use. The FTC puts it this way: at best spam is annoying, at worst it's pushing scams or malware. Most spam is sent through botnets, networks of hacked computers, phones and smart devices, which is also why keeping your own devices updated matters.

To cut down spam, mark it as junk instead of only deleting it, and block senders who keep coming back. Our guide on how to stop spam emails has the steps for Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, Apple Mail and iPhone.

What is email bombing?

Email bombing (also called mail bombing, list bombing or subscription bombing) floods one address with hundreds or thousands of messages in a short time. MITRE ATT&CK, the industry's catalogue of attack techniques, describes the usual method: a bot signs your address up to many newsletters and mailing lists that don't confirm new sign-ups, and the confirmations and newsletters pour in. Because the mail comes from real newsletter sites, your provider can't simply block it.

Why attackers do it

The flood is usually cover. MITRE notes it buries legitimate messages, including security alerts. That's the point: a password reset notice, a new-login warning or a purchase confirmation from your bank gets lost among thousands of newsletters while someone uses your account. Dartmouth's IT team gives the same reason, and says people who handle financial data are targeted more often.

There's a second version aimed at workplaces. Microsoft Threat Intelligence reported in 2024 that a group it tracks as Storm-1811 bombed employees' inboxes and then phoned or messaged them posing as IT support, offering to fix the spam. The "fix" was remote access to the victim's computer, which led to ransomware.

What to do if you're being email bombed

1. Check your accounts first. Look at your bank, card, shopping and email accounts for purchases, password changes or new logins you didn't make. Search the flood for real alerts from those services.
2. Change your email password and turn on multi-factor authentication. At work, report it to your IT or security team, since it's a security incident, not just a nuisance.
3. Don't trust anyone who contacts you offering to fix it. In the attacks Microsoft describes, that call or chat was the attack. Hang up and call your help desk on the number you already know.
4. Don't click hundreds of unsubscribe links. Dartmouth advises against it: reputable lists usually stop on their own once you don't confirm, and shady ones may sell your address on.
5. Filter instead. Rules that send mail from known contacts to your inbox and everything else to a separate folder let you keep working while the wave passes.

Email phishing protection in Canary Mail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Your provider's filter catches most phishing, but not all of it. Canary Mail's Pro+ plan ($100 a year) adds phishing and impersonation detection on top: it checks each email for spoofed senders and fake links and warns you before you click. Pro+ also includes PGP and SecureSend for encrypted email, and tracker blocking is on by default on every plan. Canary works with Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange and other IMAP accounts on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows and Android, with a 7-day trial. No filter is perfect, so the habits above still apply.

If you also want to encrypt what you send, see our guide to PGP encryption.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get phished just by opening an email?

Usually not. The harm comes from clicking a link, opening an attachment or replying with information. Opening a message can still tell the sender your address is active if it loads remote images, which is one reason to block trackers or turn off remote content.

How do I check if I was phished?

Think back to whether you entered a password, payment details or personal information after clicking a link, or opened an attachment. Then look for password reset emails, new-login alerts, changed recovery details or charges you don't recognise. If you find any, change your passwords and contact your bank.

What happens if my email gets phished?

If a scammer gets your email password, they can read your mail, reset passwords for other accounts that use that address, and send phishing from your account to your contacts. Change the password, turn on multi-factor authentication, sign out other sessions and check your forwarding rules.

Is spam the same as phishing?

No. Spam is any unwanted bulk email; phishing is a deceptive message designed to steal information or money. All phishing is spam, but most spam is just unwanted marketing.

How long does email bombing last?

There's no set length. The worst usually arrives as one wave of sign-up confirmations, but newsletters you were signed up to can keep coming afterwards. Filtering, rather than unsubscribing from each one, is the practical way through it.

Sources

• FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams
• FTC: How to get less spam in your email
• CISA: Recognize and report phishing (archived)
• NCSC: How to spot a scam email, text message or call
• NCSC: The near-term impact of AI on the cyber threat
• NCSC: Report a scam email
• Google: Avoid and report phishing emails
• Google: Report spam in Gmail
• Microsoft: Protect yourself from phishing
• Microsoft: Filter junk email and spam in Outlook
• Apple: Recognize and avoid phishing messages
• Apple Mail User Guide: Reduce junk mail
• MITRE ATT&CK: Email Bombing (T1667)
• Microsoft Threat Intelligence: Threat actors misusing Quick Assist (email bombing then fake IT calls)
• Dartmouth ITC: How to mitigate email bombing
• Canary Mail: Security features

Что такое уведомление о прочтении

Уведомление о прочтении приходит вам после того, как адресат открыл ваше письмо. Их запрашивают для писем, где молчание дорого стоит: договор на подпись, счёт, срок сдачи, отклик на вакансию. Это не то же самое, что уведомление о доставке: по определению Microsoft, оно подтверждает, что письмо попало в почтовый ящик получателя, но не что его кто-то видел.

И это не то же самое, что отчёты о прочтении на iPhone. Переключатель «Отчет о прочтении» в разделе «Настройки» > «Приложения» > «Сообщения» относится к переписке в iMessage, к статусу «Прочитано» под сообщением. К электронной почте он отношения не имеет.

Как работают уведомления: запрос подтверждения и пиксель отслеживания

Под словами «уведомление о прочтении» скрываются две совсем разные технологии, и большая часть путаницы возникает, когда их смешивают.

Запрошенное уведомление (стандартный способ)

Изначальное уведомление о прочтении описано в почтовом стандарте Message Disposition Notification, RFC 8098. Ваша программа добавляет в письмо заголовок Disposition-Notification-To. Когда получатель открывает письмо, его программа может отправить вам короткое сообщение о том, что письмо было показано.

Весь подвох в слове «может». Стандарт разрешает программе получателя игнорировать запрос и рекомендует спрашивать пользователя, прежде чем что-то отправлять. Поэтому запрошенное уведомление приходит, только если программа получателя поддерживает стандарт и сам получатель согласен (или его компания настроила автоматическую отправку). Этим способом пользуются Outlook и Gmail в рабочих аккаунтах.

Пиксель отслеживания

Второй способ ни у кого не спрашивает разрешения. Программа отправителя или сервис отслеживания вставляет в письмо невидимую картинку, часто размером в один пиксель. Когда почтовая программа получателя загружает изображения, она запрашивает этот пиксель с сервера трекера, и сервер записывает открытие. Так работают расширения для почты, инструменты для продаж и некоторые почтовые приложения, в том числе Canary. Способ работает с любым получателем у любого почтового сервиса, поэтому он популярен, но его точность целиком зависит от того, как программа получателя обращается с картинками.

Как запросить уведомление о прочтении в Gmail

По данным Google, подтверждения прочтения работают только в рабочих и учебных аккаунтах (Google Workspace). В личных ящиках @gmail.com их нет, а в рабочих их должен разрешить администратор. Если ваш аккаунт подходит:

1. Откройте Gmail в браузере на компьютере и нажмите Написать.
2. Напишите письмо как обычно.
3. В правом нижнем углу нажмите значок Ещё, затем Запросить уведомление о прочтении.
4. Нажмите Отправить.

Google приводит эти шаги только для компьютера. Подтверждение также не придёт, если вы пишете на список рассылки или псевдоним группы, если администратор разрешил подтверждения только внутри организации или если получатель пользуется POP-клиентом или IMAP-программой, которая не отправляет подтверждения автоматически. Что можно сделать с личным аккаунтом Gmail, мы разобрали в статье как узнать, прочитал ли кто-то ваше письмо в Gmail.

Как запросить уведомление о прочтении в Outlook

Outlook умеет запрашивать уведомления о прочтении в рабочих и учебных аккаунтах (Microsoft 365 или Exchange). По данным Microsoft, для учётных записей IMAP и POP, например Gmail, Yahoo или iCloud, добавленных в Outlook, их нет. Порядок действий зависит от версии Outlook.

Новый Outlook для Windows и Outlook в Интернете

1. Создайте новое письмо.
2. Откройте на ленте вкладку Параметры.
3. В разделе «Отслеживание» установите флажок Запросить уведомление о прочтении (и Запросить уведомление о доставке, если оно тоже нужно). Если этих флажков не видно, выберите Дополнительные параметры в правой части ленты.
4. Отправьте письмо.

Классический Outlook для Windows

• Одно письмо: в новом письме откройте Параметры и в группе «Отслеживание» установите флажок Запросить уведомление о прочтении.
• Все письма: выберите Файл > Параметры > Почта. В разделе «Отслеживание» отметьте уведомление о прочтении и нажмите «ОК».
• Кто прочитал: откройте отправленное письмо в папке «Отправленные» и на вкладке «Сообщение» в группе «Показать» выберите Отслеживание. Эта кнопка появляется только после первого подтверждения, а на это может уйти несколько минут.

Outlook для Mac

• Новый Outlook для Mac: при создании письма откройте на панели инструментов меню Квитанции и выберите уведомление о прочтении. Если кнопки нет, добавьте её, настроив панель инструментов.
• Устаревший Outlook для Mac: выберите Параметры > Запрос квитанций > Запросить уведомление о прочтении. Microsoft сообщает, что поддержка устаревшего Outlook для Mac заканчивается в октябре 2026 года.

Обеим версиям нужна рабочая или учебная учётная запись Microsoft 365 либо учётная запись Exchange. С учётными записями Outlook.com, IMAP и POP запросить уведомление на Mac нельзя.

Приложение Outlook на iPhone и Android

В 2025 году Microsoft добавила уведомления о доставке и прочтении в мобильное приложение Outlook, для рабочих и учебных аккаунтов. При написании письма нажмите кнопку + на панели инструментов, затем значок уведомлений и выберите уведомление о прочтении, о доставке или оба. Плашка в черновике напомнит, что именно будет запрошено. Подтвердить прочтение каждый получатель всё равно должен сам.

Аккаунты Outlook.com и Hotmail

По словам Microsoft, в самом Outlook.com запросить уведомление о прочтении нельзя. Для аккаунта Outlook.com это можно сделать из Outlook для Windows, и Microsoft уточняет, что для этого нужна подписка Microsoft 365.

Как отвечать на запросы в Outlook

Если уведомление запрашивают у вас, в новом Outlook, Outlook в Интернете и Outlook.com выбрать, как на это отвечать, можно в разделе Параметры > Почта > Обработка сообщений, в блоке «Уведомления о прочтении». В мобильном приложении над письмом появится плашка с вопросом, отправлять ли уведомление. В первый раз вы выбираете вариант по умолчанию, а позже его можно поменять в настройках почты в приложении.

Об ограничениях Microsoft пишет без обиняков: получатель может отказаться, некоторые почтовые программы уведомления не поддерживают, и «невозможно заставить получателя отправить уведомление о прочтении». Ещё Microsoft советует запрашивать их только для важных писем: люди, которые видят такой запрос нечасто, охотнее его подтверждают.

Уведомления о прочтении в Apple Mail

В Apple Mail нет уведомлений о прочтении ни на Mac, ни на iPhone, ни на iPad, в том числе в macOS 27 и iOS 27. Ни в окне нового письма, ни в настройках Почты запросить его нельзя, и Почта не предлагает отправить подтверждение, когда его просят у вас. В старых инструкциях советуют команду в Терминале, которая добавляет нужный заголовок ко всем письмам; она давно перестала работать. Обходные пути, от расширений для Почты до других приложений, мы собрали в статье об уведомлениях о прочтении в Apple Mail.

Как «Защита конфиденциальности в Почте» влияет на пиксели

Apple Mail важна для уведомлений о прочтении, даже если вы сами ею не пользуетесь, потому что ею пользуются многие ваши получатели. Когда защита включена, Почта, как пишет Apple, скрывает IP-адрес получателя и загружает контент из удалённых источников в фоне, когда письмо приходит, а не когда его открывают. В руководстве для iPhone Apple говорит прямо: функция не даёт отправителям узнать, открывали ли вы их письмо.

Для пикселя отслеживания это значит, что «открытие» может записаться вскоре после доставки, независимо от того, видел ли человек письмо, и без его настоящего местоположения. Получатели включают эту функцию на Mac в разделе «Почта» > «Настройки» > «Конфиденциальность» (флажок «Защищать мои действия в Почте»), а на iPhone в разделе «Настройки» > «Приложения» > «Почта» > «Защита конфиденциальности».

Уведомления о прочтении на iPhone

Встроенная Почта на iPhone не умеет запрашивать уведомления о прочтении писем, а переключатель «Отчет о прочтении» относится только к «Сообщениям». Google даёт инструкцию для Gmail только для компьютера. Приложение Outlook на iPhone запрашивать уведомления умеет, но только в рабочих и учебных аккаунтах. С личным аккаунтом Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo или Outlook.com на iPhone реальный вариант один: почтовое приложение со встроенными уведомлениями о прочтении.

Насколько можно доверять уведомлениям о прочтении

Меньше, чем кажется. Оба способа ошибаются в обе стороны:

• Прочтение не замечено. Запрошенное уведомление не придёт, если получатель отказался или его программа проигнорировала запрос. Пиксель не сработает, если получатель блокирует картинки из удалённых источников или читает письма как обычный текст.
• Ложное прочтение. «Защита конфиденциальности в Почте» может загрузить пиксель сразу, как только письмо пришло. А Google отмечает, что пользователь IMAP-клиента может отметить письмо прочитанным, не открывая его, и подтверждение всё равно уйдёт.
• Открыто не значит прочитано. В RFC 8098 сказано, что даже подтверждение «письмо показано» не гарантирует, что содержимое прочитали или поняли, а сами уведомления можно подделать или потерять.

Используйте уведомление, чтобы решить, когда напомнить о себе, а не чтобы делать вывод, что вас игнорируют. Ответ или переход по ссылке из письма скажут гораздо больше.

Приватность и этикет

Запрошенные уведомления ничего не скрывают: получатель видит запрос и решает сам. Пиксели работают молча, поэтому некоторым они кажутся навязчивыми. Запрашивайте уведомления только для писем, где нужно подтверждение, не используйте их в личной переписке, а если работаете с клиентами, предупредите их об этом.

Уведомления о прочтении в Canary Mail

Раскрытие информации: Canary Mail делаем мы. Если вы пользуетесь Apple Mail или личным аккаунтом Gmail, Outlook.com, iCloud или Yahoo, где запрошенных уведомлений нет, Canary добавляет уведомления о прочтении прямо в почтовое приложение. Canary работает на Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows и Android с Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange и другими IMAP-ящиками.

Уведомления о прочтении в Canary основаны на пикселе отслеживания, поэтому все ограничения выше к ним тоже относятся: уведомление придёт, только если программа получателя загрузит картинки. Функция включена по умолчанию, отключить её можно в настройках Canary. Когда письмо открывают, у него в папке «Отправленные» появляется синяя галочка, вам приходит оповещение, а открытие отображается в разделе Read Activity (история прочтений). Как сказано в справке Canary (на английском), приложение записывает только сам факт открытия и время, без IP-адреса, устройства и местоположения. Кроме того, Canary блокирует трекеры во входящих письмах.

В бесплатном тарифе есть Read Receipts Lite, а также общий ящик для неограниченного числа аккаунтов на 2 устройствах. Полные уведомления о прочтении входят в тариф Growth ($36 в год) и Pro+ ($100 в год). Canary пользуются более 2 миллионов человек, а Apple рекомендовала его в App Store и Mac App Store.

Частые вопросы

Как узнать, что моё письмо прочитали?

Запросите уведомление о прочтении, если ваша программа это умеет (Outlook или Gmail с рабочим или учебным аккаунтом), или используйте почтовое приложение либо расширение, которое отслеживает открытия пикселем. Гарантии не даёт ни то, ни другое: получатель может отказаться от подтверждения, а функции защиты приватности могут скрыть или имитировать открытие. Надёжный признак только один: ответ.

Как отправить письмо с уведомлением о прочтении?

В Outlook установите флажок «Запросить уведомление о прочтении» на вкладке «Параметры» (в Outlook для Mac через кнопку «Квитанции»). В Gmail с аккаунтом Workspace перед отправкой нажмите значок «Ещё», затем «Запросить уведомление о прочтении». В Apple Mail встроенной функции нет.

Как запросить уведомление о прочтении в Outlook?

При написании письма откройте вкладку «Параметры» и в разделе «Отслеживание» установите флажок «Запросить уведомление о прочтении» (если его не видно, выберите «Дополнительные параметры»). В классическом Outlook уведомление можно запрашивать для всех писем: «Файл» > «Параметры» > «Почта», раздел «Отслеживание». Это работает только в рабочих и учебных аккаунтах, но не с ящиками Gmail, Yahoo или iCloud, добавленными в Outlook.

Можно ли запросить уведомление о прочтении в Почте Mail?

Можно, по подписке Mail Space. Как сказано в справке Почты Mail, над текстом письма у получателя появится плашка с кнопкой «Подтвердить, что прочитано», и уведомление придёт, только если он её нажмёт. Это тот же принцип запрошенного уведомления: без согласия получателя подтверждения не будет.

Что значит письмо с уведомлением о прочтении?

Отправитель попросил подтвердить, что вы открыли письмо. Обычно ваша почтовая программа спрашивает, отправлять ли подтверждение, и вы можете отказаться. Если вопроса не было, подтверждение могло уйти автоматически по настройкам вашей организации, а многие программы такой запрос просто игнорируют.

Можно ли получить уведомление о прочтении так, чтобы получатель не знал?

Запрошенное уведомление видно: программа получателя обычно спрашивает, отправлять ли его. Пиксели отслеживания не спрашивают, но «Защита конфиденциальности в Почте» от Apple, блокировка картинок и блокировка трекеров в приложениях могут их остановить или сделать неточными.

Что будет, если отказаться от уведомления о прочтении?

Ничего не отправится, и отправитель не сможет вас заставить. Для него это выглядит так же, как если бы вы письмо не открывали. В рабочем Gmail кнопка «Не сейчас» означает, что вас спросят снова, когда вы в следующий раз откроете письмо.

Работают ли уведомления о прочтении в Gmail?

Только в рабочих и учебных аккаунтах Google Workspace и только если их разрешил администратор. Личные аккаунты @gmail.com не могут ни запрашивать, ни отправлять подтверждения прочтения.

Поддерживает ли Apple Mail уведомления о прочтении?

Нет. Apple Mail на Mac, iPhone и iPad не может запросить уведомление о прочтении и не предлагает отправить его в ответ. Для этого нужно другое приложение или расширение для Почты.

Источники

• RFC 8098: Message Disposition Notification (на английском)
• Google: Как запрашивать и отправлять подтверждения прочтения (Справка Gmail)
• Microsoft: Добавление и запрос уведомлений о прочтении и доставке в Outlook
• Microsoft: уведомления о прочтении в Outlook в Интернете
• Блог Microsoft 365 Insider: Delivery and read receipts in Outlook for Android and iOS (на английском)
• Microsoft: Запрос уведомления о прочтении или доставке в Outlook для Mac
• Руководство пользователя Почты: защита конфиденциальности электронных писем в приложении «Почта» на Mac
• Руководство пользователя iPhone: использование защиты конфиденциальности почты на iPhone
• Руководство пользователя iPhone: включение и выключение отчетов о прочтении в приложении «Сообщения»
• Помощь Почты Mail: запрос подтверждения о прочтении
• Справка Canary Mail: How does Canary Mail implement read receipts? (на английском)

Wat is een leesbevestiging?

Een leesbevestiging is een melding die bij u terugkomt nadat de ontvanger uw bericht heeft geopend. Mensen gebruiken ze voor mails waarbij stilte duur is: een contract dat getekend moet worden, een factuur, een deadline, een sollicitatie. Het is iets anders dan een ontvangstbevestiging. Volgens Microsoft bevestigt die alleen dat het bericht in het postvak van de ontvanger is aangekomen, niet dat iemand het heeft bekeken. In het Nederlands lopen die twee woorden vaak door elkaar, ook in zoekopdrachten, maar het verschil doet ertoe.

Het is ook iets anders dan de leesbewijzen op een iPhone. De schakelaar Stuur leesbewijzen in Instellingen > Apps > Berichten geldt voor iMessage-gesprekken, het woordje "Gelezen" onder een sms of iMessage. Met e-mail heeft het niets te maken.

Hoe leesbevestigingen werken: de e-mailstandaard tegenover trackingpixels

Onder "leesbevestiging" vallen twee heel verschillende technieken, en de meeste verwarring komt doordat ze door elkaar worden gehaald.

Leesbevestigingen volgens de standaard

De oorspronkelijke leesbevestiging is een e-mailstandaard die Message Disposition Notification heet, vastgelegd in RFC 8098. Uw app voegt een Disposition-Notification-To-header aan het bericht toe. Opent de ontvanger het, dan kan diens app een kort bericht terugsturen dat de mail is weergegeven.

Het zit 'm in het woord "kan". De standaard laat de app van de ontvanger vrij om het verzoek te negeren en raadt aan de gebruiker eerst te vragen voordat er iets wordt verstuurd. Een leesbevestiging komt dus alleen aan als de app van de ontvanger de standaard ondersteunt en de ontvanger akkoord gaat (of het bedrijf heeft ingesteld dat bevestigingen automatisch worden verstuurd). Outlook en Gmail voor werkaccounts gebruiken deze methode.

Trackingpixels

De andere methode vraagt niemand iets. De app of trackingdienst van de afzender zet een onzichtbaar plaatje in de mail, vaak één pixel groot. Laadt de mailapp van de ontvanger afbeeldingen, dan haalt die de pixel op bij de server van de tracker, en die server noteert een opening. E-mailextensies, salestools en sommige e-mailapps, waaronder Canary, werken zo. Het werkt bij elke ontvanger, bij elke provider, en daarom is het populair. Maar hoe nauwkeurig het is, hangt volledig af van hoe de app van de ontvanger met afbeeldingen omgaat.

Een leesbevestiging vragen in Gmail

Volgens Google werken leesbevestigingen alleen met werk- of schoolaccounts (Google Workspace). Met persoonlijke @gmail.com-adressen werken ze niet, en uw beheerder moet ze toestaan. Komt uw account in aanmerking:

1. Open Gmail in een webbrowser en klik op Opstellen.
2. Schrijf uw e-mail zoals altijd.
3. Klik rechtsonder op Meer opties en daarna op Leesbevestiging vragen.
4. Klik op Verzenden.

Google geeft deze stappen alleen voor een computer. U krijgt ook geen bevestiging als u naar een mailinglijst of alias stuurt, als uw beheerder bevestigingen beperkt tot mensen binnen uw organisatie, of als de ontvanger een POP-client gebruikt of een IMAP-app die bevestigingen niet automatisch verstuurt. Voor persoonlijke Gmail-accounts zet ons artikel over hoe u ziet of uw e-mail in Gmail is gelezen de mogelijkheden op een rij.

Een leesbevestiging vragen in Outlook

Outlook kan leesbevestigingen vragen op werk- en schoolaccounts (Microsoft 365 of Exchange). Volgens Microsoft zijn ze niet beschikbaar voor IMAP- of POP-accounts zoals Gmail, Yahoo of iCloud die u aan Outlook hebt toegevoegd. Welke stappen u volgt, hangt af van uw versie van Outlook.

Nieuwe Outlook voor Windows en de webversie van Outlook

1. Begin een nieuwe e-mail.
2. Open het tabblad Opties op het lint.
3. Vink in de groep Controleren Leesbevestiging vragen aan (en Ontvangstbevestiging verzoeken als u die ook wilt). Ziet u deze opties niet, kies dan Meer opties aan de rechterkant van het lint.
4. Verstuur de e-mail.

Klassieke Outlook voor Windows

• Eén bericht: ga in een nieuwe e-mail naar Opties en vink in de groep Controleren het selectievakje Leesbevestiging verzoeken aan.
• Elk bericht: ga naar Bestand > Opties > E-mail. Vink onder Controleren het vakje voor een leesbevestiging aan en kies OK.
• Zien wie het heeft gelezen: open het verzonden bericht in de map Verzonden items en kies op het tabblad Bericht, in de groep Weergeven, de optie Controleren. Die knop verschijnt pas als de eerste bevestiging binnen is, en dat kan een paar minuten duren.

Outlook voor Mac

• Nieuwe Outlook voor Mac: open tijdens het schrijven het menu Ontvangstbevestigingen in de werkbalk en kies de leesbevestiging. Ontbreekt de knop, voeg hem dan toe door de werkbalk aan te passen.
• Verouderde Outlook voor Mac: kies Opties > Ontvangstbevestigingen aanvragen > Leesbevestiging aanvragen. Volgens Microsoft stopt de ondersteuning voor de verouderde Outlook voor Mac in oktober 2026.

Beide versies werken alleen met een Microsoft 365-werk- of schoolaccount of een Exchange-account. Met Outlook.com-, IMAP- en POP-accounts kunt u op de Mac geen bevestigingen vragen.

Outlook-app op iPhone en Android

Microsoft heeft in 2025 ontvangst- en leesbevestigingen toegevoegd aan de mobiele Outlook-app, voor werk- en schoolaccounts. Tik tijdens het schrijven op de knop + in de werkbalk, tik dan op het pictogram voor bevestigingen en kies een leesbevestiging, een ontvangstbevestiging of allebei. Een melding in het concept laat zien wat er wordt gevraagd. Elke ontvanger moet een leesbevestiging nog steeds zelf goedkeuren.

Outlook.com- en Hotmail-accounts

Volgens Microsoft kunt u in Outlook.com zelf geen leesbevestiging vragen. Voor een Outlook.com-account kan het wel vanuit Outlook voor Windows, en daarvoor is volgens Microsoft een Microsoft 365-abonnement nodig.

Reageren op verzoeken om een leesbevestiging in Outlook

Vraagt iemand u om een bevestiging, dan kiest u in de nieuwe Outlook, de webversie en Outlook.com hoe u reageert via Instellingen > Afhandeling van e-mailberichten, onder Leesbevestigingen. In de mobiele app vraagt een melding bij het bericht of u er een wilt sturen. De eerste keer stelt u een standaardkeuze in, die u later kunt wijzigen in de e-mailinstellingen van de app.

Microsoft is duidelijk over de grenzen: ontvangers kunnen weigeren, sommige e-mailprogramma's ondersteunen geen leesbevestigingen, en u kunt een geadresseerde niet dwingen er een te verzenden. Microsoft raadt ook aan ze alleen voor belangrijke berichten te vragen, omdat mensen die het verzoek minder vaak zien eerder ja zeggen.

Leesbevestigingen in Apple Mail

Apple Mail heeft geen optie voor leesbevestigingen op Mac, iPhone of iPad, ook niet in macOS 27 en iOS 27. Er is niets in het opstelvenster of in de instellingen van Mail om er een te vragen, en Mail vraagt u ook niet om er een terug te sturen als iemand anders erom vraagt. Oude handleidingen noemen een Terminal-commando dat de header aan elk bericht toevoegt; dat werkt al jaren niet meer. Wie toch leesbevestigingen wil, heeft een Mail-extensie of een andere app nodig.

Wat Privacybescherming in Mail doet met trackingpixels

Apple Mail is belangrijk voor leesbevestigingen, ook als u het zelf nooit gebruikt, want veel van uw ontvangers doen dat wel. Met Bescherm activiteiten in Mail ingeschakeld verbergt Mail volgens Apple het IP-adres van de ontvanger en wordt extern materiaal privé op de achtergrond gedownload wanneer een bericht binnenkomt, in plaats van wanneer het wordt bekeken. Voor de iPhone schrijft Apple het nog directer: de functie voorkomt dat afzenders kunnen zien of u hun e-mailbericht hebt geopend.

Voor een trackingpixel betekent dat: kort na de bezorging kan een "opening" worden geregistreerd, of de ontvanger de mail nu heeft bekeken of niet, en zonder diens echte locatie. Ontvangers zetten het aan via Mail > Instellingen > Privacy op een Mac (Bescherm activiteiten in Mail) of Instellingen > Apps > Mail > Privacybescherming op de iPhone.

Leesbevestigingen op de iPhone

De ingebouwde Mail-app op de iPhone kan geen leesbevestigingen voor e-mail vragen, en de schakelaar Stuur leesbewijzen geldt alleen voor Berichten. De Gmail-stappen van Google zijn voor een computer. De Outlook-app kan op de iPhone wel bevestigingen vragen, maar alleen op werk- of schoolaccounts. Met een persoonlijk Gmail-, iCloud-, Yahoo- of Outlook.com-account op een iPhone is uw realistische optie een e-mailapp met ingebouwde leesbevestigingen.

Hoe betrouwbaar zijn leesbevestigingen?

Minder betrouwbaar dan ze lijken. Beide methoden gaan in beide richtingen mis:

• Gemiste openingen. Een leesbevestiging komt nooit aan als de ontvanger weigert of de app het verzoek negeert. Een pixel gaat nooit af als de ontvanger externe afbeeldingen blokkeert of in platte tekst leest.
• Valse openingen. Privacybescherming in Mail kan een pixel laden zodra de mail binnenkomt. En Google merkt op dat iemand met een IMAP-app een bericht als gelezen kan markeren zonder het te openen, wat toch een leesbevestiging oplevert.
• Geopend is niet gelezen. Volgens RFC 8098 is zelfs een melding dat het bericht is "weergegeven" geen garantie dat de inhoud is gelezen of begrepen, en kunnen bevestigingen worden vervalst of verloren gaan.

Gebruik een bevestiging om te bepalen wanneer u opvolgt, niet om te concluderen dat iemand u negeert. Een antwoord, of een klik op een link in uw mail, zegt veel meer.

Privacy en etiquette

Leesbevestigingen volgens de standaard zijn open over wat ze doen: de ontvanger ziet het verzoek en kiest zelf. Pixels zijn onzichtbaar, en daarom vinden sommige mensen ze opdringerig. Vraag alleen bevestigingen voor mails die echt bevestiging nodig hebben, houd ze buiten persoonlijke gesprekken, en laat klanten weten dat u ze gebruikt als u met klanten werkt.

Leesbevestigingen in Canary Mail

Openheid: wij maken Canary Mail. Gebruikt u Apple Mail, of een persoonlijk Gmail-, Outlook.com-, iCloud- of Yahoo-account waar leesbevestigingen volgens de standaard niet beschikbaar zijn, dan voegt Canary leesbevestigingen toe aan de e-mailapp zelf. Het is een e-mailapp voor Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows en Android die werkt met Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange en andere IMAP-accounts.

De leesbevestigingen van Canary gebruiken een trackingpixel, dus de beperkingen hierboven gelden ook hier: er komt alleen een bevestiging als de app van de ontvanger afbeeldingen laadt. Ze staan standaard aan, en u kunt ze uitzetten in de instellingen van Canary. Opent iemand uw e-mail, dan verschijnt er een blauw vinkje bij het bericht in uw map Verzonden, krijgt u een melding en ziet u de opening terug in uw Read Activity (leesactiviteit). Volgens de helppagina van Canary (in het Engels) registreert de app alleen dat een bericht is geopend en wanneer: geen IP-adres, apparaat of locatie. Canary blokkeert ook trackers in de mails die u ontvangt.

Het gratis abonnement bevat Read Receipts Lite, plus een gecombineerde inbox voor onbeperkt veel accounts op maximaal 2 apparaten. Volledige leesbevestigingen zitten in het Growth-abonnement ($36 per jaar) en in Pro+ ($100 per jaar). Meer dan 2 miljoen mensen gebruiken Canary, en Apple heeft de app uitgelicht in de App Store en de Mac App Store.

Veelgestelde vragen

Hoe weet ik of mijn e-mail is gelezen?

Vraag een leesbevestiging als uw app dat ondersteunt (Outlook of Gmail met een werk- of schoolaccount), of gebruik een e-mailapp of extensie die openingen bijhoudt met een pixel. Geen van beide is gegarandeerd: de ontvanger kan een bevestiging weigeren, en privacyfuncties kunnen een opening verbergen of juist nep-openingen opleveren. Alleen een antwoord is zeker.

Hoe verstuur ik een mail met leesbevestiging?

Vink in Outlook Leesbevestiging vragen aan op het tabblad Opties (of gebruik het menu Ontvangstbevestigingen in Outlook voor Mac). Klik in Gmail met een Workspace-account vóór het verzenden op Meer opties en daarna op Leesbevestiging vragen. Apple Mail heeft geen ingebouwde optie.

Hoe vraag ik een leesbevestiging aan in Outlook?

Open tijdens het schrijven het tabblad Opties en vink in de groep Controleren Leesbevestiging vragen aan (ziet u het niet, kies dan Meer opties). In de klassieke Outlook vraagt u via Bestand > Opties > E-mail, onder Controleren, voor elk bericht een bevestiging. Het werkt alleen op werk- of schoolaccounts, niet met Gmail-, Yahoo- of iCloud-accounts die u aan Outlook hebt toegevoegd.

Wat is het verschil tussen een leesbevestiging en een ontvangstbevestiging?

Een ontvangstbevestiging meldt dat uw bericht in het postvak van de ontvanger is aangekomen. Een leesbevestiging meldt dat het is geopend. Outlook laat u beide vragen, los van elkaar.

Kun je een leesbevestiging krijgen zonder dat de ontvanger het weet?

Een leesbevestiging volgens de standaard is zichtbaar: de app van de ontvanger vraagt meestal of die verstuurd mag worden. Trackingpixels vragen niets, maar Privacybescherming in Mail van Apple, het blokkeren van afbeeldingen en trackerblokkering in apps kunnen ze tegenhouden of onnauwkeurig maken.

Wat gebeurt er als ik een leesbevestiging weiger?

Er wordt niets verstuurd, en de afzender kan er geen afdwingen. Voor de afzender ziet het er hetzelfde uit als wanneer u de mail niet had geopend. Kiest u in Gmail voor werkaccounts Niet nu, dan wordt het u de volgende keer dat u het bericht opent opnieuw gevraagd.

Werken leesbevestigingen in Gmail?

Alleen voor werk- of schoolaccounts van Google Workspace, en alleen als uw beheerder ze toestaat. Persoonlijke @gmail.com-accounts kunnen geen leesbevestigingen vragen of terugsturen.

Ondersteunt Apple Mail leesbevestigingen?

Nee. Apple Mail op Mac, iPhone en iPad kan geen leesbevestiging vragen en biedt ook niet aan er een terug te sturen. Daarvoor hebt u een andere app of een Mail-extensie nodig.

Bronnen

• RFC 8098: Message Disposition Notification
• Google: Een leesbevestiging aanvragen of sturen (Gmail Help)
• Microsoft: Leesbevestigingen en bezorgingsmeldingen toevoegen en aanvragen in Outlook
• Microsoft: Leesbevestigingen in de webversie van Outlook
• Microsoft 365 Insider-blog: Delivery and read receipts in Outlook for Android and iOS (Engels)
• Microsoft: Een leesbevestiging of ontvangstmelding aanvragen in Outlook voor Mac
• Apple: E-mailprivacy beschermen in Mail op de Mac
• Apple: Privacybescherming in Mail op de iPhone
• Apple: Leesbewijzen in- of uitschakelen in Berichten op de iPhone
• Canary Mail Help: How does Canary Mail implement read receipts?

Cos’è una conferma di lettura?

La conferma di lettura (qualcuno dice ancora «ricevuta di ritorno» o «avviso di lettura») è una notifica che ti torna indietro dopo che la persona a cui hai scritto ha aperto il tuo messaggio. Si usa per le email in cui il silenzio costa caro: un contratto da firmare, una fattura, una scadenza, una candidatura. È diversa dalla conferma di recapito, che secondo Microsoft conferma che il messaggio è arrivato nella cassetta postale del destinatario, non che qualcuno l’abbia visto.

È diversa anche dalle conferme di lettura di iPhone. L’opzione «Invia ricevute di lettura» in Impostazioni > App > Messaggi riguarda le conversazioni in Messaggi, cioè la parola «Letto» che compare sotto un SMS o un iMessage. Con le email non c’entra nulla.

Come funzionano: conferme richieste e pixel di tracciamento

«Conferma di lettura» indica due tecnologie molto diverse, e quasi tutta la confusione nasce dal mescolarle.

Conferme richieste (il metodo standard)

La conferma di lettura originale è uno standard email chiamato Message Disposition Notification (MDN), definito nella RFC 8098. La tua app aggiunge al messaggio un’intestazione Disposition-Notification-To. Quando il destinatario lo apre, la sua app può rimandarti una breve notifica che dice che il messaggio è stato visualizzato.

Il punto debole sta tutto in quel «può». Lo standard lascia l’app del destinatario libera di ignorare la richiesta e raccomanda di chiedere all’utente prima di inviare qualcosa. Quindi una conferma arriva solo se l’app del destinatario supporta lo standard e il destinatario acconsente (o se la sua azienda ha impostato l’invio automatico delle conferme). Outlook e Gmail per gli account di lavoro usano questo metodo.

Pixel di tracciamento

L’altro metodo non chiede niente a nessuno. L’app del mittente, o un servizio di tracciamento, inserisce nell’email un’immagine invisibile, spesso di un solo pixel. Quando l’app del destinatario scarica le immagini, preleva quel pixel dal server del tracker, che registra un’apertura. Funzionano così le estensioni di tracciamento, gli strumenti per le vendite e alcune app di posta, Canary compresa. Funziona con qualsiasi destinatario e qualsiasi provider, ed è per questo che è diffuso, ma la sua precisione dipende interamente da come l’app del destinatario gestisce le immagini.

Come richiedere una conferma di lettura in Gmail

Secondo Google, le conferme di lettura funzionano solo con gli account di lavoro o della scuola (Google Workspace). Non funzionano con gli indirizzi personali @gmail.com, e il tuo amministratore deve consentirle. Se il tuo account è idoneo:

1. Apri Gmail nel browser e fai clic su Scrivi.
2. Scrivi l’email come faresti normalmente.
3. In basso a destra, fai clic su Altre opzioni, poi su Richiedi conferma di lettura.
4. Fai clic su Invia.

Google indica questi passaggi solo per il computer. Non riceverai una conferma nemmeno se scrivi a un alias o a una mailing list di gruppo, se il tuo amministratore limita le conferme alle persone dell’organizzazione, o se il destinatario usa un client POP o un’app IMAP che non invia le conferme in automatico. Per gli account Gmail personali, la nostra guida su come sapere se la tua email è stata letta in Gmail spiega le alternative.

Come mettere la conferma di lettura su Outlook

Outlook può richiedere conferme di lettura con gli account di lavoro o della scuola (Microsoft 365 o Exchange). Secondo Microsoft, non sono disponibili per gli account IMAP o POP come Gmail, Yahoo o iCloud aggiunti a Outlook. I passaggi cambiano a seconda della versione di Outlook che usi.

Nuovo Outlook per Windows e Outlook sul web

1. Crea una nuova email.
2. Apri la scheda Opzioni sulla barra multifunzione.
3. Nel gruppo Verifica, seleziona Richiedi una conferma di lettura (e Richiedi una conferma di recapito, se ti serve). Se non vedi queste opzioni, seleziona Altre opzioni all’estremità destra della barra multifunzione.
4. Invia l’email.

Outlook classico per Windows

• Un solo messaggio: in una nuova email, apri Opzioni e, nel gruppo Verifica, seleziona Richiedi una conferma di lettura.
• Tutti i messaggi: vai in File > Opzioni > Posta. In Verifica, seleziona la casella della conferma di lettura e scegli OK.
• Vedere chi l’ha letta: apri il messaggio inviato dalla cartella Posta inviata e, nella scheda Messaggio, gruppo Mostra, scegli Verifica. Il pulsante compare solo dopo l’arrivo della prima conferma, e possono volerci alcuni minuti.

Outlook per Mac

• Nuovo Outlook per Mac: mentre scrivi l’email, apri il menu Conferme nella barra degli strumenti e scegli Conferma di lettura. Se il pulsante manca, aggiungilo personalizzando la barra degli strumenti.
• Versione legacy di Outlook per Mac: scegli Opzioni > Richiedi conferme > Richiedi una conferma di lettura. Secondo Microsoft, il supporto per la versione legacy di Outlook per Mac termina a ottobre 2026.

Entrambe le versioni richiedono un account aziendale o dell’istituto di istruzione Microsoft 365 o un account Exchange. Con account Outlook.com, IMAP o POP non puoi richiedere conferme sul Mac.

App Outlook su iPhone e Android

Nel 2025 Microsoft ha aggiunto le conferme di recapito e di lettura all’app Outlook per dispositivi mobili, per gli account di lavoro o della scuola. Mentre scrivi un’email, tocca il pulsante + nella barra degli strumenti, poi l’icona delle conferme, e scegli conferma di lettura, di recapito o entrambe. Un banner nella bozza ti ricorda cosa stai richiedendo. Ogni destinatario deve comunque approvare la conferma di lettura.

Account Outlook.com e Hotmail

Secondo Microsoft, in Outlook.com non è possibile richiedere una conferma di lettura. Puoi richiederla per un account Outlook.com da Outlook per Windows, e Microsoft precisa che in questo caso serve un abbonamento a Microsoft 365.

Rispondere alle richieste di conferma in Outlook

Quando qualcuno ti chiede una conferma, nel nuovo Outlook, in Outlook sul web e in Outlook.com scegli come rispondere in Impostazioni > Gestione messaggi di posta elettronica, nella sezione Conferme di lettura. Nell’app mobile un banner sul messaggio ti chiede se vuoi inviarla; la prima volta imposti una risposta predefinita, che puoi cambiare in seguito nelle impostazioni di posta dell’app.

Microsoft è netta sui limiti: il destinatario può rifiutarsi, alcuni programmi di posta non supportano le conferme e non è possibile forzare un destinatario a inviarne una. Consiglia anche di richiederle solo per i messaggi importanti, perché chi vede la richiesta di rado la accetta più volentieri.

Conferme di lettura in Apple Mail

Apple Mail non ha un’opzione per le conferme di lettura su Mac, iPhone e iPad, macOS 27 e iOS 27 compresi. Non c’è nulla nella finestra di composizione né nelle impostazioni di Mail per richiederne una, e Mail non ti chiede di restituirla quando qualcun altro la richiede. Le vecchie guide suggeriscono un comando del Terminale che aggiunge l’intestazione della richiesta a ogni messaggio; ha smesso di funzionare anni fa. La nostra guida alla conferma di lettura in Mail su Mac e iPhone passa in rassegna le alternative, dalle estensioni di Mail alle altre app.

Come la Protezione della privacy di Mail cambia i pixel di tracciamento

Apple Mail conta per le conferme di lettura anche se tu non la usi, perché la usano molti dei tuoi destinatari. Con la Protezione della privacy di Mail attiva, spiega Apple, Mail nasconde l’indirizzo IP del destinatario e scarica i contenuti remoti in privato e in background quando il messaggio arriva, invece che quando viene visualizzato. Sulla pagina dedicata a iPhone Apple lo dice chiaramente: la funzione impedisce ai mittenti di rilevare se hai aperto il messaggio che ti hanno inviato.

Per un pixel di tracciamento significa che un’«apertura» può essere registrata poco dopo la consegna, che la persona abbia guardato l’email o no, e senza la sua posizione reale. Il destinatario la attiva su Mac in Mail > Impostazioni > Privacy («Proteggi le attività di Mail») e su iPhone in Impostazioni > App > Mail > Protezione della privacy.

Conferme di lettura su iPhone

L’app Mail di iPhone non può richiedere conferme di lettura per le email, e l’opzione «Invia ricevute di lettura» vale solo per Messaggi. I passaggi di Google per Gmail sono per il computer. L’app Outlook può richiedere conferme su iPhone, ma solo con account di lavoro o della scuola. Con un account personale Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo o Outlook.com su iPhone, l’opzione realistica è un’app di posta con le conferme di lettura integrate.

Quanto sono affidabili le conferme di lettura?

Meno di quanto sembri. Entrambi i metodi sbagliano in tutte e due le direzioni:

• Letture perse. Una conferma richiesta non arriva mai se il destinatario la rifiuta o la sua app ignora la richiesta. Un pixel non scatta mai se il destinatario blocca le immagini remote o legge in solo testo.
• Letture fasulle. La Protezione della privacy di Mail può caricare un pixel appena l’email arriva. E Google fa notare che un utente IMAP può contrassegnare un messaggio come letto senza aprirlo, cosa che fa comunque partire una conferma.
• Aperto non vuol dire letto. La RFC 8098 precisa che nemmeno una notifica di «visualizzato» garantisce che il contenuto sia stato letto o capito, e che le conferme possono essere falsificate o andare perse.

Usa una conferma per decidere quando fare un sollecito, non per concludere che qualcuno ti stia ignorando. Una risposta, o un clic su un link della tua email, ti dice molto di più.

Privacy e buone maniere

Le conferme richieste sono trasparenti: il destinatario vede la richiesta e sceglie. I pixel sono silenziosi, ed è per questo che alcune persone li trovano invadenti. Richiedi le conferme solo per le email che ne hanno davvero bisogno, lasciale fuori dalle conversazioni personali e, se lavori con clienti, dì loro che le usi.

Conferme di lettura in Canary Mail

Trasparenza: Canary Mail è il nostro prodotto. Se usi Apple Mail, o un account personale Gmail, Outlook.com, iCloud o Yahoo su cui le conferme richieste non sono disponibili, Canary aggiunge le conferme di lettura direttamente nell’app di posta. È un’app per Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows e Android che funziona con account Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange e altri account IMAP.

Le conferme di lettura di Canary usano un pixel di tracciamento, quindi valgono i limiti descritti sopra: la conferma arriva solo se l’app del destinatario carica le immagini. Sono attive di default e puoi disattivarle nelle impostazioni di Canary. Quando qualcuno apre la tua email, sul messaggio nella cartella della posta inviata compare un segno di spunta blu, ricevi una notifica e l’apertura viene registrata nella tua Read Activity (attività di lettura). Secondo la pagina di assistenza di Canary (in inglese), registrano solo che un messaggio è stato aperto e quando: niente indirizzo IP, dispositivo o posizione. Canary blocca anche i tracker nelle email che ricevi.

Il piano gratuito include Read Receipts Lite, insieme a una casella unificata per account illimitati su un massimo di 2 dispositivi. Le conferme di lettura complete sono nel piano Growth (36 dollari l’anno) e in Pro+ (100 dollari l’anno). Canary è usata da più di 2 milioni di persone ed è stata messa in evidenza da Apple sull’App Store e sul Mac App Store.

Domande frequenti

Come faccio a sapere se la mia email è stata letta?

Richiedi una conferma di lettura se la tua app lo consente (Outlook o Gmail con un account di lavoro o di scuola), oppure usa un’app di posta o un’estensione che traccia le aperture con un pixel. Nessuno dei due metodi è garantito: il destinatario può rifiutare la conferma, e le funzioni di privacy possono nascondere o simulare un’apertura. L’unico segnale sicuro è una risposta.

Come si mette la conferma di lettura su un’email?

In Outlook, seleziona Richiedi una conferma di lettura nella scheda Opzioni (o nel menu Conferme di Outlook per Mac). In Gmail con un account Workspace, fai clic su Altre opzioni e poi su Richiedi conferma di lettura prima di inviare. Apple Mail non ha un’opzione integrata.

Come si richiede la conferma di lettura in Outlook?

Mentre scrivi l’email, apri la scheda Opzioni e seleziona Richiedi una conferma di lettura nel gruppo Verifica (se non la vedi, seleziona Altre opzioni). In Outlook classico puoi richiederla per tutti i messaggi da File > Opzioni > Posta, sezione Verifica. Funziona solo con account di lavoro o della scuola, non con account Gmail, Yahoo o iCloud aggiunti a Outlook.

Si può avere una conferma di lettura senza che il destinatario lo sappia?

Una conferma richiesta è visibile: di solito l’app del destinatario gli chiede se inviarla. I pixel di tracciamento non chiedono nulla, ma la Protezione della privacy di Mail di Apple, il blocco delle immagini e il blocco dei tracker nelle app possono fermarli o renderli imprecisi.

Cosa succede se rifiuto una conferma di lettura?

Non viene inviato nulla, e il mittente non ha modo di forzarne una. Per lui è come se tu non avessi aperto l’email. In Gmail per gli account di lavoro, se scegli Non ora, ti verrà chiesto di nuovo la prossima volta che apri il messaggio.

Le conferme di lettura funzionano in Gmail?

Solo per gli account di lavoro o di scuola Google Workspace, e solo se l’amministratore le consente. Gli account personali @gmail.com non possono né richiedere né inviare conferme di lettura.

Apple Mail supporta le conferme di lettura?

No. Apple Mail su Mac, iPhone e iPad non può richiedere una conferma di lettura e non propone di restituirne una. Per averle ti serve un’altra app o un’estensione di Mail.

La conferma di lettura ha valore legale?

No: è solo un indizio, e il destinatario può rifiutarla. Se in Italia ti serve una prova con valore legale, la strada è la PEC: secondo AgID, un messaggio da una casella PEC a un’altra ha lo stesso valore legale di una raccomandata con avviso di ricevimento, con una ricevuta di avvenuto invio e una di avvenuta consegna. Anche la PEC certifica la consegna, non la lettura.

Fonti

• RFC 8098: Message Disposition Notification (in inglese)
• Google: Richiedere o inviare una conferma di lettura (Guida di Gmail)
• Microsoft: Aggiungere e richiedere conferme di lettura e notifiche di recapito in Outlook
• Microsoft: Conferme di lettura in Outlook sul web
• Blog Microsoft 365 Insider: Delivery and read receipts in Outlook for Android and iOS (in inglese)
• Microsoft: Richiedere una conferma di lettura o una notifica di recapito in Outlook per Mac
• Manuale utente di Mail: Proteggere la privacy delle email in Mail sul Mac
• Manuale utente di iPhone: Utilizzare la protezione della privacy di Mail su iPhone
• Manuale utente di iPhone: Attivare o disattivare le ricevute di lettura in Messaggi
• AgID: Posta elettronica certificata
• Canary Mail Help: How does Canary Mail implement read receipts? (in inglese)

Qu’est-ce qu’un accusé de lecture ?

Un accusé de lecture (ou confirmation de lecture) est un avis qui vous revient quand la personne à qui vous avez écrit ouvre votre message. On s’en sert pour les e-mails où le silence coûte cher : un contrat à signer, une facture, une échéance, une candidature.

En français, on dit souvent « accusé de réception » pour parler d’accusé de lecture, mais ce n’est pas la même chose. Microsoft le précise : l’accusé de réception confirme que le message est arrivé dans la boîte aux lettres du destinataire, pas que quelqu’un l’a vu ou lu. L’accusé de lecture, lui, confirme que le message a été ouvert.

Il ne faut pas non plus le confondre avec les confirmations de lecture de l’iPhone. Le réglage « Envoyer des confirmations de lecture » dans Réglages > Apps > Messages concerne les conversations dans Messages, la mention « Lu » sous un SMS ou un iMessage. Il n’a rien à voir avec les e-mails.

Comment fonctionnent les accusés de lecture : accusé standard ou pixel de suivi

Le terme recouvre deux technologies très différentes, et la plupart des malentendus viennent de là.

L’accusé de lecture standard

L’accusé de lecture d’origine est une norme de messagerie appelée Message Disposition Notification (MDN), définie par la RFC 8098. Votre app ajoute un en-tête Disposition-Notification-To au message. Quand le destinataire l’ouvre, son app peut vous renvoyer un petit avis indiquant que le message a été affiché.

Tout est dans le mot « peut ». La norme laisse l’app du destinataire libre d’ignorer la demande, et recommande de demander l’accord de l’utilisateur avant d’envoyer quoi que ce soit. Un accusé n’arrive donc que si l’app du destinataire gère la norme et que le destinataire accepte (ou que son entreprise a configuré l’envoi automatique). C’est la méthode qu’utilisent Outlook et Gmail pour les comptes professionnels.

Le pixel de suivi

L’autre méthode ne demande rien à personne. L’app de l’expéditeur, ou un service de suivi, insère dans l’e-mail une image invisible, souvent un seul pixel. Quand l’app du destinataire télécharge les images, elle va chercher ce pixel sur le serveur du service, qui enregistre une ouverture. Les extensions de messagerie, les outils commerciaux et certaines apps de messagerie, dont Canary, fonctionnent ainsi. La méthode marche avec n’importe quel destinataire et n’importe quel fournisseur, d’où sa popularité, mais sa précision dépend entièrement de la façon dont l’app du destinataire gère les images.

Demander un accusé de lecture dans Gmail

D’après Google, les confirmations de lecture ne sont disponibles que pour les comptes professionnels ou scolaires (Google Workspace). Elles ne fonctionnent pas avec les adresses personnelles @gmail.com, et votre administrateur doit les autoriser. Si votre compte y a droit :

1. Ouvrez Gmail dans un navigateur et cliquez sur Nouveau message.
2. Rédigez votre e-mail normalement.
3. En bas à droite, cliquez sur Autres options, puis sur Demander une confirmation de lecture.
4. Cliquez sur Envoyer.

Google ne donne ces étapes que pour un ordinateur. Vous ne recevrez pas non plus de confirmation si vous écrivez à une liste de diffusion ou à un alias de groupe, si votre administrateur limite les confirmations aux personnes de votre organisation, ou si le destinataire utilise un client POP ou une app IMAP qui n’envoie pas les confirmations automatiquement. Pour un compte Gmail personnel, notre guide pour savoir si quelqu’un a lu votre e-mail sur Gmail présente les solutions.

Demander un accusé de lecture dans Outlook

Outlook peut demander des accusés de lecture avec un compte professionnel ou scolaire (Microsoft 365 ou Exchange). D’après Microsoft, ils ne sont pas disponibles pour les comptes IMAP ou POP comme Gmail, Yahoo ou iCloud ajoutés à Outlook. Les étapes dépendent de votre version d’Outlook.

Nouvel Outlook pour Windows et Outlook sur le web

1. Créez un nouveau message.
2. Ouvrez l’onglet Options du ruban.
3. Dans le groupe Suivi, activez Demander un accusé de lecture (et Demander un accusé de réception si vous le souhaitez). Si ces options n’apparaissent pas, sélectionnez Autres options à l’extrémité droite du ruban.
4. Envoyez le message.

Outlook classique pour Windows

• Un seul message : dans un nouveau message, ouvrez Options et, dans le groupe Suivi, cochez la case de demande de confirmation de lecture.
• Tous les messages : allez dans Fichier > Options > Courrier. Sous Suivi, cochez la case de confirmation de lecture, puis sélectionnez OK.
• Voir qui l’a lu : ouvrez le message envoyé dans Éléments envoyés et, dans l’onglet Message, groupe Afficher, choisissez Suivi. Le bouton n’apparaît qu’après le premier accusé reçu, ce qui peut prendre quelques minutes.

Outlook pour Mac

• Nouvel Outlook pour Mac : pendant la rédaction, ouvrez le menu Confirmations de la barre d’outils et choisissez la confirmation de lecture. Si le bouton manque, ajoutez-le en personnalisant la barre d’outils.
• Ancien Outlook pour Mac : choisissez Options > Demander des confirmations > Demander une confirmation de lecture. Microsoft indique que la prise en charge de l’ancien Outlook pour Mac prend fin en octobre 2026.

Les deux versions exigent un compte professionnel ou scolaire Microsoft 365 ou un compte Exchange. Les comptes Outlook.com, IMAP et POP ne peuvent pas demander d’accusés sur Mac.

App Outlook sur iPhone et Android

Microsoft a ajouté en 2025 les accusés de réception et de lecture à l’app mobile Outlook, pour les comptes professionnels ou scolaires. Pendant la rédaction, touchez le bouton + de la barre d’outils, puis l’icône des accusés, et choisissez un accusé de lecture, un accusé de réception ou les deux. Une bannière dans le brouillon rappelle ce qui sera demandé. Chaque destinataire doit quand même accepter l’accusé de lecture.

Comptes Outlook.com et Hotmail

Selon Microsoft, on ne peut pas demander d’accusé de lecture dans Outlook.com. Vous pouvez en demander pour un compte Outlook.com depuis Outlook pour Windows, et Microsoft précise qu’il faut alors un abonnement Microsoft 365.

Répondre aux demandes d’accusé dans Outlook

Quand on vous demande un accusé, le nouvel Outlook, Outlook sur le web et Outlook.com vous laissent choisir la réponse dans Paramètres > Gestion des messages électroniques, rubrique Confirmations de lecture. Dans l’app mobile, une bannière sur le message vous demande si vous voulez en envoyer un ; la première fois, vous fixez un choix par défaut, modifiable ensuite dans les réglages de messagerie de l’app.

Microsoft ne cache pas les limites : le destinataire peut refuser, certains programmes de messagerie ne gèrent pas les accusés, et « il n’existe aucun moyen de forcer un destinataire à envoyer une confirmation de lecture ». Microsoft conseille aussi de ne les demander que pour les messages importants : les destinataires qui voient la demande rarement l’acceptent plus volontiers.

Les accusés de lecture dans Apple Mail

Apple Mail n’a aucune option d’accusé de lecture, ni sur Mac, ni sur iPhone ou iPad, y compris sous macOS 27 et iOS 27. Rien dans la fenêtre de rédaction ni dans les réglages de Mail ne permet d’en demander un, et Mail ne vous propose pas d’en renvoyer quand quelqu’un vous en demande. Les vieux guides conseillent une commande Terminal qui ajoute l’en-tête de demande à chaque message : elle ne fonctionne plus depuis des années. Notre guide sur l’accusé de réception dans Mail sur Mac et iPhone détaille les solutions de rechange, des extensions Mail aux autres apps.

L’effet de la protection de la confidentialité dans Mail sur les pixels

Apple Mail compte pour les accusés de lecture même si vous ne l’utilisez pas, parce que beaucoup de vos destinataires l’utilisent. Quand l’option « Protéger votre activité dans Mail » est activée, Apple explique que Mail masque l’adresse IP du destinataire et télécharge le contenu distant de façon privée en arrière-plan à la réception du message, et non quand il est consulté. Sur iPhone, Apple le dit sans détour : la fonction « empêche également les expéditeurs de voir si vous avez ouvert le message ».

Pour un pixel de suivi, cela veut dire qu’une « ouverture » peut être enregistrée peu après la livraison, que la personne ait regardé l’e-mail ou non, et sans sa vraie localisation. Les destinataires l’activent dans Mail > Réglages > Confidentialité sur Mac (« Protéger votre activité dans Mail ») ou dans Réglages > Apps > Mail > Protection de la confidentialité sur iPhone.

Les accusés de lecture sur iPhone

L’app Mail de l’iPhone ne peut pas demander d’accusé de lecture pour un e-mail, et le réglage « Envoyer des confirmations de lecture » ne concerne que Messages. Les étapes de Google pour Gmail sont données pour un ordinateur. L’app Outlook peut demander des accusés sur iPhone, mais seulement avec un compte professionnel ou scolaire. Avec un compte personnel Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo ou Outlook.com sur iPhone, la solution réaliste est une app de messagerie qui intègre les accusés de lecture.

Les accusés de lecture sont-ils fiables ?

Moins qu’ils n’en ont l’air. Les deux méthodes se trompent dans les deux sens :

• Des lectures manquées. Un accusé standard n’arrive jamais si le destinataire refuse ou si son app ignore la demande. Un pixel ne se déclenche jamais si le destinataire bloque les images distantes ou lit en texte brut.
• De fausses lectures. La protection de la confidentialité dans Mail peut charger un pixel dès l’arrivée de l’e-mail. Et Google signale qu’un utilisateur IMAP peut marquer un message comme lu sans l’ouvrir, ce qui déclenche quand même une confirmation.
• Ouvert ne veut pas dire lu. La RFC 8098 précise que même un avis « affiché » ne garantit pas que le contenu a été lu ou compris, et que les accusés peuvent être falsifiés ou perdus.

Servez-vous d’un accusé pour décider quand relancer, pas pour conclure que quelqu’un vous ignore. Une réponse, ou un clic sur un lien de votre e-mail, vous en dit bien plus.

Confidentialité et savoir-vivre

L’accusé de lecture standard est transparent : le destinataire voit la demande et choisit. Le pixel est silencieux, et c’est pour cela que certains le trouvent intrusif. Ne demandez d’accusé que pour les e-mails qui nécessitent une confirmation, évitez-les dans les échanges personnels et, si vous travaillez avec des clients, dites-leur que vous les utilisez.

Les accusés de lecture dans Canary Mail

Transparence : Canary Mail est notre produit. Si vous utilisez Apple Mail, ou un compte personnel Gmail, Outlook.com, iCloud ou Yahoo sur lequel les accusés standard ne sont pas disponibles, Canary ajoute les accusés de lecture directement dans l’app de messagerie. C’est une app pour Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows et Android, compatible avec Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange et les autres comptes IMAP.

Les accusés de lecture de Canary reposent sur un pixel de suivi, donc les limites ci-dessus s’appliquent : un accusé n’arrive que si l’app du destinataire charge les images. Ils sont activés par défaut, et vous pouvez les désactiver dans les réglages de Canary. Quand quelqu’un ouvre votre e-mail, une coche bleue apparaît sur le message dans votre dossier Envoyés, vous recevez une notification, et l’ouverture s’affiche dans votre Read Activity (l’activité de lecture). D’après la page d’aide de Canary (en anglais), seuls l’ouverture du message et son heure sont enregistrées : ni adresse IP, ni appareil, ni localisation. Canary bloque aussi les traceurs dans les e-mails que vous recevez.

L’offre gratuite comprend Read Receipts Lite, avec une boîte de réception unifiée pour un nombre illimité de comptes sur 2 appareils maximum. Les accusés de lecture complets sont inclus dans l’offre Growth (36 $ par an) et dans Pro+ (100 $ par an). Plus de 2 millions de personnes utilisent Canary, et Apple l’a mise en avant sur l’App Store et le Mac App Store.

Questions fréquentes

Comment savoir si un mail a été lu ?

Demandez un accusé de lecture si votre app le permet (Outlook ou Gmail avec un compte professionnel ou scolaire), ou utilisez une app ou une extension qui suit les ouvertures avec un pixel. Rien n’est garanti : le destinataire peut refuser l’accusé, et les fonctions de confidentialité peuvent masquer ou simuler une ouverture. Seule une réponse est une preuve sûre.

Comment mettre un accusé de lecture sur un mail ?

Dans Outlook, activez Demander un accusé de lecture dans l’onglet Options (ou passez par le menu des accusés dans Outlook pour Mac). Dans Gmail avec un compte Workspace, cliquez sur Autres options, puis sur Demander une confirmation de lecture avant d’envoyer. Apple Mail n’a pas d’option intégrée.

Comment demander un accusé de lecture dans Outlook ?

Pendant la rédaction, ouvrez l’onglet Options et, dans le groupe Suivi, activez Demander un accusé de lecture (sélectionnez Autres options si vous ne le voyez pas). Dans Outlook classique, vous pouvez en demander un pour tous vos messages dans Fichier > Options > Courrier, section Suivi. Cela ne fonctionne qu’avec un compte professionnel ou scolaire, pas avec un compte Gmail, Yahoo ou iCloud ajouté à Outlook.

Quelle différence entre accusé de réception et accusé de lecture ?

L’accusé de réception confirme que votre message a été remis dans la boîte aux lettres du destinataire. L’accusé de lecture confirme qu’il a été ouvert. Outlook propose les deux, avec les mêmes limites de compte ; aucun des deux ne garantit que le message a été lu.

Peut-on obtenir un accusé de lecture sans que le destinataire le sache ?

Un accusé standard est visible : l’app du destinataire lui demande en général s’il veut l’envoyer. Les pixels de suivi ne demandent rien, mais la protection de la confidentialité dans Mail d’Apple, le blocage des images et le blocage des traceurs dans les apps peuvent les arrêter ou les rendre inexacts.

Que se passe-t-il si je refuse un accusé de lecture ?

Rien n’est envoyé, et l’expéditeur n’a aucun moyen de vous y obliger. Pour lui, c’est comme si vous n’aviez pas ouvert l’e-mail. Dans Gmail avec un compte professionnel, si vous choisissez Pas maintenant, la question vous sera reposée à la prochaine ouverture du message.

Gmail propose-t-il les accusés de lecture ?

Uniquement pour les comptes professionnels ou scolaires Google Workspace, et seulement si votre administrateur les autorise. Les comptes personnels @gmail.com ne peuvent ni demander ni renvoyer de confirmation de lecture.

Apple Mail gère-t-il les accusés de lecture ?

Non. Apple Mail sur Mac, iPhone et iPad ne peut pas demander d’accusé de lecture et ne propose pas d’en renvoyer. Il vous faut une autre app, ou une extension Mail.

Sources

• RFC 8098 : Message Disposition Notification (en anglais)
• Google : Demander ou renvoyer une confirmation de lecture (Aide Gmail)
• Microsoft : Ajouter et demander des confirmations de lecture et des accusés de réception dans Outlook
• Microsoft : Confirmations de lecture dans Outlook sur le web
• Blog Microsoft 365 Insider : Delivery and read receipts in Outlook for Android and iOS (en anglais)
• Microsoft : Demander une confirmation de lecture ou une notification de livraison dans Outlook pour Mac
• Guide d’utilisation de Mail : Protéger la confidentialité des e-mails dans Mail sur Mac
• Guide d’utilisation de l’iPhone : Utiliser « Protection de la confidentialité dans Mail »
• Guide d’utilisation de l’iPhone : Activer ou désactiver les confirmations de lecture dans Messages
• Aide Canary Mail : How does Canary Mail implement read receipts? (en anglais)

Qué es una confirmación de lectura

Una confirmación de lectura es un aviso que te llega después de que la persona a la que escribiste abre tu mensaje. Se usa en los correos en los que el silencio sale caro: un contrato pendiente de firma, una factura, un plazo, una candidatura. No es lo mismo que una confirmación de entrega, que según Microsoft confirma que el mensaje llegó al buzón del destinatario, no que alguien lo haya visto.

Tampoco tiene nada que ver con las confirmaciones de lectura del iPhone. El interruptor «Notificar lectura» de Ajustes > Apps > Mensajes es para las conversaciones de iMessage, el «Leído» que ves debajo de un mensaje de texto. No afecta al correo electrónico.

Cómo funcionan: confirmaciones estándar y píxeles de seguimiento

Bajo el nombre de «confirmación de lectura» hay dos tecnologías muy distintas, y casi toda la confusión viene de mezclarlas.

Confirmaciones estándar (el método original)

La confirmación de lectura original es un estándar de correo llamado Message Disposition Notification (MDN), definido en el RFC 8098. Tu app añade al mensaje una cabecera Disposition-Notification-To. Cuando el destinatario lo abre, su app puede enviarte un pequeño aviso diciendo que el mensaje se ha mostrado.

La clave está en el «puede». El estándar dice que la app del destinatario es libre de ignorar la petición y recomienda preguntar al usuario antes de enviar nada. Así que una confirmación estándar solo llega si la app del destinatario admite el estándar y el destinatario acepta (o su empresa ha configurado que se envíen solas). Outlook y Gmail para cuentas de trabajo usan este método.

Píxeles de seguimiento

El otro método no pregunta a nadie. La app del remitente o un servicio de seguimiento mete en el correo una imagen invisible, a menudo de un solo píxel. Cuando la app de correo del destinatario descarga las imágenes, pide ese píxel al servidor del rastreador, y el servidor registra una apertura. Las extensiones de correo, las herramientas comerciales y algunas apps de correo, entre ellas Canary, funcionan así. Vale con cualquier destinatario y cualquier proveedor, y por eso es tan popular, pero su precisión depende por completo de cómo trate las imágenes la app del destinatario.

Cómo pedir una confirmación de lectura en Gmail

Según Google, las confirmaciones de lectura solo funcionan con cuentas del trabajo o de centros educativos (Google Workspace). No funcionan con cuentas personales @gmail.com, y tu administrador tiene que permitirlas. Si tu cuenta cumple los requisitos:

1. Abre Gmail en un navegador y haz clic en Redactar.
2. Escribe el correo como siempre.
3. Abajo a la derecha, haz clic en Más opciones y luego en Solicitar confirmación de lectura.
4. Haz clic en Enviar.

Google solo da estos pasos para ordenador. Tampoco recibirás confirmación si escribes a un grupo o a un alias, si tu administrador limita las confirmaciones a personas de tu organización o si el destinatario usa un cliente POP o una app IMAP que no envía confirmaciones automáticamente. Si tienes una cuenta personal de Gmail, nuestra guía sobre cómo saber si alguien ha leído tu correo en Gmail repasa las opciones.

Cómo pedir una confirmación de lectura en Outlook

Outlook puede pedir confirmaciones de lectura en cuentas del trabajo o de centros educativos (Microsoft 365 o Exchange). Según Microsoft, no están disponibles para cuentas IMAP o POP, como Gmail, Yahoo o iCloud añadidas a Outlook. Los pasos dependen de qué Outlook uses.

Nuevo Outlook para Windows y Outlook en la web

1. Empieza un correo nuevo.
2. Abre la pestaña Opciones de la cinta.
3. En Seguimiento, marca Solicitar una confirmación de lectura (y Solicitar una confirmación de entrega, si también la quieres). Si no ves estas opciones, selecciona Más opciones en el extremo derecho de la cinta.
4. Envía el correo.

Outlook clásico para Windows

• Un solo mensaje: en un correo nuevo, abre Opciones y, en el grupo Seguimiento, marca Solicitar una confirmación de lectura.
• Todos los mensajes: ve a Archivo > Opciones > Correo. En Seguimiento, marca la casilla de la confirmación de lectura y selecciona Aceptar.
• Ver quién lo ha leído: abre el mensaje enviado desde Elementos enviados y, en la pestaña Mensaje, dentro del grupo Mostrar, elige Seguimiento. El botón solo aparece cuando llega la primera confirmación, y eso puede tardar unos minutos.

Outlook para Mac

• Nuevo Outlook para Mac: mientras escribes el correo, abre el menú Confirmaciones de la barra de herramientas y elige Confirmación de lectura. Si no ves el botón, añádelo personalizando la barra de herramientas.
• Outlook para Mac heredado: elige Opciones > Solicitar confirmaciones > Solicitar una confirmación de lectura. Microsoft indica que el soporte de Outlook para Mac heredado termina en octubre de 2026.

Las dos versiones necesitan una cuenta profesional o educativa de Microsoft 365 o una cuenta de Exchange. Con cuentas de Outlook.com, IMAP o POP no se pueden pedir confirmaciones en el Mac.

App de Outlook en iPhone y Android

Microsoft añadió en 2025 las confirmaciones de entrega y de lectura a la app de Outlook para móvil, para cuentas del trabajo o de centros educativos. Mientras escribes un correo, toca el botón + de la barra de herramientas, toca el icono de confirmaciones y elige confirmación de lectura, de entrega o las dos. Un aviso en el borrador te recuerda lo que vas a pedir. Aun así, cada destinatario tiene que aceptar la confirmación de lectura.

Cuentas de Outlook.com y Hotmail

Microsoft dice que no se puede pedir una confirmación de lectura desde Outlook.com. Sí puedes pedirla para una cuenta de Outlook.com desde Outlook para Windows, y Microsoft aclara que para eso hace falta una suscripción a Microsoft 365.

Cómo responder a las peticiones en Outlook

Cuando alguien te pide una confirmación, en el nuevo Outlook, en Outlook en la web y en Outlook.com eliges cómo responder en Configuración > Manejo de mensajes de correo, en el apartado Confirmaciones de lectura. En la app móvil, un aviso en el mensaje te pregunta si quieres enviarla; la primera vez eliges una respuesta predeterminada, que luego puedes cambiar en los ajustes de correo de la app.

Microsoft es claro con los límites: el destinatario puede negarse, algunos programas de correo no admiten confirmaciones y «no hay ninguna manera de obligar a un destinatario a enviar una confirmación de lectura». También recomienda pedirlas solo en los mensajes importantes, porque quien ve la petición de vez en cuando es más probable que acepte.

Confirmaciones de lectura en Apple Mail

Apple Mail no tiene opción de confirmación de lectura en Mac, iPhone ni iPad, tampoco en macOS 27 ni en iOS 27. No hay nada en la ventana de redacción ni en los ajustes de Mail para pedirla, y Mail no te pregunta si quieres devolverla cuando otra persona la pide. Algunas guías antiguas proponen un comando de Terminal que añade la cabecera de confirmación a cada mensaje; dejó de funcionar hace años. Nuestra guía sobre la confirmación de lectura en Apple Mail repasa las alternativas, desde extensiones de Mail hasta otras apps.

Cómo afecta la protección de la privacidad de Mail a los píxeles

Apple Mail importa para las confirmaciones de lectura aunque tú no lo uses, porque muchos de tus destinatarios sí. Con «Proteger la actividad en Mail» activado, Apple explica que tu dirección IP no es visible para los remitentes y que el contenido remoto se descarga en privado, en segundo plano, cuando recibes el mensaje y no cuando lo abres. En el iPhone, Apple lo dice sin rodeos: la función «evita que los remitentes vean si has abierto el mensaje de correo electrónico que te han enviado».

Para un píxel de seguimiento, eso significa que puede registrarse una «apertura» poco después de la entrega, tanto si la persona ha mirado el correo como si no, y sin su ubicación real. Los destinatarios lo activan en Mail > Ajustes > Privacidad en el Mac («Proteger la actividad en Mail») o en Ajustes > Apps > Mail > Protección de la privacidad en el iPhone.

Confirmaciones de lectura en el iPhone

La app Mail del iPhone no puede pedir confirmaciones de lectura de correo, y el interruptor «Notificar lectura» solo afecta a Mensajes. Los pasos de Google para Gmail son para ordenador. La app de Outlook sí puede pedirlas en el iPhone, pero solo con cuentas del trabajo o de centros educativos. Si usas una cuenta personal de Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo u Outlook.com en el iPhone, la opción realista es una app de correo que traiga las confirmaciones de lectura incorporadas.

¿Son fiables las confirmaciones de lectura?

Menos de lo que parecen. Los dos métodos fallan en los dos sentidos:

• Lecturas que no se registran. Una confirmación estándar no llega nunca si el destinatario la rechaza o su app ignora la petición. Un píxel no se activa si el destinatario bloquea las imágenes remotas o lee en texto sin formato.
• Lecturas falsas. La protección de la privacidad de Mail puede cargar un píxel en cuanto llega el correo. Y Google advierte de que un usuario de IMAP puede marcar un mensaje como leído sin abrirlo, lo que también genera una confirmación estándar.
• Abierto no es leído. El RFC 8098 dice que incluso un aviso de «mostrado» no garantiza que el contenido se haya leído o entendido, y que las confirmaciones pueden falsificarse o perderse.

Usa la confirmación para decidir cuándo hacer seguimiento, no para concluir que alguien te ignora. Una respuesta, o un clic en un enlace de tu correo, te dice mucho más.

Privacidad y buenas costumbres

Las confirmaciones estándar son transparentes: el destinatario ve la petición y decide. Los píxeles son silenciosos, y por eso a algunas personas les parecen intrusivos. Pide confirmaciones solo en los correos que de verdad las necesitan, no las uses en conversaciones personales y, si trabajas con clientes, cuéntales que las usas.

Confirmaciones de lectura en Canary Mail

Aviso: Canary Mail es nuestro producto. Si usas Apple Mail, o una cuenta personal de Gmail, Outlook.com, iCloud o Yahoo en la que no hay confirmaciones estándar, Canary añade confirmaciones de lectura a la propia app de correo. Es una app de correo para Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows y Android compatible con Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange y otras cuentas IMAP.

Las confirmaciones de lectura de Canary usan un píxel de seguimiento, así que se aplican los límites anteriores: solo llega una confirmación si la app del destinatario carga las imágenes. Vienen activadas de serie y puedes desactivarlas en los ajustes de Canary. Cuando alguien abre tu correo, aparece una marca azul en el mensaje dentro de tu carpeta de enviados, recibes una notificación y la apertura queda anotada en tu Read Activity (actividad de lectura). Según la página de ayuda de Canary (en inglés), solo registra que el mensaje se abrió y cuándo: ni dirección IP, ni dispositivo, ni ubicación. Canary también bloquea los rastreadores de los correos que recibes.

El plan gratuito incluye Read Receipts Lite, junto con una bandeja de entrada unificada para cuentas ilimitadas en hasta 2 dispositivos. Las confirmaciones de lectura completas están en el plan Growth (36 USD al año) y en Pro+ (100 USD al año). Más de 2 millones de personas usan Canary, y Apple lo ha destacado en el App Store y en el Mac App Store.

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Cómo sé si han leído mi correo?

Pide una confirmación de lectura si tu app lo permite (Outlook o Gmail con una cuenta del trabajo o de un centro educativo), o usa una app o extensión de correo que registre aperturas con un píxel. Ninguna opción es segura: el destinatario puede rechazar la confirmación, y las funciones de privacidad pueden ocultar o falsear una apertura. Una respuesta es la única señal fiable.

¿Cómo pongo un acuse de recibo en un correo?

En Outlook, marca Solicitar una confirmación de lectura en la pestaña Opciones (o usa el menú Confirmaciones en Outlook para Mac). En Gmail con una cuenta de Workspace, haz clic en Más opciones y después en Solicitar confirmación de lectura antes de enviar. Apple Mail no tiene opción integrada.

¿Cómo pido una confirmación de lectura en Outlook?

Mientras escribes el correo, abre la pestaña Opciones y marca Solicitar una confirmación de lectura en Seguimiento (si no la ves, selecciona Más opciones). En Outlook clásico puedes pedirla para todos los mensajes en Archivo > Opciones > Correo, apartado Seguimiento. Solo funciona con cuentas del trabajo o de centros educativos, no con cuentas de Gmail, Yahoo o iCloud añadidas a Outlook.

¿Qué diferencia hay entre confirmación de entrega y confirmación de lectura?

La confirmación de entrega indica que el mensaje llegó al buzón del destinatario. La de lectura indica que se abrió. Ninguna de las dos dice si la persona lo leyó con atención, y en Outlook las dos se piden desde el mismo grupo Seguimiento.

¿Se puede saber si leyeron un correo sin que el destinatario lo sepa?

Una confirmación estándar es visible: la app del destinatario suele preguntarle si quiere enviarla. Los píxeles de seguimiento no preguntan, pero la protección de la privacidad de Mail de Apple, el bloqueo de imágenes y el bloqueo de rastreadores de algunas apps pueden frenarlos o hacerlos poco precisos.

¿Qué pasa si rechazo una confirmación de lectura?

No se envía nada, y el remitente no puede obligarte. Para él es lo mismo que si no hubieras abierto el correo. En Gmail con cuentas de trabajo, si eliges Ahora no, se te volverá a preguntar la próxima vez que abras el mensaje.

¿Funcionan las confirmaciones de lectura en Gmail?

Solo en cuentas de Google Workspace del trabajo o de centros educativos, y solo si tu administrador las permite. Las cuentas personales @gmail.com no pueden pedir ni devolver confirmaciones de lectura.

¿Apple Mail tiene confirmación de lectura?

No. Apple Mail en Mac, iPhone y iPad no puede pedir una confirmación de lectura ni ofrece devolverla. Para tenerlas necesitas otra app o una extensión de Mail.

Fuentes

• RFC 8098: Message Disposition Notification (en inglés)
• Google: Solicitar o devolver una confirmación de lectura (Ayuda de Gmail)
• Microsoft: Agregar y solicitar confirmaciones de lectura y notificaciones de entrega en Outlook
• Microsoft: Confirmaciones de lectura en Outlook en la web
• Blog de Microsoft 365 Insider: Delivery and read receipts in Outlook for Android and iOS (en inglés)
• Microsoft: Solicitar una confirmación de lectura o una notificación de entrega en Outlook para Mac
• Manual de uso de Mail (macOS 27): Proteger la privacidad del correo electrónico
• Manual de uso del iPhone: Usar la protección de la privacidad en el iPhone
• Manual de uso del iPhone: Activar o desactivar las notificaciones de lectura en Mensajes
• Ayuda de Canary Mail: How does Canary Mail implement read receipts? (en inglés)

Was ist eine Lesebestätigung bei E-Mails?

Eine Lesebestätigung ist eine Nachricht, die zu Ihnen zurückkommt, nachdem der Empfänger Ihre E-Mail geöffnet hat. Man nutzt sie für E-Mails, bei denen Schweigen teuer wird: ein Vertrag zur Unterschrift, eine Rechnung, eine Frist, eine Bewerbung. Sie ist etwas anderes als eine Zustellbestätigung (auch Empfangsbestätigung genannt). Die bestätigt laut Microsoft nur, dass die Nachricht im Postfach des Empfängers angekommen ist, nicht, dass jemand sie angesehen hat.

Sie ist auch etwas anderes als die Lesebestätigungen auf dem iPhone. Der Schalter „Lesebestätigungen senden“ unter Einstellungen > Apps > Nachrichten gilt für iMessage-Unterhaltungen, also das „Gelesen“ unter einer Textnachricht. Mit E-Mail hat er nichts zu tun.

So funktionieren Lesebestätigungen: Anforderung oder Tracking-Pixel

Hinter „Lesebestätigung“ stecken zwei sehr unterschiedliche Techniken, und die meiste Verwirrung entsteht, wenn man beide vermischt.

Angeforderte Lesebestätigung (der Standardweg)

Die ursprüngliche Lesebestätigung ist ein E-Mail-Standard namens Message Disposition Notification (MDN), festgelegt in RFC 8098. Ihre App fügt der Nachricht einen Header Disposition-Notification-To hinzu. Öffnet der Empfänger die E-Mail, kann seine App Ihnen eine kurze Mitteilung schicken, dass die Nachricht angezeigt wurde.

Der Haken steckt im Wort „kann“. Laut Standard darf die App des Empfängers die Anfrage ignorieren, und sie soll den Nutzer fragen, bevor sie etwas verschickt. Eine angeforderte Lesebestätigung kommt also nur an, wenn die App des Empfängers den Standard unterstützt und er zustimmt (oder seine Firma Bestätigungen automatisch versenden lässt). Outlook und Gmail mit Firmenkonten nutzen diese Methode.

Tracking-Pixel

Die andere Methode fragt niemanden. Die App oder der Tracking-Dienst des Absenders baut ein unsichtbares Bild in die E-Mail ein, oft nur ein einziges Pixel. Lädt die Mail-App des Empfängers Bilder, ruft sie dieses Pixel vom Server des Trackers ab, und der Server protokolliert eine Öffnung. E-Mail-Erweiterungen, Vertriebstools und einige E-Mail-Apps, darunter Canary, arbeiten so. Das klappt bei jedem Empfänger und jedem Anbieter, deshalb ist es beliebt. Wie genau es ist, hängt aber ganz davon ab, wie die App des Empfängers mit Bildern umgeht.

Lesebestätigung in Gmail anfordern

Laut Google gibt es Lesebestätigungen nur für Konten von Unternehmen oder Bildungseinrichtungen (Google Workspace). Mit privaten @gmail.com-Adressen funktionieren sie nicht, und Ihr Administrator muss sie zulassen. Wenn Ihr Konto infrage kommt:

1. Öffnen Sie Gmail im Browser und klicken Sie auf Schreiben.
2. Verfassen Sie Ihre E-Mail wie gewohnt.
3. Klicken Sie rechts unten auf Weitere Optionen und dann auf Lesebestätigung anfordern.
4. Klicken Sie auf Senden.

Google beschreibt diese Schritte nur für den Computer. Sie bekommen außerdem keine Bestätigung, wenn Sie an eine Mailingliste oder einen Gruppenalias senden, wenn Ihr Administrator Bestätigungen auf Personen in der Organisation beschränkt oder wenn der Empfänger einen POP-Client oder eine IMAP-App nutzt, die Bestätigungen nicht automatisch sendet. Was Sie mit einem privaten Gmail-Konto tun können, steht in unserem Ratgeber zu Lesebestätigungen in Gmail.

Lesebestätigung in Outlook anfordern

Outlook kann Lesebestätigungen für Geschäfts-, Schul- und Unikonten anfordern (Microsoft 365 oder Exchange). Laut Microsoft gibt es sie nicht für IMAP- oder POP-Konten wie Gmail, Yahoo oder iCloud, die Sie in Outlook eingebunden haben. Welche Schritte gelten, hängt von Ihrer Outlook-Version ab.

Neues Outlook für Windows und Outlook im Web

1. Erstellen Sie eine neue E-Mail.
2. Wechseln Sie im Menüband zur Registerkarte Optionen.
3. Aktivieren Sie unter „Verfolgung“ das Feld Lesebestätigung anfordern (und bei Bedarf Zustellbestätigung anfordern). Sehen Sie die Optionen nicht, wählen Sie am rechten Ende des Menübands Weitere Optionen.
4. Senden Sie die E-Mail.

Klassisches Outlook für Windows

• Eine Nachricht: Aktivieren Sie in einer neuen E-Mail auf der Registerkarte Optionen in der Gruppe „Nachverfolgung“ das Kontrollkästchen Lesebestätigung anfordern.
• Alle Nachrichten: Gehen Sie zu Datei > Optionen > E-Mail, aktivieren Sie unter „Sendungsverfolgung“ die Lesebestätigung und wählen Sie OK.
• Sehen, wer die Nachricht gelesen hat: Öffnen Sie die gesendete Nachricht im Ordner „Gesendete Elemente“ und wählen Sie auf der Registerkarte Nachricht in der Gruppe Anzeigen die Option Nachverfolgung. Die Schaltfläche erscheint erst, wenn die erste Bestätigung eingegangen ist, und das kann ein paar Minuten dauern.

Outlook für Mac

• Neues Outlook für Mac: Öffnen Sie beim Schreiben in der Symbolleiste das Menü Bestätigungen und wählen Sie Lesebestätigung. Fehlt die Schaltfläche, fügen Sie sie über das Anpassen der Symbolleiste hinzu.
• Legacy-Outlook für Mac: Wählen Sie Optionen > Bestätigungen anfordern > Lesebestätigung anfordern. Laut Microsoft endet die Unterstützung für Legacy-Outlook für Mac im Oktober 2026.

Beide Versionen setzen ein Microsoft-365-Geschäfts-, Schul- oder Unikonto oder ein Exchange-Konto voraus. Mit Outlook.com-, IMAP- und POP-Konten lassen sich auf dem Mac keine Bestätigungen anfordern.

Outlook-App auf iPhone und Android

Microsoft hat 2025 Zustell- und Lesebestätigungen in die Outlook-App für iPhone und Android gebracht, für Geschäfts-, Schul- und Unikonten. Tippen Sie beim Schreiben einer E-Mail in der Symbolleiste auf +, dann auf das Symbol für Bestätigungen, und wählen Sie eine Lesebestätigung, eine Zustellbestätigung oder beides. Ein Hinweis im Entwurf zeigt, was angefordert wird. Jeder Empfänger muss eine Lesebestätigung trotzdem selbst freigeben.

Outlook.com- und Hotmail-Konten

In Outlook.com selbst können Sie laut Microsoft keine Lesebestätigung anfordern. Für ein Outlook.com-Konto geht es aus Outlook für Windows heraus, und dafür ist laut Microsoft ein Microsoft-365-Abonnement nötig.

Auf Lesebestätigungen in Outlook antworten

Bittet jemand Sie um eine Bestätigung, legen Sie im neuen Outlook, in Outlook im Web und in Outlook.com unter Einstellungen > Behandlung von E-Mail-Nachrichten im Abschnitt „Lesebestätigungen“ fest, wie geantwortet wird. In der Mobil-App fragt ein Hinweis an der Nachricht, ob Sie eine Bestätigung senden möchten. Beim ersten Mal legen Sie eine Standardantwort fest, die Sie später in den Einstellungen der App unter E-Mail ändern können.

Bei den Grenzen ist Microsoft deutlich: Empfänger können ablehnen, manche E-Mail-Programme unterstützen keine Lesebestätigungen, und es gibt keine Möglichkeit, einen Empfänger zum Senden einer Lesebestätigung zu zwingen. Microsoft empfiehlt außerdem, Bestätigungen nur für wichtige Nachrichten anzufordern, weil Empfänger, die die Anfrage seltener sehen, eher zustimmen.

Lesebestätigung in Apple Mail

Apple Mail hat auf Mac, iPhone und iPad keine Option für Lesebestätigungen, auch nicht unter macOS 27 und iOS 27. Weder im Fenster zum Verfassen noch in den Mail-Einstellungen gibt es etwas, um eine anzufordern, und Mail fragt auch nicht, ob Sie eine zurückschicken möchten, wenn jemand anderes darum bittet. Ältere Anleitungen empfehlen einen Terminal-Befehl, der jeder Nachricht den Header für die Anfrage hinzufügt; der funktioniert seit Jahren nicht mehr. Unser Ratgeber zur Lesebestätigung in Apple Mail zeigt die Alternativen, von Mail-Erweiterungen bis zu anderen Apps.

Wie der E-Mail-Datenschutz Tracking-Pixel beeinflusst

Apple Mail spielt für Lesebestätigungen eine Rolle, auch wenn Sie es selbst nie nutzen, denn viele Ihrer Empfänger tun es. Ist „Mail-Aktivität schützen“ aktiviert, blendet Mail laut Apple die IP-Adresse des Empfängers aus und lädt entfernte Inhalte privat im Hintergrund, sobald eine E-Mail eintrifft, und nicht erst, wenn sie angesehen wird. Für das iPhone schreibt Apple klar, dass Absender dann nicht feststellen können, ob Sie ihre E-Mail geöffnet haben.

Für ein Tracking-Pixel heißt das: Eine „Öffnung“ kann kurz nach der Zustellung protokolliert werden, egal ob die Person die E-Mail je angesehen hat, und ohne ihren echten Standort. Empfänger aktivieren die Funktion am Mac unter Mail > Einstellungen > Datenschutz („Mail-Aktivität schützen“) oder auf dem iPhone unter Einstellungen > Apps > Mail > Datenschutz.

Lesebestätigung auf dem iPhone

Die vorinstallierte Mail-App auf dem iPhone kann keine Lesebestätigungen für E-Mails anfordern, und der Schalter „Lesebestätigungen senden“ gilt nur für Nachrichten. Googles Gmail-Anleitung ist für den Computer geschrieben. Die Outlook-App kann auf dem iPhone Bestätigungen anfordern, allerdings nur mit Geschäfts-, Schul- oder Unikonten. Mit einem privaten Gmail-, iCloud-, Yahoo- oder Outlook.com-Konto bleibt Ihnen auf dem iPhone realistisch nur eine E-Mail-App mit eingebauten Lesebestätigungen.

Wie zuverlässig sind Lesebestätigungen?

Weniger, als es scheint. Beide Methoden irren sich in beide Richtungen:

• Übersehene Öffnungen. Eine angeforderte Bestätigung kommt nie an, wenn der Empfänger ablehnt oder seine App die Anfrage ignoriert. Ein Pixel löst nie aus, wenn der Empfänger entfernte Bilder blockiert oder im Nur-Text-Modus liest.
• Falsche Öffnungen. „Mail-Aktivität schützen“ kann ein Pixel laden, sobald die E-Mail eintrifft. Und Google weist darauf hin, dass ein IMAP-Nutzer eine Nachricht als gelesen markieren kann, ohne sie zu öffnen, und trotzdem eine Bestätigung auslöst.
• Geöffnet heißt nicht gelesen. Laut RFC 8098 garantiert selbst eine Mitteilung „angezeigt“ nicht, dass der Inhalt gelesen oder verstanden wurde, und Bestätigungen können gefälscht werden oder verloren gehen.

Nutzen Sie eine Bestätigung, um zu entscheiden, wann Sie nachhaken, nicht um daraus zu schließen, dass jemand Sie ignoriert. Eine Antwort oder ein Klick auf einen Link in Ihrer E-Mail sagt Ihnen weit mehr.

Datenschutz und Umgangsformen

Angeforderte Lesebestätigungen sind offen: Der Empfänger sieht die Anfrage und entscheidet selbst. Pixel arbeiten still, deshalb empfinden manche sie als aufdringlich. Fordern Sie Bestätigungen nur für E-Mails an, die wirklich eine brauchen, lassen Sie private Unterhaltungen außen vor, und wenn Sie mit Kunden arbeiten, sagen Sie ihnen, dass Sie sie nutzen.

Lesebestätigungen in Canary Mail

Offenlegung: Canary Mail ist unser eigenes Produkt. Wenn Sie Apple Mail nutzen oder ein privates Gmail-, Outlook.com-, iCloud- oder Yahoo-Konto haben, bei dem es keine angeforderten Lesebestätigungen gibt, bringt Canary sie direkt in die E-Mail-App. Canary ist eine E-Mail-App für Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows und Android und funktioniert mit Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange und anderen IMAP-Konten.

Canarys Lesebestätigungen arbeiten mit einem Tracking-Pixel, es gelten also die oben genannten Grenzen: Eine Bestätigung kommt nur, wenn die App des Empfängers Bilder lädt. Die Funktion ist standardmäßig eingeschaltet, und Sie können sie in Canarys Einstellungen ausschalten. Öffnet jemand Ihre E-Mail, erscheint an der Nachricht im Ordner „Gesendet“ ein blaues Häkchen, Sie bekommen eine Mitteilung, und die Öffnung wird in Ihrer Read Activity (der Leseaktivität) aufgeführt. Laut Canarys Hilfeseite (auf Englisch) speichert die App nur, dass und wann eine Nachricht geöffnet wurde: keine IP-Adresse, kein Gerät, kein Standort. Tracker in E-Mails, die Sie selbst empfangen, blockiert Canary ebenfalls.

Der kostenlose Tarif enthält Read Receipts Lite sowie einen gemeinsamen Posteingang für unbegrenzt viele Konten auf bis zu 2 Geräten. Die vollständigen Lesebestätigungen gibt es im Growth-Tarif und in Pro+. Mehr als 2 Millionen Menschen nutzen Canary, und Apple hat die App im App Store und im Mac App Store vorgestellt.

Häufige Fragen

Wie erkenne ich, ob meine E-Mail gelesen wurde?

Fordern Sie eine Lesebestätigung an, wenn Ihre App das kann (Outlook oder Gmail mit einem Konto von Arbeit, Schule oder Uni), oder nutzen Sie eine E-Mail-App oder Erweiterung, die Öffnungen per Pixel erfasst. Sicher ist beides nicht: Der Empfänger kann eine Bestätigung ablehnen, und Datenschutzfunktionen können eine Öffnung verbergen oder vortäuschen. Nur eine Antwort ist ein sicheres Zeichen.

Wie verschicke ich eine E-Mail mit Lesebestätigung?

In Outlook aktivieren Sie auf der Registerkarte Optionen „Lesebestätigung anfordern“ (in Outlook für Mac über Bestätigungen). In Gmail mit einem Workspace-Konto klicken Sie vor dem Senden auf Weitere Optionen und dann auf Lesebestätigung anfordern. Apple Mail hat keine eingebaute Option.

Wie fordere ich in Outlook eine Lesebestätigung an?

Öffnen Sie beim Schreiben der E-Mail die Registerkarte Optionen und aktivieren Sie Lesebestätigung anfordern (fehlt die Option, wählen Sie Weitere Optionen). Im klassischen Outlook fordern Sie unter Datei > Optionen > E-Mail für jede Nachricht eine an. Das funktioniert nur mit Geschäfts-, Schul- oder Unikonten, nicht mit Gmail-, Yahoo- oder iCloud-Konten, die Sie in Outlook eingebunden haben.

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Lesebestätigung und Empfangsbestätigung?

Eine Empfangs- oder Zustellbestätigung meldet nur, dass die E-Mail im Postfach des Empfängers angekommen ist. Eine Lesebestätigung meldet, dass sie geöffnet wurde. Beides können Sie in Outlook mit Firmenkonten anfordern.

Bekomme ich eine Lesebestätigung, ohne dass der Empfänger es merkt?

Eine angeforderte Lesebestätigung ist sichtbar: Die App des Empfängers fragt ihn meist, ob sie gesendet werden soll. Tracking-Pixel fragen nicht, aber Apples E-Mail-Datenschutz, blockierte Bilder und Tracker-Blocker in Apps können sie aufhalten oder ungenau machen.

Was passiert, wenn ich eine Lesebestätigung ablehne?

Es wird nichts gesendet, und der Absender kann keine erzwingen. Für ihn sieht es so aus, als hätten Sie die E-Mail nicht geöffnet. In Gmail mit Firmenkonto bedeutet „Später“, dass Sie beim nächsten Öffnen der Nachricht erneut gefragt werden.

Funktionieren Lesebestätigungen in Gmail?

Nur mit Google-Workspace-Konten von Unternehmen oder Bildungseinrichtungen, und nur, wenn Ihr Administrator sie zulässt. Private @gmail.com-Konten können Lesebestätigungen weder anfordern noch zurückschicken.

Unterstützt Apple Mail Lesebestätigungen?

Nein. Apple Mail auf Mac, iPhone und iPad kann keine Lesebestätigung anfordern und bietet auch nicht an, eine zurückzuschicken. Dafür brauchen Sie eine andere App oder eine Mail-Erweiterung.

Quellen

• RFC 8098: Message Disposition Notification (Englisch)
• Google: Lesebestätigung anfordern oder senden (Gmail-Hilfe)
• Microsoft: Hinzufügen und Anfordern von Lesebestätigungen und Zustellungsbenachrichtigungen in Outlook
• Microsoft: Lesebestätigungen in Outlook im Web
• Microsoft 365 Insider Blog: Delivery and read receipts in Outlook for Android and iOS (Englisch)
• Microsoft: Anfordern einer Lesebestätigung oder Zustellungsbenachrichtigung in Outlook für Mac
• Apple: Privatsphäre bei E-Mails in der App „Mail“ auf dem Mac schützen
• Apple: E-Mail-Datenschutz auf dem iPhone verwenden
• Apple: Lesebestätigungen in der App „Nachrichten“ auf dem iPhone aktivieren oder deaktivieren
• Canary Mail Hilfe: How does Canary Mail implement read receipts? (Englisch)

Below is a system that works in any email app, followed by the exact steps for Gmail, Outlook and Apple Mail, and an honest look at the inbox zero method: what Merlin Mann meant by it, and what he didn't. Where a clean-up task has its own step-by-step guide, we link to it. For every inbox task in one place, see our guide to managing your inbox.

Step 1: Set up a simple folder system

The most common mistake is too many folders. Every extra folder is a decision you make for every email, and it is easy to file a message where you never look again. Most people do well with four places:

Search has made deep folder trees mostly unnecessary. If you need more structure, add a few labels by project or client, not by year or sender. In Gmail, labels work better than folders for this because one email can carry several labels, so a message can be both "Billing" and "Client A".

Step 2: Clear the backlog

If you have thousands of messages, don't try to answer them. Merlin Mann's advice in his original Inbox Zero series was to process a neglected inbox ruthlessly rather than respond to it: delete the obvious junk, archive mailing lists and notifications, and move anything that really needs you into a separate "pending" folder. Then deal with that folder in short sessions.

1. Search for mail older than a month or two and archive all of it. In Gmail, archived mail stays under All Mail and in search, and a reply brings the conversation back to your inbox, so nothing is lost.
2. Sort what is left by sender. Newsletters, receipts and notifications are easy to select in bulk and archive or delete. In Gmail, search for the sender, tick the select-all box and use the "Select all conversations" link to catch every page; our guide to deleting emails on Gmail in bulk has the searches.
3. Mark whatever you keep but don't need to read as read, so the unread count means something again. Every app can do a whole folder at once; see how to mark all emails as read.
4. Move the messages that need a reply or action into your Action folder.
5. Your inbox should now be empty or close to it. Work through Action in 20 to 30 minute blocks.

Archive rather than delete when you're unsure. If you do delete something you needed, it usually sits in Trash for a while first (30 days in Gmail); our guide to recovering deleted emails covers each provider.

Step 3: Cut what comes in

The fastest way to a tidy inbox is less mail. Unsubscribe from every list you skim and delete, and block senders who ignore unsubscribe requests:

• Gmail: open the email and click Unsubscribe next to the sender's name. To see every list in one place, click More in the left menu, then Manage subscriptions. To block a sender, open their email, click More next to Reply and choose Block. Unsubscribing can take a few days to take effect.
• Outlook on the web: select an email from the sender and choose Sweep. You can delete everything from that sender, keep only their latest email, or delete their messages older than 10 days. Sweep rules run once a day.
• Apple Mail: Control-click a message and choose Unsubscribe when Mail offers it.

Unsubscribe in bulk

If you're on dozens of lists, unsubscribing one email at a time is slow. Gmail's Manage subscriptions page, Apple Mail's Unsubscribe option and dedicated tools can clear many at once; our guide to mass unsubscribing from emails compares the options, including whether services like Unroll.Me are safe.

Block senders and domains

Blocking is for senders who keep writing after you've unsubscribed. See how to block emails for the steps in Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, Apple Mail and on iPhone, including blocking a whole domain.

Report spam instead of unsubscribing

Use unsubscribe links only for senders you recognize. For spam and anything that looks like phishing, use your provider's Report spam or Report phishing button instead, which also trains its filter. Our guide on how to stop spam emails covers every major provider, and how to spot phishing emails explains the warning signs.

For anything you still want but don't need to see right away (receipts, shipping notices, newsletters you do read), don't unsubscribe: send it past your inbox automatically, as in the next step.

Step 4: Let your email app sort mail automatically

Gmail: labels, filters and categories

1. Create a label: on the left, next to Labels, click Create new label, enter a name and click Create. Tick Nest label under to put it inside another label.
2. Create a filter: in the search box, click Show search options, enter who or what to match, then click Create filter. Choose what to do, for example apply a label or archive the message, and click Create filter again. You can also tick an email, click More and choose Filter messages like these.
3. Use categories: click Settings, set Inbox type to Default, click Customize and pick the tabs you want (Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates and Forums). Promotions and Updates catch most bulk mail on their own.

Our guide to creating rules in Gmail has more filter examples, and finding and managing archived Gmail messages covers the other half of the job.

Outlook: rules, Focused Inbox and Sweep

1. Create a rule from a message: in new Outlook for Windows, right-click an email, point to Rules and choose Create rule to move future mail from that sender to a folder. Choose More options for conditions, actions and exceptions.
2. Create a rule in Outlook on the web: open Settings, then Mail, then Rules, and select Add new rule. Name it, pick a condition and an action, and save.
3. Turn on Focused Inbox: in Outlook on the web, open Settings, then Mail, then Message list, and tick Sort messages into Focused and Other. In new Outlook for Windows, the same option is under View, then View settings. To teach it, right-click a message, choose Move and pick Always move to Other inbox (or Focused).

If you use a Hotmail or Outlook.com address, our step-by-step guide to filtering emails in a Hotmail inbox walks through the rule screen.

Apple Mail on Mac: rules, Smart Mailboxes and categories

1. Create a rule: choose Mail > Settings, click Rules, then Add Rule. Set the conditions (for example, From contains a sender) and the action (move to a mailbox). Rules run in the order they appear in the list. To run your rules on mail you already have, select the messages and choose Message > Apply Rules.
2. Create a Smart Mailbox: choose Mailbox > New Smart Mailbox, name it, set the criteria and click OK. A Smart Mailbox shows matching mail wherever it is stored, so it works as a saved view, for example "flagged and from the last 7 days", without moving anything. Deleting a Smart Mailbox doesn't delete the emails.
3. Use categories: in macOS 27, Mail can sort mail into Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions (not available in every country or region). Turn it on with Show Mail Categories in the message list view options, and Control-click a message and choose Categorize Sender to move a sender for good.

The steps are for macOS 27; on macOS Tahoe 26 and Sequoia 15 rules and Smart Mailboxes work the same way.

Step 5: Process mail at set times

A tidy inbox doesn't last if you live in it. Checking mail constantly breaks your focus on everything else, and switching between half-answered threads takes longer than finishing them one at a time. Instead:

• Pick two to four times a day to deal with email, and close the app or turn off notifications in between. Mann called these short, scheduled sessions email dashes.
• Go through new mail top to bottom and decide on each message once. Delete or archive it if it needs nothing. Reply now if it takes a minute or two. Forward it if someone else should handle it. Move it to Action if it needs real time, and put that time on your calendar. File it in Reference if you may need it later.
• Stop when the inbox is empty, not when you have answered everything. Answering happens in your Action blocks.

This is close to David Allen's Getting Things Done, which Mann has said his approach leans on heavily. If you already use a task app, add the action there and archive the email instead of keeping it as a reminder.

What inbox zero really means

Inbox zero comes from a 2006 series of posts by Merlin Mann on his blog 43 Folders, followed by a talk he later gave at Google. It is often read as "keep your inbox empty at all times", but that was never the main point. Mann wrote that his definition of "empty" may not match what readers expect: the aim was to spend less time and attention on email by processing each message quickly into an action, instead of re-reading the same pile every day. He has since said that he doesn't keep his own inbox empty and that the term has been misunderstood.

So treat zero as a habit, not a score: an inbox you can clear in one sitting, because everything in it is either new or already decided. If a count of 20 unread messages doesn't bother you and nothing important slips, your system is working.

Keep it organized

• Review Action and Waiting once a week. Chase what is overdue and archive what no longer matters.
• Check your rules and filters every few months; delete the ones for newsletters you've since dropped.
• Write shorter emails with clear subject lines. Clear mail gets clear answers, and that means fewer messages in your inbox.
• Give out your main address carefully. Use a second address for shopping and sign-ups.

Organizing several email accounts

If you juggle a work, personal and side-project account, the folder system above is easier to keep in one app than across three websites. A unified inbox shows every account in one list while keeping each account's folders separate. See our list of the best email apps for multiple accounts for options.

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Canary Mail is an email app for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows and Android that works with Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange and IMAP accounts, with a unified inbox for unlimited accounts on the free plan. For clean-up, its Bulk Cleaner picks out unimportant mail for you: on a Mac, click the magic wand icon and scroll, and Canary selects more unimportant emails as you go; on iPhone, tap More and choose Auto Select Unimportant. You then pick one action, and it applies to everything selected. 1-Click Unsubscribe is on every plan, and the Gray Mail Cleaner is on the Growth ($36 a year) and Pro+ plans. More than 2 million people use Canary, and Apple has featured it on the App Store and the Mac App Store. Our smart inbox guide explains how AI sorting works.

Once your inbox is under control, our guide to managing your inbox covers filters, snooze, read receipts and the other inbox jobs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean up my email inbox fast?

Search for mail older than a month and archive it all, bulk delete newsletters and notifications by sender, and mark the rest as read. Then unsubscribe from the lists you deleted, so the pile doesn't come back.

What happens if my email inbox is full?

It depends on the provider. In Gmail, when your Google storage (15 GB shared with Drive and Photos on a free account) is full, you can't send or receive email, and messages sent to you go back to the sender. Deleting large attachments and emptying Spam and Trash frees space.

How do I declutter my email inbox?

Archive everything older than a month or two, unsubscribe from lists you don't read, and move what still needs you into an Action folder. Then set up filters or rules for receipts and newsletters so they skip the inbox from now on.

How do I organize emails into folders?

Keep it to a few folders: Action, Waiting and Reference, plus the archive. In Gmail use labels (Create new label on the left); in Outlook and Apple Mail create folders or mailboxes, then add rules that move predictable mail there automatically.

How do I categorize my emails automatically?

Gmail sorts mail into tabs such as Primary, Promotions and Updates (Settings, Inbox type Default, Customize). Outlook has Focused Inbox. Mail on a Mac running macOS 27 has Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions categories. For finer control, add filters or rules.

What is inbox zero?

A method Merlin Mann described on his blog 43 Folders in 2006: process each email quickly into an action (delete, reply, delegate, defer or file) so email takes less of your time and attention. It is about the habit, not about an inbox that is always empty.

Should I archive or delete emails?

Archive anything you might need again; it leaves the inbox but stays searchable. Delete junk, duplicates and notifications. In Gmail, archived mail stays in All Mail, and a reply brings the conversation back to your inbox.

What is the best way to organize work email?

Process mail at set times, keep one Action folder you work from, use rules for notifications and reports, and track anything you are waiting on in a Waiting folder. Review both once a week.

Sources

• Gmail Help: Create labels to organize Gmail
• Gmail Help: Create rules to filter your emails
• Gmail Help: Organize your emails into categories
• Gmail Help: Archive Gmail messages
• Gmail Help: Unsubscribe from an email
• Microsoft Support: Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook
• Microsoft Support: Focused Inbox for Outlook
• Microsoft Support: Organize your inbox with Archive, Sweep, and other tools in Outlook on the web
• Apple Mail User Guide (macOS 27): Change Rules settings
• Apple Mail User Guide (macOS 27): Use Smart Mailboxes
• Apple Mail User Guide (macOS 27): Automatically sort incoming emails
• Merlin Mann, 43 Folders: Inbox Zero series (2006, archived)
• Wikipedia: Merlin Mann

What is an email read receipt?

A read receipt is a notice that comes back to you after the person you emailed opens your message. People use them for the emails where silence is expensive: a contract sent for signature, an invoice, a deadline, a job application. It's a different thing from a delivery receipt, which Microsoft describes as confirming that a message reached the recipient's mailbox, not that anyone looked at it.

It's also different from the read receipts on an iPhone. The Send Read Receipts switch in Settings > Apps > Messages is for iMessage conversations, the "Read" you see under a text. It has nothing to do with email.

For snoozing, unsending and the other ways to keep track of sent mail, see our guide to managing your inbox.

How read receipts work: return receipts vs tracking pixels

"Read receipt" covers two very different technologies, and most of the confusion about them comes from mixing the two up.

Return receipts (the standard way)

The original read receipt is an email standard called a Message Disposition Notification, defined in RFC 8098. Your app adds a Disposition-Notification-To header to the message. When the recipient opens it, their app can send a small notice back to you saying the message was displayed.

The catch is in the word "can". The standard says the recipient's app is free to ignore the request, and recommends asking the user before sending anything. So a return receipt only arrives if the recipient's app supports the standard and the recipient agrees (or their company has set receipts to go out automatically). Outlook and Gmail for work accounts use this method.

Tracking pixels

The other method doesn't ask anyone. The sender's app or tracking service puts an invisible image, often a single pixel, in the email. When the recipient's mail app downloads images, it fetches that pixel from the tracker's server, and the server logs an open. Email extensions, sales tools and some email apps, including Canary, work this way. It works with any recipient on any provider, which is why it's popular, but its accuracy depends entirely on how the recipient's app handles images.

How to request a read receipt in Gmail

According to Google, read receipts only work with work or school accounts (Google Workspace). They don't work with personal @gmail.com addresses, and your administrator has to allow them. If your account qualifies:

1. Open Gmail in a web browser and click Compose.
2. Write your email as usual.
3. At the bottom right, click More options, then Request read receipt.
4. Click Send.

Google gives these steps for a computer only. You also won't get a receipt if you send to a group or alias, if your admin limits receipts to people inside your organization, or if the recipient uses a POP client or an IMAP app that doesn't send receipts automatically. For personal Gmail accounts, our guide to telling if someone read your email in Gmail covers the options.

How to request a read receipt in Outlook

Outlook can request read receipts for work or school accounts (Microsoft 365 or Exchange). According to Microsoft, they aren't available for IMAP or POP accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo or iCloud added to Outlook. The steps depend on which Outlook you have.

New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web

1. Start a new email.
2. Open the Options tab.
3. In the Tracking group, check Request a Read Receipt (and Request a Delivery Receipt, if you want one). If you don't see the options, select More Options at the right end of the ribbon.
4. Send the email.

Classic Outlook for Windows

• One message: in a new email, open the Options tab and, in the Tracking group, check Request a Read Receipt.
• Every message: go to File > Options > Mail. Under Tracking, check the read receipt box, then select OK.
• See who has read it: open the sent message from Sent Items, and on the Message tab, in the Show group, select Tracking. The button appears only after the first receipt comes back, which can take a few minutes.

Outlook for Mac

• New Outlook for Mac: while writing the email, open the Receipts menu on the toolbar and choose Read Receipt. If the button is missing, add it by customizing the toolbar.
• Legacy Outlook for Mac: on the Options tab, choose Request Receipts > Request a Read Receipt. Microsoft says support for legacy Outlook for Mac ends in October 2026.

Both need a Microsoft 365 work or school account or an Exchange account. Outlook.com, IMAP and POP accounts can't request receipts on a Mac.

Outlook app on iPhone and Android

Microsoft added delivery and read receipts to the Outlook mobile app in 2025, for work or school accounts. While writing an email, tap the + button on the toolbar, tap the Receipts icon and choose a read receipt, a delivery receipt or both. A banner in the draft confirms what will be requested. Each recipient still has to approve a read receipt.

Outlook.com and Hotmail accounts

Microsoft says you can't request a read receipt in Outlook.com itself. You can request them for an Outlook.com account from Outlook for Windows, and Microsoft notes this needs a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Answering read receipt requests in Outlook

When someone asks you for a receipt, new Outlook, Outlook on the web and Outlook.com let you choose how to respond under Settings > Mail > Message handling > Read receipts. In the mobile app, a banner on the message asks whether to send one; you set a default the first time and can change it later under Settings > Mail > Read Receipts.

Microsoft is blunt about the limits: recipients can decline, some email programs don't support receipts, and "there is no way to force a recipient to send a read receipt." It also suggests requesting them only for important messages, because people who see the request less often are more likely to say yes.

Read receipts in Apple Mail

Apple Mail has no read receipt option on Mac, iPhone or iPad, including macOS 27 and iOS 27. There's nothing in the compose window or in Mail settings to request one, and Mail doesn't prompt you to return one when someone else asks. Old guides suggest a Terminal command that adds the receipt header to every message; it stopped working years ago. Our guide to Apple Mail read receipts covers the workarounds, from Mail extensions to other apps.

How Mail Privacy Protection affects tracking pixels

Apple Mail matters for read receipts even if you never use it, because many of your recipients do. With Mail Privacy Protection turned on, Apple says Mail hides the recipient's IP address and downloads remote content privately in the background when a message arrives, instead of when it's viewed. On iPhone, Apple puts it plainly: the feature "prevents senders from seeing if you've opened the email message they sent you."

For a tracking pixel, that means an "open" can be logged shortly after delivery whether or not the person ever looked at the email, and without their real location. Recipients turn it on in Mail > Settings > Privacy on a Mac (Protect Mail Activity) or Settings > Apps > Mail > Privacy Protection on iPhone.

Read receipts on iPhone

The built-in Mail app on iPhone can't request email read receipts, and the Send Read Receipts switch only covers Messages. Google's Gmail steps are for a computer only. The Outlook app can request receipts on iPhone, but only for work or school accounts. For a personal Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo or Outlook.com account on an iPhone, your realistic option is an email app with read receipts built in.

How reliable are read receipts?

Less reliable than they look. Both methods fail in both directions:

• Missed reads. A return receipt never arrives if the recipient declines or their app ignores the request. A pixel never fires if the recipient blocks remote images or reads in plain text.
• False reads. Mail Privacy Protection can load a pixel as soon as the email arrives. And Google notes that an IMAP user can mark a message as read without opening it, which still triggers a return receipt.
• Opened isn't read. RFC 8098 says even a "displayed" notice is no guarantee the content was read or understood, and that receipts can be forged or lost.

Use a receipt to decide when to follow up, not to conclude that someone is ignoring you. A reply, or a click on a link in your email, tells you far more. And if the real worry is an email you shouldn't have sent, a receipt won't help; see whether you can unsend an email instead.

Privacy and etiquette

Return receipts are open about what they do: the recipient sees the request and chooses. Pixels are silent, which is why some people find them intrusive. Request receipts only for emails that need confirmation, keep them out of personal conversations, and if you work with clients, tell them you use them.

Read receipts in Canary Mail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. If you're on Apple Mail, or on a personal Gmail, Outlook.com, iCloud or Yahoo account where return receipts aren't available, Canary adds read receipts to the email app itself. It's an email app for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows and Android that works with Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange and other IMAP accounts.

Canary's read receipts use a tracking pixel, so the limits above apply: a receipt only fires when the recipient's app loads images. They're on by default, and you can turn them off in Canary's settings. When someone opens your email, a blue check mark appears on the message in your Sent folder, you get a notification, and the open is listed in your Read Activity. According to Canary's help page, it records only that a message was opened and when: no IP address, device or location. Canary also blocks trackers in the emails you receive.

The free plan includes Read Receipts Lite, along with a unified inbox for unlimited accounts on up to 2 devices. Full read receipts are on the Growth plan ($36 a year) and Pro+ ($100 a year). More than 2 million people use Canary, and Apple has featured it on the App Store and the Mac App Store.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my email has been read?

Request a read receipt if your app supports it (Outlook or Gmail with a work or school account), or use an email app or extension that tracks opens with a pixel. Neither is guaranteed: the recipient can decline a receipt, and privacy features can hide or fake an open. A reply is the only sure sign.

How do I put a read receipt on an email?

In Outlook, check Request a Read Receipt on the Options tab (or the Receipts menu in Outlook for Mac). In Gmail with a Workspace account, click More options, then Request read receipt before sending. Apple Mail has no built-in option.

How do I request a read receipt in Outlook?

While writing the email, open the Options tab and check Request a Read Receipt in the Tracking group (select More Options if you don't see it). In classic Outlook you can request one for every message under File > Options > Mail > Tracking. It works only with work or school accounts, not Gmail, Yahoo or iCloud accounts added to Outlook.

Can you get a read receipt without the recipient knowing?

A return receipt is visible: the recipient's app usually asks them whether to send it. Tracking pixels don't ask, but Apple's Mail Privacy Protection, image blocking and tracker blocking in apps can stop them or make them inaccurate.

What happens if I decline a read receipt?

Nothing is sent, and the sender has no way to force one. To them it looks the same as if you hadn't opened the email. In Gmail for work accounts, choosing Not now means you'll be asked again the next time you open the message.

Do read receipts work in Gmail?

Only for Google Workspace work or school accounts, and only if your administrator allows them. Personal @gmail.com accounts can't request or return read receipts.

Does Apple Mail support read receipts?

No. Apple Mail on Mac, iPhone and iPad can't request a read receipt and doesn't offer to return one. You need another app, or a Mail extension, to get them.

For blocking, unsubscribing, marking mail as read and the rest of the inbox jobs, see our guide to managing your inbox.

Sources

• RFC 8098: Message Disposition Notification
• Google: Request or return a read receipt (Gmail Help)
• Microsoft: Add and request read receipts and delivery notifications in Outlook
• Microsoft: Read receipts in Outlook on the web
• Microsoft 365 Insider blog: Delivery and read receipts in Outlook for Android and iOS
• Microsoft: Request a read receipt or delivery notification in Outlook for Mac
• Apple Mail User Guide: Protect email privacy in Mail on Mac
• Apple iPhone User Guide: Use Mail Privacy Protection on iPhone
• Apple iPhone User Guide: Turn read receipts on or off in Messages
• Canary Mail Help: How does Canary Mail implement read receipts?

The steps for each app are below, along with how to show only unread mail and what to do when the unread count won't go to zero. Marking mail as read doesn't delete or move anything. It only changes the read status, and the change syncs to your other devices through your email provider. For the rest of the clean-up jobs (blocking, unsubscribing, bulk deleting), see our guide to managing your inbox.

How to mark all emails as read in Gmail

On a computer (gmail.com)

1. Open Gmail in a browser and go to the view you want to clear: Inbox, a category tab such as Promotions, a label, or All Mail.
2. To clear only unread mail, type is:unread in the search box and press Enter.
3. Tick the checkbox at the top left, above your messages. This selects the messages on the current page only (50 by default).
4. A notice appears at the top of the list, for example "All 50 conversations on this page are selected. Select all 2,000 conversations in Inbox." Click that link to select every conversation in the view.
5. Click Mark as read (the open envelope icon) in the toolbar.

Step 4 is the one most people miss, and it's the usual answer to "why can't I mark all emails as read in Gmail?" Without it, Gmail marks 50 conversations and leaves the rest bold. With thousands of messages, Gmail can take a little while to finish, so leave the tab open until the counts update.

If your inbox uses category tabs (Primary, Promotions, Social, Updates), selecting all in the Primary tab doesn't touch the other tabs. Repeat the steps in each tab, or search is:unread so the selection covers every category at once.

Keyboard shortcut: with shortcuts turned on (Settings > See all settings > Keyboard shortcuts on > Save Changes), press * then u to select unread conversations on the page, then Shift + i to mark them as read. To reach every page, you still need the select-all link.

In the Gmail app (Android, iPhone and iPad)

1. Open the Gmail app and tap the sender's picture next to any email to start selecting.
2. Tap the box next to Select all at the top left.
3. To add more, scroll down and tap the Select all box again. The app selects mail in batches as you scroll, and it has no link to select every conversation at once.
4. Tap Mark as read at the top right.

For a backlog in the thousands, the computer steps above are much faster. The change syncs to the app. On iPhone and iPad you can also add Mark as read/unread as a swipe action (Settings > Inbox customizations > Mail swipe actions), which helps for clearing a few at a time.

How to mark all emails as read in Outlook

New Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web and Outlook.com

1. In the folder pane on the left, right-click the folder (for example, Inbox).
2. Choose Mark all as read.

To mark only some messages, select them, right-click and choose Mark as read.

Classic Outlook for Windows

• Whole folder: right-click the folder in the folder pane and choose Mark All as Read.
• Keyboard: select the folder, click any message, press Ctrl+A, then press Ctrl+Q (Ctrl+U marks them unread again).

Microsoft notes there's no undo for Mark All as Read. If you mark a folder by mistake, you have to set messages back to unread one by one. If Outlook keeps marking mail as read before you've looked at it, check File > Options > Advanced > Reading Pane, where you can delay or turn off "Mark items as read when viewed in the Reading Pane."

Outlook app on iPhone and Android

1. In the inbox, long-press an email (or tap its circle icon) to start selecting.
2. Tap the three-dot overflow menu and choose Select All.
3. Open the overflow menu again and choose Mark Read.

If you use Outlook with a Hotmail or Outlook.com address, rules in a Hotmail inbox can also mark newsletters as read the moment they arrive.

How to mark all emails as read in Yahoo Mail

1. On yahoo.com, tick the checkbox next to any email.
2. Click the expand arrow next to the checkbox at the top left and choose All (or Unread).
3. Yahoo selects 100 emails at a time by default. Use the pop-up near the top of the screen to extend the selection to every email in the folder.
4. Press K, Yahoo's shortcut for Mark as Read (Shift+K marks mail unread).

In the Yahoo Mail app, tap and hold an email to select several, then use the mark-as-read action for the selection.

How to mark all emails as read in Apple Mail on Mac

• Whole mailbox: in the Mail sidebar, Control-click the mailbox (Inbox, or a single account's inbox) and choose Mark All Messages As Read.
• Some messages: select them in the message list (Command-A selects all), then choose Message > Mark as Read.

Unread messages show a blue dot (or a star for VIPs). If the Dock icon still shows a number afterwards, see the troubleshooting section below.

How to mark all emails as read on iPhone and iPad

In the Mail app (iOS 27):

1. Open a mailbox, tap the More button, then tap Select.
2. Select the messages you want to mark.
3. Tap Mark at the bottom of the list, then choose Mark as Read.

Apple notes that when you select a message in the Transactions, Updates or Promotions category, you select all of that sender's messages in the category. You can also swipe across a single email in the list to mark it read. If you use the Gmail or Outlook app on your iPhone instead, follow those apps' steps above.

How to mark all emails as read in Canary Mail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Canary is an email app for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows and Android that works with Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo and IMAP accounts, so the same steps work for every account you add.

• Mac: click in the message list and press Command-A to select all emails, then two-finger tap (right-click) the selection and choose Read.
• iPhone and iPad: tap More at the top right, tap Select emails, tap Select all at the top left, then tap the blue circle at the bottom right to mark them as read.

How to see only unread emails

Before you mark everything, look at what's unread. These filters hide everything else:

In Gmail, is:unread combines with other operators, for example is:unread from:boss@example.com or is:unread older_than:1m. On a Mac, a Smart Mailbox with the condition "Message is unread" gives you a permanent unread view across accounts; our guide to Smart Mailboxes in Mac Mail shows how to set one up.

Unread count won't go away? Check these

The badge says you have unread mail, but the inbox looks clear. Check these, in this order:

• Only the first page was marked. In Gmail, the select-all checkbox covers one page until you click the "Select all conversations" link.
• Unread mail in another tab or folder. Gmail's Promotions and Social tabs, Spam, archived mail or a folder a rule files into can all hold unread messages. In Gmail, search in:anywhere is:unread, which includes Spam and Trash.
• Another account. With several accounts, the badge may count all of them. Mark each account's inbox, or use the unified inbox. For Gmail, see our guide to managing multiple Gmail accounts.
• The iPhone badge counts only Primary. Apple says the number on the Mail icon reflects unread messages in your Primary category. To count every category, go to Settings > Notifications > Mail > Customize Notifications and turn on All Unread Messages.
• The Dock count on Mac. In Mail, go to Mail > Settings > General and use Unread count to choose which mailboxes count toward the number on the Dock icon.
• Sync lag. Read status syncs through your provider. If a device is offline, or an app is stuck syncing, its count stays out of date until it syncs again.

Keep unread mail from piling up again

• Unsubscribe from what you never open. Newsletters and promotions are usually most of the pile. Our guide to mass unsubscribing from emails covers every major app.
• Block senders who ignore unsubscribe requests. See how to block emails in Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo and Apple Mail.
• Let filters do the sorting. A rule can label, archive or mark mail as read as it arrives. Our guide to creating rules in Gmail has examples.
• Start fresh. If the count is in the thousands, mark everything older than a month as read and deal with what's new. For a longer-term system, read our guide to cleaning up and organizing your inbox.

Frequently asked questions

How do I mark thousands of emails as read at once?

Use a computer. In Gmail, search is:unread, tick the select-all checkbox, click the "Select all conversations" link, then click Mark as read. In Outlook, right-click the folder and choose Mark all as read. In Apple Mail on a Mac, Control-click the mailbox and choose Mark All Messages As Read.

Why can't I mark all emails as read in Gmail?

The select-all checkbox only selects the conversations on the current page. Click the link that appears above the list ("Select all … conversations") to extend the selection, then click Mark as read. Also check the other category tabs, which aren't included when you select all in Primary.

How do I select all emails in Gmail?

On a computer, tick the checkbox at the top left of the message list, then click the link in the notice above the list to select every conversation in that view. In the Gmail app, tap a sender's picture, tap Select all, and tap it again after scrolling to add more.

How do I mark all emails as read in Outlook?

Right-click the folder in the folder pane and choose Mark all as read. In classic Outlook you can also click a message, press Ctrl+A and then Ctrl+Q. In the Outlook mobile app, long-press an email, choose Select All from the overflow menu, then Mark Read.

How do I mark all emails as read on my iPhone?

In the Mail app, open the mailbox, tap the More button, tap Select, choose the messages, then tap Mark and choose Mark as Read. In the Gmail or Outlook app, use that app's select-all option instead.

Can I undo mark all as read?

Not as a single action in most apps. Microsoft says classic Outlook has no undo for Mark All as Read, so messages have to be set back to unread individually. In Gmail you can mark a selection unread again, but it won't remember which messages were unread before.

Does marking emails as read delete them?

No. Mark as read only changes the status. The emails stay in the same folder and still count toward your storage. To free up space, delete or archive them separately.

What does "unread messages" mean?

Unread messages are emails you haven't opened yet, or have marked as unread again as a reminder. Apps show them in bold or with a blue dot, and the number next to your inbox or on the app icon is the count still marked unread.

Sources

• Google: Mark messages as read or unread
• Google: Delete Gmail messages (selecting all conversations)
• Google: Keyboard shortcuts for Gmail
• Google: Search operators you can use with Gmail
• Google: Change your Gmail inbox layout
• Microsoft: Mark a message as read or unread in Outlook
• Microsoft: Organize your inbox in Outlook.com
• Microsoft: Cannot undo changes if all messages are marked as read
• Microsoft: How do I select multiple emails? (Outlook for iOS and Android)
• Microsoft: View only unread messages in Outlook
• Yahoo: Delete emails in Yahoo Mail (selecting all emails)
• Yahoo: Keyboard shortcuts in Yahoo Mail
• Apple Mail User Guide: Read and respond to emails
• Apple Mail User Guide: Change General settings
• Apple iPhone User Guide: Check your email in Mail
• Apple iPhone User Guide: Filter emails in Mail
• Canary Mail Help: Mark emails as read or unread on macOS and on iOS

Archiving hides an email from your inbox without deleting it, which is why archived mail can feel like it vanished. This guide covers where it goes, how to see it on a computer, Android and iPhone, how to get it back into your inbox, and what to check when an email is in none of those places. It's part of our guide to Gmail.

What happens when you archive an email in Gmail

When you archive a message, Gmail takes it out of your inbox and keeps it under the All Mail label. Nothing is deleted, and the email still shows up when you search.

One thing surprises people: if someone replies to an archived conversation, it comes back to your inbox. If you want a long thread to stay out of your inbox, mute it instead (select it, then More > Mute, or press M). Replies to a muted conversation skip the inbox and go straight to the archive, unless a new message is sent only to you or adds you in To or Cc.

Archive is not the same as delete. Deleted emails go to Trash and Gmail removes them for good after 30 days. Archived emails stay until you delete them.

How to find archived emails in Gmail on a computer

1. Open Gmail in your browser at mail.google.com.
2. In the left menu, click More to expand the list.
3. Click All Mail.

All Mail shows every email in your account: your inbox, sent mail, labels and everything you've archived. It doesn't include Spam or Trash. To find one email, type a sender, a word from the subject or a phrase from the message in the search bar at the top.

If you never see All Mail even after clicking More, it may be hidden. Click Settings (the gear) > See all settings > Labels, and click Show next to All Mail.

How to see only archived emails

All Mail mixes archived emails with everything else. To list only the archived ones, type this in the Gmail search bar and press Enter:

in:archive

You can add other words to narrow it down. in:archive invoice finds archived emails that mention an invoice, and in:archive from:anna@example.com finds archived emails from one sender. The same search works in the Gmail app on Android and iPhone.

How to find archived emails in the Gmail app (Android)

1. Open the Gmail app.
2. Tap Menu (the three lines at the top left).
3. Scroll down and tap All mail.

To see only archived emails, tap the search bar and type in:archive.

How to find archived emails on iPhone and iPad

1. Open the Gmail app.
2. Tap Menu at the top left.
3. Tap All mail.

How to unarchive an email in Gmail

Unarchiving just means moving the email back to your inbox.

On a computer: find the email in All Mail or with in:archive, check the box next to it, and click Move to Inbox at the top.

In the Gmail app (Android, iPhone, iPad): find the email, touch and hold it, then tap More (the three dots at the top right) > Move to inbox.

Can't find an archived email? Check these

• Trash and Spam. All Mail and a normal search skip both. Look in Trash (deleted emails stay there 30 days) and Spam, or search everything with in:anywhere plus a word from the email. You can also click Show search options in the search box and choose Mail & Spam & Trash.
• A filter is archiving it for you. A filter set to skip the inbox sends matching emails straight to All Mail. Check Settings > See all settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses.
• It's muted. Search is:muted to list muted conversations.
• It's snoozed. Search in:snoozed, or open Snoozed in the left menu.
• It's in another account. If you use more than one Gmail address, switch to the other account and search there too.

If an email is gone from Trash after 30 days, Gmail can't restore it. Our guide to deleting emails in Gmail explains what delete does and doesn't remove.

How to archive emails in Gmail

On a computer: check the box next to one or more emails and click Archive at the top. With keyboard shortcuts turned on, select an email and press E.

In the app: touch and hold one or more emails and tap Archive at the top. To archive with a swipe:

• Android: Menu > Settings > General settings > Swipe actions, tap Change next to Right swipe or Left swipe, and pick Archive.
• iPhone and iPad: Menu > Settings, then under Inbox tap Inbox customizations > Mail swipe actions, choose Right swipe or Left swipe, pick Archive and tap Done.

To archive the same kind of email automatically, set up a filter. Our guide to creating rules in Gmail walks through it.

Archive vs delete vs mute

Keeping track of archived mail across several accounts

Archive works per account, so with two or three Gmail addresses you end up searching each one. One way round that is an email app with a unified inbox: Canary Mail puts Gmail, Outlook, iCloud and other accounts in one inbox, with unlimited accounts on the free plan (disclosure: we make Canary Mail). More options are in our guide to managing multiple Gmail accounts.

FAQ

Where do archived emails go in Gmail?

To All Mail. Gmail has no separate Archive folder: an archived email leaves your inbox and stays in All Mail, where you can still search for it.

Is there an archive folder in Gmail?

No. Use All Mail (under More in the left menu on a computer) or search in:archive to see archived emails.

How do I see only archived emails in Gmail?

Type in:archive in the search bar. It works on the web and in the Gmail app, and you can add words to it, like in:archive receipt.

How do I unarchive an email in Gmail?

Select it and click Move to Inbox on a computer. In the app, touch and hold it, then tap More > Move to inbox.

Do archived emails get deleted?

No. Gmail doesn't delete archived emails on its own. They stay in All Mail until you delete them, and only emails in Trash are removed automatically, after 30 days.

Why did an archived email come back to my inbox?

Someone replied to the conversation. Archived threads return to the inbox with new replies. Mute the conversation if you want replies to skip the inbox.

Why can't I find my archived emails?

Search with in:anywhere to include Spam and Trash, check whether a filter skips the inbox for those emails, and make sure you're in the right Gmail account. Emails deleted more than 30 days ago can't be recovered.

Should I archive or delete emails in Gmail?

Archive anything you might need again, like receipts, travel bookings or conversations you may want to search later. Delete what you're sure you won't need, such as newsletters and spam.

Sources

Checked November 12, 2026.

• Archive Gmail messages (computer, Android, iPhone and iPad): support.google.com/mail/answer/6576
• Mute Gmail messages: support.google.com/mail/answer/16594169
• Search operators you can use with Gmail (in:archive, in:anywhere, in:snoozed, is:muted): support.google.com/mail/answer/7190
• Search in Gmail, and searching Spam and Trash: support.google.com/mail/answer/6593
• Delete or recover deleted Gmail messages (30 days in Trash): support.google.com/mail/answer/7401
• Show or hide labels: support.google.com/mail/answer/118708
• Create rules to filter your emails: support.google.com/mail/answer/6579
• Gmail keyboard shortcuts: support.google.com/mail/answer/6594
• Canary Mail plans: canarymail.io/pricing

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail and Dove, and both are on this list. Prices and plans were checked on each company's own site on November 12, 2026, unless a line says otherwise.

Two kinds of Gmail alternative

Most "best Gmail alternatives" lists mix two different things, so it's worth deciding which one you need before you compare.

• A new email service replaces Gmail itself. You get a new address, your mail is stored by another company, and you move old messages and update your address on your accounts. This is the only way to stop Google holding your mail.
• A different email app keeps your Gmail account and address but replaces the Gmail app or website. Your mail stays on Google's servers. You get a different inbox, different AI, and often your other accounts in the same place. It takes minutes and you can go back any time.

If the problem is the Gmail app (clutter, one inbox per account, AI that only sees Google mail), change the app. If the problem is Google itself (ads, data use, no end-to-end encryption), change the service. Plenty of people do both: a private service for new mail, and an app that shows it next to the Gmail account they keep for old logins.

Gmail alternatives compared

Tap a name to jump to its entry. Paid prices are the lowest US price per month or year that the company lists; some sites show prices in your local currency instead.

Keep your Gmail address: switch the app

These apps connect to your existing Gmail account with Google's own sign-in. Nothing is exported, and Gmail on the web keeps working alongside them.

1. Canary Mail: Best for AI and encryption on top of Gmail

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail.

Canary is an email app for Gmail, Outlook and Microsoft 365, Exchange, iCloud, Yahoo and any IMAP account, all in one inbox. Its AI drafts replies, summarizes long threads and sorts incoming mail, and it does that across every account you add, not only the Google one. Tracker blocking is on by default, and the Pro+ plan adds PGP encryption and SecureSend password-protected messages, which Gmail doesn't offer on personal accounts. More than 2 million people use it, and Apple has featured it on the App Store and the Mac App Store.

• Who it's for: people who want to keep Gmail but get stronger AI, encryption and several accounts in one app
• Price: free for unlimited accounts on 2 devices; Growth $36 a year adds AI writing, read receipts, send later and calendar on 5 devices; Pro+ $100 a year adds PGP, SecureSend and phishing detection; lifetime licenses too; 7-day trial
• Platforms: Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Android
• Downside: AI writing and encryption are on paid plans, and because it's an app, Google still stores your Gmail.

2. Dove: Best for an AI-first inbox

Disclosure: Dove is made by the same company as Canary Mail.

Dove is built around AI rather than adding it to a classic mail app. It sorts mail into what needs you and what doesn't, writes replies and gives you daily summaries, and it works with Gmail and other providers.

• Who it's for: people who want AI to do most of the inbox sorting
• Price: free with unlimited accounts and 10 AI actions a day; Pro $20 a month or $200 a year; 7-day free trial
• Platforms: Mac, iPhone, Android, Windows, web
• Downside: the free plan's AI allowance runs out quickly if you lean on it, and it's a newer app with far fewer reviews.

3. Apple Mail: Best free app on Apple devices

Apple Mail is already on your Mac, iPhone and iPad, and adding Gmail takes a minute. Mail Privacy Protection hides your IP address and loads remote content privately, which stops most open tracking. On devices that support Apple Intelligence you also get writing tools, message summaries and priority messages. Read Apple Mail vs Gmail for a feature-by-feature comparison.

• Who it's for: Apple users who want a clean, private app at no cost
• Price: free
• Platforms: Mac, iPhone, iPad
• Downside: Apple devices only, the AI features need recent hardware, and there's no PGP (S/MIME only).

4. Shortwave: Best AI search and triage for Gmail users

Shortwave is an AI email app made for Gmail and Google Workspace. Its assistant searches your whole mailbox in plain language, summarizes threads and drafts replies, and it groups newsletters and updates into bundles. More options in our Shortwave alternatives.

• Who it's for: heavy Gmail and Workspace users who search a lot
• Price: 14-day free trial; Business $30 per seat a month, Premier $45
• Platforms: web, iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows
• Downside: it only connects to Gmail and Google Workspace, and it's expensive for one person.

5. Superhuman: Best for keyboard speed

Superhuman is a fast, keyboard-driven email app for Gmail and Outlook accounts, with split inboxes, reminders and AI writing. It's now part of the Superhuman suite that also includes Grammarly. See our Superhuman alternatives if the price puts you off.

• Who it's for: people who live in email all day and like keyboard shortcuts
• Price: paid plans; superhuman.com shows prices in your local currency
• Platforms: Mac, Windows, web, iPhone, Android
• Downside: one of the most expensive email apps, and it only works with Gmail and Outlook accounts.

6. Mailbird: Best for a Windows desktop inbox

Mailbird is a desktop email app that puts Gmail and your other accounts in one unified inbox, with built-in apps such as calendars and chat in the sidebar. It started on Windows and now also has Mac, iPhone and Android apps. More in Mailbird alternatives.

• Who it's for: Windows users who want Gmail as a desktop app with their other accounts
• Price: free for 1 account on 1 device; paid plans unlock more accounts and features (prices shown in your local currency)
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
• Downside: the free plan is limited to one account and leaves out snooze, send later and templates.

Or switch email service

These replace Gmail itself, so you get a new address. The privacy gain is on the server: another company stores your mail, and with end-to-end encryption the provider can't read it. Expect to move old messages over and update your address with contacts and accounts. Outlook.com, iCloud Mail and Fastmail also work in other email apps such as Canary or Apple Mail; Proton needs a paid plan for that, and Tuta and Zoho's free plan don't support it.

7. Proton Mail: Best for privacy and encryption

Proton Mail is the best-known private Gmail replacement and appears on almost every Gmail alternatives list. Mail between Proton users is end-to-end encrypted, and stored mail is encrypted so Proton can't read it. Its Easy Switch tool imports your Gmail folders and messages. See Canary Mail vs Proton Mail for how it compares with keeping Gmail and encrypting in the app, or Proton Mail alternatives.

• Who it's for: people who want Google out of their email and encryption by default
• Price: free with 500 MB, raised to 1 GB after setup steps, and 150 messages a day; Mail Plus $4.99 a month or $47.88 a year (first-year offers vary)
• Platforms: web, iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux
• Downside: the free plan is small, and using Proton in other email apps needs Proton Mail Bridge, which is paid-only.

8. Outlook.com: Best for Microsoft users

Outlook.com is Microsoft's free email service, and the Outlook apps on Windows, Mac and phones also handle Gmail, iCloud and Yahoo accounts. If you already use Word, Excel or Teams, it's the least disruptive switch. Our Outlook alternatives cover the other direction.

• Who it's for: people who live in Microsoft 365 or Windows
• Price: free with a Microsoft account, with ads; Microsoft 365 Basic $1.99 a month or $19.99 a year removes ads and adds 100 GB; Copilot in Outlook comes with Microsoft 365 Personal ($99.99 a year)
• Platforms: web, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
• Downside: the free inbox shows ads, and it's no more private than Gmail: you swap Google for Microsoft.

9. iCloud Mail: Best for Apple users

Every Apple Account comes with a free @icloud.com address, and it works in Apple Mail with no setup. Paying for iCloud+ adds Hide My Email (random forwarding addresses) and lets you use your own domain. The difference between the app and the service trips a lot of people up; Apple Mail vs iCloud Mail explains it.

• Who it's for: iPhone and Mac users who want a free address that isn't Google's
• Price: free with 5 GB of iCloud storage shared with photos and backups; iCloud+ from $0.99 a month for 50 GB
• Platforms: Apple devices, plus icloud.com/mail in any browser
• Downside: the free 5 GB fills up fast, and outside Apple devices you're mostly in a browser or a third-party app.

10. Zoho Mail: Best free email on your own domain

Zoho Mail is an ad-free business email service. Its Forever Free plan hosts email for one domain you own, which is rare. See also Zoho Mail alternatives and our list of the best free business email.

• Who it's for: freelancers and small teams who want you@yourdomain without paying
• Price: Forever Free for up to 5 users on one domain with 5 GB each (in selected regions); paid plans start with Mail Lite, billed per user yearly
• Platforms: web, iPhone, Android, plus desktop apps for Windows, Mac and Linux
• Downside: the free plan has no IMAP, POP or ActiveSync, so you're limited to Zoho's own web and mobile apps.

11. Tuta: Best for encryption without AI

Tuta (formerly Tutanota) encrypts your mail, contacts and calendar end to end, including subject lines. It's a paid company with no ads, based in Germany, and it has no AI features. More in Tutanota alternatives.

• Who it's for: privacy-first users who are happy in Tuta's own apps
• Price: free with 1 GB; Revolutionary €3 a month paid yearly (20 GB, 15 extra addresses); Legend €8 a month (500 GB)
• Platforms: web, iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux
• Downside: no IMAP, so it doesn't work in other email apps, and Gmail imports go through exported files.

12. Fastmail: Best ad-free mailbox that works in any app

Fastmail is a paid email service with no ads and no data mining. It works with any email app over standard protocols, which Proton and Tuta don't make easy, and it has migration tools for mail, calendars and contacts. More in Fastmail alternatives.

• Who it's for: people who want a fast, ad-free mailbox and their choice of app
• Price: Individual $5 a month billed yearly (checked October 16, 2026); free trial, no free plan; fastmail.com may show your local currency
• Platforms: web, iPhone, Android, plus any IMAP app
• Downside: no end-to-end encryption in Fastmail's own apps, and there's no free plan.

Also worth a look

Thunderbird is the free, open-source desktop app for people who want email without any AI; it handles Gmail well and its Android app grew out of K-9 Mail (see Thunderbird alternatives). Yahoo Mail is still a free service with 20 GB in the US, but it shows ads unless you pay for Mail Plus (Yahoo Mail alternatives). Windows users who only want Gmail on the desktop can also install Gmail as an app, and on a Mac the best email clients for Mac list goes deeper.

Why people look for a Gmail alternative

• AI is built in, and the best of it costs extra. Personal accounts get Help me write, thread summaries and suggested replies, and the fuller Gemini features come with a paid Google AI plan. That AI only sees your Google mail.
• Google doesn't scan your mail for ads, but it does use it. Google says it doesn't read Gmail messages to show you ads, yet personal accounts still see ads in the Promotions and Social tabs, and your mail powers smart features such as categories and Smart Compose. You can turn smart features off, but then those features go too.
• Personal Gmail isn't end-to-end encrypted. Messages travel over TLS, but S/MIME is for work and school accounts, and Confidential mode is access control rather than encryption. Our guide on how to send encrypted email in Gmail compares each option.
• Other accounts are leaving Gmail on the web. You can no longer add a third-party account to Gmail in a browser, and Gmailify and POP import from other accounts end in January 2027. The Gmail mobile apps keep working with Outlook, iCloud and Yahoo accounts. Our Gmail guide covers what still works.

How to switch without losing email

Keeping Gmail: install the app, choose Google, sign in and allow access. Your mail syncs in the background and stays in Gmail, so you can keep using Gmail in a browser while you decide. Nothing to export, and you can stop at any time.

Moving to a new service:

1. Create the new account and use its import tool (Proton's Easy Switch, Fastmail's migration, or an MBOX export from Google Takeout for Tuta).
2. Turn on forwarding in Gmail so new mail reaches the new address while people catch up.
3. Change your email on important accounts first: bank, Apple or Microsoft account, password manager.
4. Tell contacts, and keep the Gmail account for a while rather than deleting it.

If you'll be juggling the old and new addresses for a while, our list of the best email apps for multiple accounts helps, and the guide to managing multiple Gmail accounts covers keeping two Gmail addresses side by side.

How we chose

We listed the options that the top-ranking Gmail alternative guides recommend most often, kept the ones a personal user can sign up for (team inbox tools are left out), and split them into apps that keep your Gmail address and services that replace it. Canary and Dove are ours and are marked. Prices, free plans and limits come from each company's own pricing and help pages, checked on November 12, 2026 unless noted. Screenshots come from each app's official store listing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Gmail alternative in 2026?

For a new address, Proton Mail is the strongest all-round choice if privacy is the reason you're leaving, Outlook.com if you use Microsoft's apps, and iCloud Mail on Apple devices. If you want to keep your Gmail address, change the app instead: Canary Mail (ours) adds AI and PGP encryption across all your accounts, and Apple Mail is free on Apple devices.

Why are people moving away from Gmail?

Mostly because of ads in the Promotions and Social tabs, unease about Google using mail for smart features and AI, the lack of end-to-end encryption on personal accounts, and Gmail on the web dropping support for other accounts. The first two can be eased with a different app; full encryption needs a different service.

What is the best free email to use?

Outlook.com and iCloud Mail are the easiest free services, Proton Mail Free gives you encryption with 500 MB to 1 GB, Zoho Mail is free on your own domain for up to 5 users, and Yahoo Mail gives 20 GB in the US with ads. If you keep Gmail, Apple Mail and Canary Mail's free plan are free apps for it.

What is the most hacked email provider?

There's no reliable public ranking, and most account takeovers don't come from a provider being broken into. They come from reused passwords and phishing. Whichever service you use, turn on two-step verification or passkeys and use a unique password.

Which email is safer than Gmail?

For privacy from the provider, Proton Mail and Tuta encrypt your stored mail so they can't read it. Gmail's own security against outside attacks is strong, so if you keep it, the biggest gains come from two-step verification and, for sensitive messages, PGP encryption in an app that supports it.

Can I keep my Gmail address and use a different app?

Yes. Apps such as Canary Mail, Apple Mail, Outlook and Thunderbird sign in to Gmail with Google's own login, and your mail stays in your Gmail account. You can stop using the app at any time without losing anything.

What is the downside of Proton Mail?

The free plan is small and capped at 150 messages a day, and using Proton in Outlook, Apple Mail or another app needs Proton Mail Bridge on a paid plan. Search inside encrypted mail also works differently from Gmail's.

Will Google still process my email if I use Canary?

Yes. Canary is an app, so your Gmail stays on Google's servers. What changes is the app layer: Canary's AI, tracker blocking and PGP encryption. To stop Google holding new mail, you need a different email service.

Sources

• Proton Mail pricing
• Proton Mail Bridge
• Microsoft 365 Basic
• Apple: iCloud+ plans and pricing
• Zoho Mail pricing
• Tuta pricing
• Fastmail pricing
• Shortwave pricing
• Superhuman plans
• Mailbird pricing
• Dove pricing
• Canary Mail pricing
• Google: Smart features and controls
• Google: How Gmail ads work
• Google: Confidential mode
• Google: Changes to third-party accounts in Gmail
• Apple: Protect your privacy in Mail

Work through the fixes below in order. The first two take a minute, and most searches come back by fix 4. On an iPhone or iPad? Jump to the iPhone section.

6 ways to fix Mac Mail search

1. Search all mailboxes, including Trash and Junk
2. After a macOS update, let Spotlight finish indexing
3. Rebuild the mailbox
4. Check that the account is connected
5. Rebuild the Spotlight index
6. Rebuild Mail's Envelope Index

1. Search all mailboxes, including Trash and Junk

Mail often searches only the mailbox you have selected. After you type in the search field, look below it: if there are no results in the current mailbox, click Search all mailboxes.

Mail also leaves some folders out when it searches everything. Open Mail › Settings › General and, under "When searching all mailboxes, include results from", tick Trash, Junk and Encrypted Messages if you want them searched.

Still nothing? Quit Mail completely and restart the Mac. That clears a lot of temporary indexing hangs.

2. After a macOS update, let Spotlight finish indexing

Search breaking right after an update to macOS Tahoe 26 or macOS 27 is usually not a bug. Mail search runs on Spotlight, and Spotlight re-indexes your Mac after every software update or upgrade. Apple says this can take hours or even days, depending on how much data you have, and Mail search is incomplete until it's done. While it runs, Mail may tell you that "Entire Message" search is temporarily unavailable, or show a notice that indexing is incomplete.

To check whether indexing is still going:

• Press Command-Space. While Spotlight is indexing, a progress indicator shows at the top of the Spotlight window.
• Or open Terminal and run mdutil -s /. It shows the indexing status of your startup disk. If it says indexing is disabled, run sudo mdutil -i on / to turn it back on.

Indexing finishes faster when the Mac is plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet (so Mail can download the messages it needs to index), and left idle, for example overnight. Wait for it to finish before you try the rebuilds below. Rebuilding mid-index just starts the clock again.

3. Rebuild the mailbox

Rebuilding refreshes Mail's list of messages in a mailbox. Apple recommends it when messages seem to be missing, or when "Entire Message" search doesn't find everything.

1. Select a mailbox in the sidebar.
2. Choose Mailbox › Rebuild.
3. Repeat for each mailbox that has missing results.

For IMAP and Exchange accounts, Mail downloads the messages again, so a large mailbox can take a while.

4. Check that the account is connected

Mail can only find older messages it has downloaded. If an account is offline or stuck, those messages never reach the index. Choose Window › Connection Doctor and check that each account shows as connected. Fix any account that fails (usually a changed password), then give Mail time to catch up. If only one account is affected, a sync problem with that account is the likely cause.

5. Rebuild the Spotlight index

If indexing has finished and results are still missing, the Spotlight index itself may be damaged. Rebuild it:

1. Choose Apple menu › System Settings, then click Spotlight (or Siri & Spotlight) in the sidebar.
2. Scroll down and click Search Privacy (or Spotlight Privacy).
3. Click + and add your startup disk (for example, Macintosh HD).
4. Wait a few seconds, select the disk in the list, then click – to remove it.
5. Click Done and quit System Settings.

Spotlight now indexes the disk again from scratch, which takes as long as the post-update indexing in fix 2. Prefer Terminal? sudo mdutil -E / erases and rebuilds the index for the startup disk.

6. Rebuild Mail's Envelope Index

If nothing above works, Mail's own database of your messages (the Envelope Index) may be corrupted. Sometimes Mail spots this itself and offers a Quit and Rebuild Index button. To do it by hand:

1. Quit Mail.
2. In Finder, hold Option and choose Go › Library.
3. Open Mail, then the folder named V plus the highest number, then MailData.
4. Move the files whose names start with "Envelope Index" to the Trash.
5. Open Mail. It imports your messages again and builds a new index.

The import can take a long time on large mailboxes, and search stays incomplete until it's done.

Mail search not working on iPhone or iPad

Mail on iPhone and iPad uses the same kind of on-device index, so the causes are similar. Try these in order:

1. Search all mailboxes. After you type in the search field, choose all mailboxes instead of the current mailbox above the results list.
2. Give indexing time after an update. After an iOS or iPadOS update, the index is rebuilt, which can take hours or days. It goes faster when the device is charging, on Wi-Fi and not in use, so leave it plugged in overnight. While it runs you may see a notice in Settings that search and Siri are optimizing.
3. Check the search settings if emails are missing from the Home Screen search. Open Settings › Apps › Mail › Search and allow content from Mail to appear in Search. In Settings › Search, tap Mail and make sure Show App in Search is on.
4. Update the software. Install the latest iOS or iPadOS update in Settings › General › Software Update.
5. Turn the account off and on. Go to Settings › Apps › Mail › Mail Accounts, tap the account and turn off Mail (for iCloud, turn off Use on this iPhone), then turn it back on. Mail downloads and indexes that account again.
6. Remove the account and add it back as a last resort: in the same screen, tap Sign Out or Delete Account, then add it again. Email stored on the server comes back. Anything stored only on this iPhone does not, so check first.

When to consider an alternative

If you manage multiple accounts or handle high-volume email, Mail search issues can become a repeating productivity tax. It may be time to switch to a more modern solution. Our updated list of the best email client for Mac compares how different apps handle indexing so you never have to rebuild a database again.

What to look for in an alternative:

• Reliable search that does not depend on constant index repair.
• Unified inbox for multiple accounts in one place.
• Privacy-first defaults for sensitive email; at Canary Mail, we maintain a strict "No data harvesting" policy.
• AI tools for drafting and summaries.

Canary Mail is built for a calmer daily workflow with strong privacy and AI, without forcing you into a new way of doing email.

Canary Mail works with existing Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Exchange, and IMAP accounts across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows, and Android. If you are troubleshooting Apple Mail issues, these reliability and setup pages explain how Canary Mail handles sync, search, provider behavior, and cross-device use.

Explore reliability and setup guidance:

• Reliability and Scale
• Reliability and Search Quality
• What’s New
• Windows vs Mac
• Cross-device sync and licensing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is Apple Mail search so bad?

Apple Mail relies on the macOS Spotlight index. When that index is incomplete (after a macOS update, with very large mailboxes, or when an IMAP account has not downloaded all of its messages), search misses emails or returns nothing. Letting indexing finish, then rebuilding the Spotlight index and Mail's Envelope Index as described above, usually fixes it.

Why doesn't search work on my Mac anymore?

Most often because macOS was just updated and Spotlight is still re-indexing, which Apple says can take hours or days. Check with mdutil -s / or the Spotlight progress indicator, and let it finish before rebuilding anything. If search was already broken before the update, work through the fixes above in order.

Why isn't my iPhone Mail searching all emails?

Check that you chose all mailboxes above the search results, not just the current one. After an iOS update, the search index is rebuilt in the background, so results stay incomplete until that finishes. If one account is still missing results after a day, turn Mail off and on for that account in Settings › Apps › Mail › Mail Accounts.

Will I lose my emails if I rebuild my mailbox?

No. Rebuilding refreshes Mail's local copy of the mailbox. Messages stored on the mail server stay where they are, and Mail downloads them again.

En esta guía te explicamos paso a paso cómo crear una cuenta de correo de Yahoo gratis en 2026, cómo iniciar sesión después, cómo poner Yahoo Mail en español y qué hacer si el registro no funciona.

Cómo crear un correo de Yahoo en 5 pasos

Necesitas unos minutos y tu celular, porque Yahoo envía un código a tu número antes de terminar el registro (Ayuda de Yahoo: regístrate para obtener una cuenta).

Paso 1: Abre la página de registro de Yahoo

Lo más rápido es ir directamente a login.yahoo.com/account/create. También puedes abrir yahoo.com o mail.yahoo.com, hacer clic en Iniciar sesión en la esquina superior derecha y elegir la opción para crear una cuenta. En el celular, la app gratuita Yahoo Mail para iPhone y Android tiene la misma opción.

Paso 2: Decide si quieres una dirección nueva de Yahoo

El formulario crea por defecto una dirección de correo nueva de Yahoo. En la misma página verás Usar correo electrónico existente e Iniciar sesión con Google. Elígelas solo si quieres una cuenta de Yahoo para otros servicios (como Yahoo Finanzas) sin un buzón nuevo de Yahoo. Para tener un correo de Yahoo, quédate en el formulario principal.

Paso 3: Escribe tus datos y elige tu dirección

Completa nombre, apellido, el correo que quieres, una contraseña y tu fecha de nacimiento. Todos los campos son obligatorios. La dirección termina en @yahoo.com, y el formulario también te deja cambiar a @myyahoo.com. Si el nombre que quieres está ocupado, prueba con el otro dominio o con una variante con punto o número.

Elige la dirección con calma, porque Yahoo no permite cambiarla después (Ayuda de Yahoo: los nombres de cuenta no se pueden cambiar). Tu nombre completo o una variante sencilla envejece mejor que un apodo. Usa una contraseña larga que no uses en ningún otro sitio y haz clic en Siguiente. Si te registras desde España, el formulario también te pide marcar la casilla para aceptar los términos.

Si ya tienes varias cuentas de correo, en nuestra comparativa de las mejores apps de correo para varias cuentas verás cuáles las reúnen en una sola bandeja de entrada.

Paso 4: Verifica tu número de celular

Ahora Yahoo te pide tu número de celular, que es obligatorio en todas las cuentas nuevas. Elige el código de tu país (por ejemplo, +52 México, +34 España, +57 Colombia), escribe el número y sigue las indicaciones para recibir el código de verificación. Escribe el código en la página de Yahoo para confirmar. Si no te llega, revisa el número, espera un minuto y pide uno nuevo.

Paso 5: Termina y protege tu cuenta

Yahoo abre tu cuenta nueva. Puedes añadir una foto de perfil y ajustar la configuración ahora o más tarde. Antes de usar la dirección para algo importante, entra en la configuración de seguridad de tu cuenta y agrega un correo de recuperación, para poder volver a entrar si pierdes el celular u olvidas la contraseña.

¿Se puede crear un correo de Yahoo sin número de teléfono?

No. Yahoo pide un número de celular válido en todas las cuentas nuevas y lo usa para verificarla y para recuperarla (Ayuda de Yahoo: información necesaria para crear una cuenta). Tampoco te recomendamos números desechables o de recepción de SMS en línea: ese número es la forma de demostrar que la cuenta es tuya cuando olvidas la contraseña, y con un número que no controlas puedes perder el acceso para siempre.

Cómo iniciar sesión en Yahoo Mail

Para abrir tu correo más adelante, entra en mail.yahoo.com (o haz clic en Mail en yahoo.com), escribe tu dirección de Yahoo, haz clic en Siguiente e ingresa tu contraseña. En el celular es más cómodo usar la app Yahoo Mail. Si olvidaste la contraseña o tu ID de Yahoo, usa el Asistente de inicio de sesión y verifica tu identidad con tu número o tu correo de recuperación. Tras varios intentos fallidos, Yahoo puede bloquear la cuenta temporalmente; se desbloquea sola al cabo de 12 horas (Ayuda de Yahoo: problemas de inicio de sesión).

Cómo poner Yahoo Mail en español

Si Yahoo aparece en otro idioma, abre la página Configuración personal de tu cuenta, haz clic en Preferencias de idioma, luego en Actualizar idioma, elige Español y haz clic en Listo (Ayuda de Yahoo: cambiar el idioma).

Agrega una firma a tus correos

La firma añade tu nombre y tus datos de contacto a cada mensaje. En Yahoo Mail en la computadora, haz clic en el ícono de Configuración, elige Más configuraciones y luego Escribir correo electrónico. Activa la firma de tu dirección y escríbela en el cuadro de texto (Ayuda de Yahoo: añadir una firma).

¿Qué es Yahoo Mail?

Yahoo Mail es el servicio de correo gratuito de Yahoo, que existe desde 1997. La versión gratuita se financia con publicidad. Entre sus funciones útiles:

• Agregar otras cuentas, como Gmail, Outlook o AOL, para leerlo todo en un solo lugar
• Todos los archivos adjuntos, fotos y documentos reunidos en una vista
• Una lista de tus suscripciones para darte de baja con un toque
• Notificaciones personalizadas para los correos que te importan
• Hasta tres direcciones desechables en la cuenta gratuita, para no dar tu dirección real en cada registro

Pros

• Gratis
• Buenas herramientas para limpiar boletines y encontrar adjuntos
• Apps para iPhone y Android, y funciona en cualquier app compatible con IMAP

Contras

• La versión gratuita muestra anuncios en la bandeja de entrada
• El espacio es limitado (20 GB en Estados Unidos), muy por debajo del 1 TB que Yahoo daba antes; con el buzón lleno no puedes enviar ni recibir correos
• No puedes registrarte sin número de celular

¿Yahoo Mail es gratis? Almacenamiento y Yahoo Mail Plus

Sí. En Estados Unidos, cada cuenta de Yahoo Mail incluye 20 GB gratis, y Yahoo vende planes de almacenamiento adicional (Ayuda de Yahoo: almacenamiento de Yahoo Mail). Fuera de Estados Unidos el espacio puede variar; Yahoo indica que lo consultes en tu propia cuenta. Si no usas la cuenta durante 12 meses o más, tus mensajes pueden borrarse. La versión de pago es Yahoo Mail Plus: en Estados Unidos cuesta 5 dólares al mes, con 14 días de prueba gratis, quita los anuncios, sube el espacio a 200 GB y permite hasta 500 direcciones desechables (Yahoo Mail Plus, en inglés). No está disponible en todos los países.

Usa tu cuenta de Yahoo en otra app de correo

No tienes que leer Yahoo Mail en el navegador ni en la app de Yahoo. Yahoo es compatible con IMAP, así que funciona en Apple Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird y casi cualquier app de correo. Las apps que inician sesión desde la página de Yahoo se configuran solas. Las demás necesitan estos datos y una contraseña de aplicación, que creas en la página Seguridad de la cuenta de Yahoo, en Conexiones externas (Ayuda de Yahoo: configuración IMAP, en inglés):

• Correo entrante (IMAP): imap.mail.yahoo.com, puerto 993, SSL
• Correo saliente (SMTP): smtp.mail.yahoo.com, puerto 465 o 587, SSL, autenticación obligatoria
• Usuario: tu dirección de Yahoo completa
• Contraseña: la contraseña de aplicación, no tu contraseña normal de Yahoo

Al leer Yahoo en otra app tampoco ves los anuncios de la bandeja de Yahoo. Si ese es tu motivo, en nuestra guía de correo electrónico sin publicidad encontrarás más opciones.

Aviso: Canary Mail es nuestro producto. Canary es una de esas apps: una app de correo para Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows y Android que usan más de 2 millones de personas y que Apple ha destacado en el App Store y el Mac App Store. Reúne Yahoo con Gmail, Outlook, iCloud y cualquier cuenta IMAP en una sola bandeja de entrada. El plan gratuito incluye cuentas ilimitadas en 2 dispositivos, bandeja unificada, posponer correos y plantillas. Growth (36 dólares al año) añade IA para redactar y resumir, envío programado y confirmaciones de lectura completas; Pro+ (100 dólares al año) añade cifrado PGP, SecureSend y protección contra phishing (precios de Canary Mail). La desventaja: la IA y las funciones de seguridad son de pago, y los planes se cobran por año o como licencia de por vida, sin opción mensual. Puedes probar todas las funciones de pago gratis durante 7 días, sin tarjeta de crédito.

¿Yahoo Mail para una empresa?

Una dirección gratuita de Yahoo sirve para uso personal, pero termina en @yahoo.com. Si quieres un correo con el dominio de tu empresa, mira servicios como Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho Mail o Proton. En nuestra comparativa del mejor correo empresarial gratuito encontrarás precios y límites.

Crear correo Yahoo: preguntas frecuentes

¿Crear un correo de Yahoo es gratis?

Sí. La cuenta estándar es gratuita y muestra anuncios. Yahoo Mail Plus (5 dólares al mes en Estados Unidos) quita los anuncios y añade 200 GB de espacio.

¿Puedo crear un correo de Yahoo sin teléfono?

No. Yahoo exige un número de celular en todas las cuentas nuevas y lo usa para verificarla y recuperarla más adelante.

¿Puedo tener dos correos de Yahoo?

Sí. Cierra sesión y crea una segunda cuenta con los pasos de arriba, con otra dirección. En la cuenta gratuita también puedes crear hasta tres direcciones desechables, y en la app Yahoo Mail puedes agregar varias cuentas y cambiar entre ellas.

¿Por qué no puedo crear una cuenta de Yahoo?

Los motivos más comunes: la dirección ya está ocupada, el código de verificación no llega o caducó (revisa el número y pide uno nuevo) o el navegador da problemas (prueba con otro navegador o una ventana privada).

¿Puedo cambiar mi dirección de Yahoo después?

No. El ID y la dirección de Yahoo no se pueden cambiar. Si quieres otra dirección, crea una cuenta nueva o usa una dirección desechable para los registros.

¿Puedo tener un correo @yahoo.es o @yahoo.com.mx?

El formulario de registro actual solo ofrece direcciones @yahoo.com y @myyahoo.com. Los dominios de país, como @yahoo.es o @yahoo.com.mx, no aparecen como opción al crear una cuenta nueva.

¿Cuánto espacio tiene Yahoo Mail?

En Estados Unidos, las cuentas gratuitas tienen 20 GB y Yahoo Mail Plus 200 GB. En otros países el espacio puede variar; lo ves en la configuración de almacenamiento de tu cuenta. Con el buzón lleno no puedes enviar ni recibir correos.

¿Qué tan seguro es Yahoo Mail?

Yahoo ofrece verificación en dos pasos, conexiones cifradas y filtros de spam y malware. Activa la verificación en dos pasos y agrega un correo de recuperación a tu cuenta.

¿Puedo usar Yahoo Mail en el celular o en Outlook?

Sí. Yahoo tiene apps gratuitas para iPhone y Android, y puedes agregar tu cuenta a Apple Mail, Outlook o cualquier app de correo con IMAP. Las apps que no usan la página de inicio de sesión de Yahoo necesitan una contraseña de aplicación.

Alle Schritte unten haben wir mit Mail unter macOS 27 abgeglichen; unter macOS Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15 und Sonoma 14 funktionieren sie genauso. Wählen Sie die Methode, die zu Ihren häufigsten E-Mails passt.

Hat Apple Mail E-Mail-Vorlagen?

Nein. In Mail auf Mac, iPhone und iPad gibt es kein Vorlagenmenü, keinen Befehl „Als Vorlage sichern“ und keine Vorlagenbibliothek. Ältere Mail-Versionen hatten tatsächlich eine Funktion namens Vorlagen: gestaltete Hintergründe, die Sie über die Taste „Vorlage“ in einer neuen E-Mail auswählten, und eigene Vorlagen über „Ablage“ > „Als Vorlage sichern“ in der Kategorie „Eigene“. Apples Mail-Handbuch beschreibt diese Funktion bis macOS High Sierra (10.13); die Handbücher späterer Versionen erwähnen sie nicht mehr. In macOS 27 fehlen die Befehle ganz.

Wer heute von Apple Mail Vorlagen spricht, meint deshalb einen von vier Umwegen:

Methode 1: ein Postfach „Vorlagen“ und „Erneut senden“

Das kommt echten Vorlagen in Mail am nächsten. Sie bewahren fertige E-Mails in einem eigenen Postfach auf und verwenden sie mit „Erneut senden“ wieder. Dabei öffnet Mail eine Kopie, die Sie bearbeiten können; die gespeicherte E-Mail ändert sich nie.

Einmal einrichten

1. Wählen Sie „Postfach“ > „Neues Postfach“. Wählen Sie unter „Ort“ Ihren E-Mail-Account, wenn die Vorlagen auch auf Ihren anderen Geräten erscheinen sollen, oder „Auf meinem Mac“, wenn sie nur auf diesem Mac liegen sollen. Geben Sie als Namen „Vorlagen“ ein und klicken Sie auf „OK“.
2. Klicken Sie auf „Neue E-Mail“ (oder drücken Sie Befehl-N) und schreiben Sie die Vorlage: Betreff, Text, Formatierung und Platzhalter wie [Name] oder [Datum], die Sie jedes Mal ausfüllen. Lassen Sie das Feld „An“ leer.
3. Wählen Sie „Ablage“ > „Sichern“. Mail legt die E-Mail im Postfach „Entwürfe“ ab. Schließen Sie das Fenster.
4. Öffnen Sie „Entwürfe“ und ziehen Sie die E-Mail in Ihr Postfach „Vorlagen“. Wiederholen Sie das für jede Vorlage.

Eine Vorlage verwenden

1. Öffnen Sie das Postfach „Vorlagen“ und wählen Sie die passende Vorlage aus.
2. Wählen Sie „E-Mail“ > „Erneut senden“. Mail öffnet eine neue, bearbeitbare Kopie der E-Mail.
3. Tragen Sie den Empfänger ein, ersetzen Sie die Platzhalter und klicken Sie auf „Senden“. Die Vorlage bleibt für das nächste Mal im Postfach „Vorlagen“.

Apple beschreibt „Erneut senden“ für E-Mails aus dem Postfach „Gesendet“. Den Befehl auf E-Mails in einem Vorlagen-Postfach anzuwenden, ist ein bewährter Trick, den zum Beispiel die IT-Wissensdatenbank einer Universität empfiehlt; es ist derselbe Befehl. Ein Tipp: Öffnen Sie eine Vorlage im Postfach „Vorlagen“ nicht per Doppelklick. Wenn Sie diese bearbeiten und senden, ist das Original verbraucht. „Erneut senden“ arbeitet immer mit einer Kopie.

Auch jede bereits gesendete E-Mail kann zur Vorlage werden. Suchen Sie sie unter „Gesendet“, wählen Sie „E-Mail“ > „Erneut senden“, entfernen Sie die Einzelheiten, sichern Sie die E-Mail und ziehen Sie den Entwurf in „Vorlagen“.

Methode 2: einen Master-Entwurf behalten und kopieren

Bei ein oder zwei Vorlagen reicht die einfache Lösung. Schreiben Sie die E-Mail, wählen Sie „Ablage“ > „Sichern“, damit sie in „Entwürfe“ bleibt, und geben Sie ihr einen eindeutigen Betreff wie „VORLAGE: Zahlungserinnerung“. Wenn Sie sie brauchen, öffnen Sie den Entwurf, markieren und kopieren den Text, schließen den Entwurf, ohne ihn zu senden, und fügen den Text in eine neue E-Mail ein.

Das Risiko liegt auf der Hand: Schnell ist ein Empfänger eingetragen und der Master versehentlich verschickt. Ab mehr als zwei Vorlagen ist das Postfach „Vorlagen“ deshalb die bessere Gewohnheit.

Methode 3: Signaturen als wiederverwendbare Textblöcke

Eine Signatur in Mail muss nicht nur aus Name und Telefonnummer bestehen. Sie können mehrere anlegen, jede mit einem ganzen Absatz Text, Links und einem Bild, und beim Schreiben eine davon auswählen. Damit eignen sie sich gut für Standardantworten am Ende einer E-Mail.

1. Wählen Sie „Mail“ > „Einstellungen“ und klicken Sie auf „Signaturen“.
2. Wählen Sie links den Account aus, klicken Sie unter der mittleren Spalte auf die Taste „Hinzufügen“ (+) und geben Sie der Signatur einen Namen, etwa „Antwort Preisanfrage“.
3. Schreiben oder kopieren Sie den Text in die rechte Spalte. Über das Menü „Format“ ändern Sie Schrift und Farbe; ein Bild ziehen Sie einfach hinein.
4. Wählen Sie in einer neuen E-Mail die Signatur im Einblendmenü „Signatur“ aus, um sie einzufügen.

Haben Sie die Signatur angelegt, während „Alle Signaturen“ ausgewählt war, müssen Sie sie erst auf den gewünschten Account ziehen, bevor Sie sie verwenden können.

Methode 4: Textersetzungen für Textbausteine

Für kurze Texte, die Sie immer wieder tippen (Ihre Adresse, einen Buchungslink, eine zweizeilige Antwort), sind die Textersetzungen von macOS am schnellsten. Sie tippen ein Kürzel, und macOS setzt den vollständigen Text ein, in Mail und den meisten anderen Apps.

1. Wählen Sie Menü „Apple“ > „Systemeinstellungen“ und klicken Sie in der Seitenleiste auf „Tastatur“.
2. Klicken Sie auf „Textersetzungen“ und dann auf die Taste „Hinzufügen“ (+).
3. Geben Sie das Kürzel (zum Beispiel ;adr) und den Text ein, der daraus werden soll, klicken Sie auf „Hinzufügen“ und dann auf „Fertig“.
4. Tippen Sie in einer E-Mail das Kürzel und danach ein Leerzeichen oder Satzzeichen: Der Text erscheint.

Textersetzungen sind reiner Text und taugen daher nicht für formatierte E-Mails. Dafür kann Apple sie zwischen Ihren Apple-Geräten abgleichen, und sie sind die einzige Methode hier, die auch auf dem iPhone hilft. Beginnen Sie Kürzel mit einem Zeichen wie dem Semikolon, damit sie beim normalen Schreiben nie versehentlich auslösen.

Und Vorlagen auf iPhone und iPad?

Auch Mail auf iPhone und iPad hat keine Vorlagen. Dort bleiben Ihnen ein gesicherter Entwurf zum Kopieren, eine Textersetzung (vom Mac abgeglichen oder in den Einstellungen des iPhone angelegt) oder eine andere E-Mail-App. Liegt Ihr Postfach „Vorlagen“ in einem E-Mail-Account statt „Auf meinem Mac“, können Sie eine Vorlage auch auf dem iPhone öffnen und den Text kopieren.

Tipps für Vorlagen ohne peinliche Pannen

• Kennzeichnen Sie jede Lücke deutlich, in eckigen Klammern oder Großbuchstaben. Ein vergessenes „Hallo [NAME]“ ist der Klassiker unter den Vorlagenpannen.
• Lassen Sie das Feld „An“ in gespeicherten Vorlagen leer, damit nichts rausgeht, bevor Sie den richtigen Empfänger eingetragen haben.
• Mit „Senden widerrufen“ holen Sie eine E-Mail innerhalb weniger Sekunden zurück. Die Zeitspanne verlängern Sie unter „Mail“ > „Einstellungen“ > „Verfassen“.
• Prüfen Sie Ihre Vorlagen alle paar Monate. Preise, Links und Namen veralten schneller, als man denkt.
• Lassen Sie Anhänge nach Möglichkeit aus Vorlagen heraus und hängen Sie jedes Mal die aktuelle Datei an. So verschicken Sie nie versehentlich die Preisliste vom letzten Quartal.

Wenn Sie Vorlagen als echte Funktion möchten

Hinweis: Canary Mail ist unser eigenes Produkt. Wenn Sie jede Woche dieselben E-Mails schreiben, ist eine App mit eingebauten Vorlagen bequemer. Canary Mail ist eine E-Mail-App für Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows und Android und funktioniert mit Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange und anderen IMAP-Konten, etwa GMX oder WEB.DE. E-Mail-Vorlagen sind laut unserer Preisseite schon im kostenlosen Plan enthalten. Der kostenlose Plan umfasst beliebig viele Konten auf 2 Geräten; der Plan Growth (36 US-Dollar pro Jahr) ergänzt KI zum Schreiben und Zusammenfassen, Lesebestätigungen und zeitversetztes Senden. Die Nachteile: KI und Sicherheitsfunktionen kosten extra, und die Bezahlpläne gibt es nur jährlich oder als Lifetime-Lizenz, nicht monatlich. Alle Funktionen lassen sich 7 Tage kostenlos testen. Mehr als 2 Millionen Menschen nutzen Canary, und Apple hat die App im App Store und im Mac App Store vorgestellt. Mehr Optionen finden Sie in unserer Übersicht der Apple Mail-Alternativen.

Häufige Fragen

Kann ich in Apple Mail Vorlagen erstellen?

Nicht mit einer eingebauten Funktion. Speichern Sie Vorlagen-E-Mails in einem Postfach „Vorlagen“ und verwenden Sie sie mit „E-Mail“ > „Erneut senden“ wieder; Mail öffnet dann eine bearbeitbare Kopie. Kürzere Texte decken Signaturen und Textersetzungen ab.

Wo ist „Als Vorlage sichern“ in Mail geblieben?

Apple hat die alte Vorlagenfunktion entfernt. Das Mail-Handbuch beschreibt „Ablage“ > „Als Vorlage sichern“ bis macOS High Sierra (10.13); spätere Mail-Versionen, auch die in macOS 27, haben den Befehl nicht mehr.

Wie bearbeite ich eine Vorlage in Apple Mail?

Wählen Sie sie aus, wählen Sie „E-Mail“ > „Erneut senden“, nehmen Sie Ihre Änderungen vor, wählen Sie „Ablage“ > „Sichern“ und ziehen Sie den neuen Entwurf in Ihr Postfach „Vorlagen“. Löschen Sie die alte Version, damit Sie sie nicht verwechseln.

Kann ich eine E-Mail als Vorlage speichern?

Ja, über den Umweg oben: Sichern Sie die E-Mail mit „Ablage“ > „Sichern“ als Entwurf und ziehen Sie sie in ein eigenes Postfach „Vorlagen“. Eine bereits gesendete E-Mail öffnen Sie dafür mit „E-Mail“ > „Erneut senden“.

Gibt es Apple Mail Vorlagen zum Herunterladen?

Von Apple nicht. Im Mac App Store gibt es Apps von Drittanbietern mit Vorlagensammlungen; für die meisten Zwecke reicht aber das Postfach „Vorlagen“ mit Ihren eigenen E-Mails.

Hat Apple Mail auf dem iPhone Vorlagen?

Nein. Mail auf dem iPhone hat keine Vorlagenfunktion. Nutzen Sie einen gesicherten Entwurf, eine Textersetzung oder eine E-Mail-App mit Vorlagen.

Weitere Hilfe zu Apple Mail

• Apple Mail und KI: Apple Intelligence und Erweiterungen
• Apple Mail sendet keine E-Mails
• Apple Mail aktualisiert den Posteingang nicht
• Apple Mail stellt keine Verbindung zum Server her

Quellen

• Apple Mail-Handbuch (macOS 27): E-Mails senden
• Apple Mail-Handbuch (macOS Sequoia): E-Mails erneut senden
• Apple Mail-Handbuch: Postfächer erstellen oder löschen
• Apple Mail-Handbuch: Texte und E-Mail-Signaturen bearbeiten
• macOS-Benutzerhandbuch: Text und Satzzeichen ersetzen
• Apple Mail-Handbuch (macOS High Sierra): E-Mails mithilfe von Vorlagen personalisieren
• San José State University (MLML), Wissensdatenbank: Nachrichten als Vorlagen in macOS Mail (Englisch)
• Canary Mail: Preise und Pläne

Sie suchen Ihr Postfach? Melden Sie sich unter icloud.com/mail mit Ihrem Apple Account an, oder öffnen Sie die App „Mail“ auf Ihrem iPhone, iPad oder Mac.

Apple Mail und iCloud Mail im Überblick

Was ist iCloud Mail?

iCloud Mail ist der E-Mail-Dienst von Apple. Zu jedem Apple Account gehört auf Wunsch eine kostenlose E-Mail-Adresse, die auf @icloud.com endet. Der Dienst filtert Spam und Phishing und zeigt keine Werbung (Apple: iCloud). Wer schon die älteren Apple-Dienste .Mac oder MobileMe genutzt hat, besitzt dieselbe Adresse oft zusätzlich mit @me.com oder @mac.com. Alle Varianten landen im selben Postfach.

@icloud.com ist also eine vollwertige E-Mail-Adresse. Sie können sie weitergeben, sich damit bei Diensten registrieren und E-Mails an Gmail, GMX oder jeden anderen Anbieter schicken. iCloud Mail arbeitet mit IMAP, dem Standard, den die meisten E-Mail-Apps verwenden. POP wird nicht unterstützt.

Kostet iCloud Mail etwas?

Nein. iCloud Mail ist kostenlos, und jeder Apple Account erhält 5 GB iCloud-Speicher gratis. Diese 5 GB teilen sich E-Mails mit Fotos, Backups und Dateien, deshalb werden sie schnell knapp. Ist der Speicher voll, können Sie mit Ihrer iCloud-Adresse keine E-Mails mehr senden oder empfangen, bis Sie Platz schaffen oder mehr Speicher buchen (Apple: Beschränkungen für iCloud Mail).

iCloud+ ist das optionale Abo. Es bringt mehr Speicher und einige Extras für E-Mails: „E-Mail-Adresse verbergen“ und „Eigene E-Mail-Domain“, dazu iCloud Privat-Relay, HomeKit Secure Video und die Familienfreigabe mit bis zu fünf weiteren Personen. Die Preise in Deutschland und den anderen Euro-Ländern (Apple: Preise für iCloud+):

iCloud+ ist außerdem in jedem Apple One-Abo enthalten.

Was ist Apple Mail?

Apple Mail ist die App „Mail“, die auf jedem iPhone, iPad, Mac, auf der Apple Watch und der Apple Vision Pro vorinstalliert ist. Sie ist kostenlos, stammt von Apple und wird weiter gepflegt: Sie ist Teil von iOS 27, iPadOS 27 und macOS 27. Die Bezeichnung „Apple Mail“ dient nur zur Unterscheidung von anderen E-Mail-Apps; auf Ihrem Gerät heißt die App einfach „Mail“.

Mail ist ein E-Mail-Programm, kein E-Mail-Dienst. Die App verwaltet mehrere Konten gleichzeitig: iCloud, Google, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook.com, Yahoo oder jedes andere Konto über IMAP, etwa von GMX, WEB.DE oder T-Online (Apple: E-Mail-Accounts auf dem iPhone hinzufügen). Alle Konten können Sie in einem gemeinsamen Posteingang sehen, und beim Schreiben wählen Sie, von welcher Adresse Sie senden.

Diese Funktionen der aktuellen Version sollten Sie kennen:

• Kategorien: Mail sortiert eingehende E-Mails in „Primär“, „Transaktionen“, „Updates“ und „Werbung“. Zeitkritische Nachrichten aus den anderen Kategorien erscheinen zusätzlich unter „Primär“, und Sie können einen Absender in eine andere Kategorie verschieben.
• Apple Intelligence: Zusammenfassungen von E-Mails und Konversationen, vorrangige E-Mails oben im Posteingang, intelligente Antworten und Schreibtools. Dafür brauchen Sie ein kompatibles Gerät, etwa ein iPhone 15 Pro oder neuer oder ein iPad bzw. einen Mac mit M1 oder neuer. Deutsch gehört zu den unterstützten Sprachen (Apple: Voraussetzungen für Apple Intelligence).
• Senden widerrufen: Standardmäßig haben Sie 10 Sekunden, um eine E-Mail zurückzuholen. Die Zeitspanne ändern Sie auf dem iPhone unter „Einstellungen“ > „Apps“ > „Mail“ > „Verzögerung des Sendewiderrufs“ und auf dem Mac unter „Mail“ > „Einstellungen“ > „Verfassen“ (Apple: Senden widerrufen). Für E-Mails, die per Mail Drop verschickt wurden, funktioniert das nicht.
• Später senden und Erinnerungen: Über das Menü an der Senden-Taste planen Sie den Versand, und eine E-Mail können Sie zu einem gewählten Zeitpunkt wieder oben im Posteingang erscheinen lassen.
• „Mail-Aktivität schützen“: verbirgt Ihre IP-Adresse und verhindert, dass Absender sehen, ob Sie ihre E-Mail geöffnet haben. Auf dem iPhone finden Sie die Option unter „Einstellungen“ > „Apps“ > „Mail“ > „Datenschutz“.

Mit iOS 27 sortiert die Mail-Suche die Ergebnisse außerdem nach Relevanz, sodass die besten Treffer oben stehen, auch wenn die E-Mail schon älter ist (Apple: iOS 27).

So öffnen Sie iCloud Mail auf jedem Gerät

Zuerst brauchen Sie eine iCloud-E-Mail-Adresse. Falls Sie noch keine haben, lesen Sie weiter unten, wie Sie eine erstellen. Danach wählen Sie Ihr Gerät (Apple: iCloud Mail auf allen Geräten einrichten).

Im Webbrowser

1. Rufen Sie auf einem beliebigen Computer, Tablet oder Smartphone icloud.com/mail auf.
2. Melden Sie sich mit der E-Mail-Adresse oder Telefonnummer Ihres Apple Accounts und Ihrem Passwort an.
3. Geben Sie den Code der Zwei-Faktor-Authentifizierung ein, der auf Ihrem vertrauenswürdigen Gerät erscheint.
4. Auf Ihrem eigenen Computer können Sie dem Browser vertrauen, damit nicht jedes Mal ein Code abgefragt wird. Auf einem fremden oder gemeinsam genutzten Computer sollten Sie das nicht tun.

Auf dem iPhone oder iPad

1. Öffnen Sie „Einstellungen“ und tippen Sie auf Ihren Namen.
2. Tippen Sie auf „iCloud“ und dann auf „Mail“ (oder „iCloud Mail“).
3. Aktivieren Sie „Auf diesem iPhone“ bzw. „Auf diesem iPad“.
4. Öffnen Sie die Mail-App. Ihr iCloud-Postfach finden Sie im Bereich „iCloud“ der Postfachliste.

Auf dem Mac

1. Wählen Sie Menü „Apple“ > „Systemeinstellungen“ und klicken Sie oben in der Seitenleiste auf Ihren Namen.
2. Klicken Sie auf „iCloud“ und dann auf „Mail“ (oder „iCloud Mail“).
3. Aktivieren Sie „Diesen Mac synchronisieren“ (ab macOS 13.3).
4. Öffnen Sie die Mail-App, um iCloud-E-Mails zu lesen und zu senden.

Weitere Konten wie Gmail, GMX oder eine Firmenadresse fügen Sie auf dem Mac über „Mail“ > „Account hinzufügen“ hinzu (Apple: E-Mail-Accounts in Mail auf dem Mac hinzufügen), auf dem iPhone unter „Einstellungen“ > „Apps“ > „Mail“ > „Mail-Accounts“ > „Account hinzufügen“.

Unter Windows

Am einfachsten ist der Browser unter icloud.com/mail. Für iCloud Mail in Outlook verweist Apple auf iCloud für Windows. Wenn Sie das Konto direkt in Outlook einrichten, melden Sie sich mit der E-Mail-Adresse Ihres Apple Accounts und einem App-spezifischen Passwort an, nicht mit Ihrem normalen Passwort (Apple: iCloud Mail in Outlook). Dafür muss die Zwei-Faktor-Authentifizierung für Ihren Apple Account aktiviert sein.

Auf Android

Eine Apple-Mail-App für Android gibt es nicht. Sie haben zwei Möglichkeiten:

• Sie öffnen icloud.com/mail im Browser Ihres Smartphones.
• Sie richten Ihre iCloud-Adresse in einer E-Mail-App mit IMAP-Unterstützung ein, zum Beispiel Outlook oder Gmail, mit den Servereinstellungen unten und einem App-spezifischen Passwort.

iCloud Mail: Servereinstellungen

Mit diesen Einstellungen richten Sie iCloud Mail in jeder E-Mail-App ein, die das Konto nicht automatisch erkennt (Apple: iCloud Mailserver-Einstellungen):

Ein App-spezifisches Passwort erstellen Sie, indem Sie sich auf account.apple.com anmelden und im Abschnitt „Anmelden und Sicherheit“ auf „App-spezifische Passwörter“ gehen (Apple: App-spezifische Passwörter). Sie können bis zu 25 gleichzeitig nutzen. Wenn Sie das Passwort Ihres Apple Accounts ändern, werden alle App-spezifischen Passwörter widerrufen. Manche Apps erlauben stattdessen die Anmeldung mit Ihrem Apple Account.

So erstellen Sie eine iCloud-E-Mail-Adresse

Ihre primäre @icloud.com-Adresse können Sie an drei Stellen anlegen (Apple: Primäre E-Mail-Adresse für iCloud Mail erstellen):

• iPhone oder iPad: „Einstellungen“ > [Ihr Name] > „iCloud“ > „iCloud Mail“ (oder „Mail“).
• Mac: „Systemeinstellungen“ > [Ihr Name] > „iCloud“ > „Mail“.
• Web: Melden Sie sich unter icloud.com/mail an und wählen Sie „E-Mail-Adresse erstellen“.

Die Adresse muss mehr als drei Zeichen haben und noch frei sein. Überlegen Sie gut: Die primäre iCloud-Adresse lässt sich später nicht umbenennen.

Brauchen Sie eine weitere Adresse, legen Sie einen Alias an. Bis zu neun @icloud.com-Aliasse sind möglich; Sie erstellen sie auf icloud.com/mail in den Einstellungen (Apple: E-Mail-Aliasse). Ein gelöschter Alias ist endgültig weg. „E-Mail-Adresse verbergen“ ist etwas anderes: Diese Funktion erzeugt zufällige Adressen für Anmeldeformulare, die an Ihr Postfach weiterleiten, und setzt iCloud+ voraus.

Apple Mail vs. iCloud Mail: die wichtigsten Unterschiede

App oder Konto

Der Kern des Unterschieds: Das eine ist Software, das andere ein E-Mail-Konto. iCloud Mail entspricht in etwa Gmail oder GMX, Apple Mail eher einem Programm wie Outlook, in dem Sie viele Konten öffnen. Die meisten iPhone-Nutzer verwenden beides, ohne es zu merken, weil ihr @icloud.com-Konto in der Mail-App erscheint. Sie müssen sich also nicht für eines entscheiden.

Speicher: Wo Ihre E-Mails liegen

Apple Mail speichert eine lokale Kopie Ihrer Nachrichten, damit sie schnell öffnen. Die E-Mails selbst bleiben aber beim jeweiligen Anbieter: Gmail bei Google, die Firmen-E-Mail beim Arbeitgeber, iCloud-E-Mails in iCloud. Nur iCloud Mail belegt Ihren iCloud-Speicher.

Funktionen: App oder Web

Apple Mail auf Ihren Geräten bietet die meisten Funktionen, darunter Apple Intelligence, „Später senden“ und Erinnerungen. iCloud Mail im Browser ist aber längst nicht mehr spartanisch. Auf iCloud.com gibt es Kategorien (Apple: Kategorien auf iCloud.com), die iCloud Mail-Bereinigung, mit der Sie sich von Absendern abmelden und alte Werbe-E-Mails aufräumen (Apple: iCloud Mail automatisch aufräumen), dazu Ordner, Regeln, Aliasse und eine eigene Domain (Apple: Mail auf iCloud.com verwenden).

Datenschutz

„Mail-Aktivität schützen“ funktioniert in der Mail-App und auf iCloud.com (dort unter „Einstellungen“ > „Datenschutz & Sicherheit“). Die Funktion verbirgt Ihre IP-Adresse und blockiert das Mitlesen, ob eine E-Mail geöffnet wurde (Apple: Mail-Aktivität schützen). „E-Mail-Adresse verbergen“ gehört zu iCloud+, nicht zu Apple Mail; mit einem Abo können Sie die Funktion aber in der Mail-App nutzen. Auch iCloud Privat-Relay ist Teil von iCloud+, schützt aber das Surfen in Safari, nicht Ihre E-Mails.

Kosten

Beides ist kostenlos. Bezahlen müssen Sie nur, wenn Sie mehr als 5 GB iCloud-Speicher oder Extras von iCloud+ wie eine eigene E-Mail-Domain möchten.

iCloud Mail: Grenzen, die Sie kennen sollten

• Nachrichtengröße: 20 MB pro E-Mail, eingehend wie ausgehend.
• Mail Drop: Anhänge bis 5 GB verschicken Sie als Download-Link. Mail Drop-Dateien zählen nicht zu Ihrem iCloud-Speicher, die Links laufen nach 30 Tagen ab, und insgesamt sind bis zu 1 TB in Mail Drop möglich (Apple: Mail Drop-Grenzwerte).
• Versand: bis zu 1.000 E-Mails und 1.000 Empfänger pro Tag, höchstens 500 Empfänger pro E-Mail.
• Speicher: Ist Ihr iCloud-Speicher voll, sendet und empfängt iCloud Mail nichts mehr.

Kommen trotzdem keine neuen E-Mails an, hilft unser Ratgeber, wenn Apple Mail den Posteingang nicht aktualisiert.

Warum Mac und iPhone unterschiedliche E-Mail-Konten zeigen

E-Mail-Konten werden auf jedem Gerät einzeln hinzugefügt. Ihr iCloud-Konto hängt an Ihrem Apple Account und erscheint daher auf jedem Gerät, auf dem Sie angemeldet sind und Mail für iCloud aktiviert haben. Gmail-, Outlook- oder Firmenkonten erscheinen nur auf den Geräten, auf denen Sie sie eingerichtet haben. Fehlt ein Konto auf dem Mac oder iPhone, fügen Sie es dort noch einmal hinzu.

Auch Ihre Mail-Einstellungen werden abgeglichen, allerdings nur bei aktiviertem iCloud Drive: Regeln, Signaturen, intelligente Postfächer, blockierte Absender und Markierungen zwischen Macs, VIPs und Adressvorschläge auf allen Geräten.

iCloud Mail in einer anderen E-Mail-App nutzen

Weil iCloud Mail IMAP verwendet, funktioniert es in fast jeder E-Mail-App, nicht nur in der von Apple. Wenn Sie eine andere Oberfläche oder mehr Funktionen möchten, vergleicht unsere Übersicht der Apple Mail-Alternativen für Mac und iPhone die wichtigsten Apps, und Apple Mail vs. Gmail behandelt den häufigsten Wechsel. Speziell fürs Smartphone finden Sie die besten E-Mail-Apps fürs iPhone in unserem Vergleich, für den Computer die besten E-Mail-Programme für den Mac.

Hinweis: Canary Mail ist unser eigenes Produkt. Canary ist eine E-Mail-App eines Drittanbieters für Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows und Android, die mehr als 2 Millionen Menschen nutzen. Sie verwaltet iCloud-Konten zusammen mit Gmail, Outlook und anderen Anbietern in einem Posteingang und bietet KI zum Zusammenfassen und Formulieren von E-Mails.

Häufige Fragen

Ist iCloud eine E-Mail?

iCloud ist Apples Cloud-Dienst, und iCloud Mail ist sein E-Mail-Teil. Wenn Sie ihn eingerichtet haben, endet Ihre Adresse auf @icloud.com und funktioniert wie jede andere E-Mail-Adresse.

Was ist iCloud Mail?

iCloud Mail ist der kostenlose E-Mail-Dienst von Apple mit Adressen auf @icloud.com. Sie nutzen ihn in der Mail-App auf iPhone, iPad und Mac oder im Browser unter icloud.com/mail.

Wie heißt die E-Mail von Apple?

Der E-Mail-Dienst heißt iCloud Mail, die Adressen enden auf @icloud.com. Die App auf iPhone, iPad und Mac heißt „Mail“ und wird oft Apple Mail genannt.

Wie melde ich mich bei meiner Apple-E-Mail an?

Rufen Sie icloud.com/mail auf und melden Sie sich mit Ihrem Apple Account an. Oder aktivieren Sie iCloud Mail in den Einstellungen Ihres iPhone oder iPad (auf dem Mac in den Systemeinstellungen) und öffnen Sie die Mail-App.

Wie viel Speicherplatz hat iCloud Mail?

Kostenlos sind 5 GB, die sich E-Mails mit Fotos, Backups und Dateien teilen. Mit iCloud+ bekommen Sie 50 GB bis 12 TB, ab 0,99 € im Monat. Einzelne E-Mails dürfen bis zu 20 MB groß sein; größere Anhänge verschicken Sie mit Mail Drop.

Wie rufe ich E-Mails aus iCloud ab?

Melden Sie sich unter icloud.com/mail an, oder prüfen Sie, ob Mail für iCloud auf Ihrem Gerät aktiviert ist. Fehlen Nachrichten, sehen Sie im Spam-Postfach „Werbung“ und im „Archiv“ nach und prüfen Sie, ob Ihr iCloud-Speicher voll ist, denn dann kommen keine E-Mails mehr an.

Ist die Apple-E-Mail dasselbe wie Gmail?

Nein. iCloud Mail ist der E-Mail-Dienst von Apple, Gmail der von Google. In Apple Mail, der App, können Sie ein Gmail- und ein iCloud-Konto gleichzeitig nutzen.

Was ist eine @me.com- oder @mac.com-Adresse?

Das sind ältere Varianten der iCloud-Adresse aus der Zeit von .Mac und MobileMe. Anbieter ist Apple. Wer eine solche Adresse hat, erhält E-Mails an @me.com, @mac.com und @icloud.com mit demselben Namen im selben iCloud-Postfach.

Welchen E-Mail-Server nutzt Apple?

iCloud Mail verwendet imap.mail.me.com (Port 993, SSL) für eingehende und smtp.mail.me.com (Port 587, SSL oder TLS) für ausgehende E-Mails. POP wird nicht unterstützt.

Muss ich für eine iCloud-E-Mail bezahlen?

Nein. Adresse und 5 GB Speicher sind kostenlos. iCloud+ kostet ab 0,99 € im Monat, wenn Sie mehr Speicher, „E-Mail-Adresse verbergen“ oder eine eigene Domain möchten.

Gibt es Apple Mail noch?

Ja. Mail ist Teil von iOS 27, iPadOS 27 und macOS 27 und läuft auch auf der Apple Watch und der Apple Vision Pro.

Kann ich Apple Mail ohne iCloud nutzen?

Ja. Sie können Gmail, Outlook, GMX, ein Firmenkonto oder jedes IMAP-Konto in Mail einrichten, ohne iCloud Mail je zu aktivieren.

Warum funktioniert mein iCloud-Passwort nicht in Outlook oder auf Android?

Apps von Drittanbietern brauchen ein App-spezifisches Passwort, nicht das Passwort Ihres Apple Accounts. Aktivieren Sie die Zwei-Faktor-Authentifizierung und erstellen Sie das Passwort auf account.apple.com unter „Anmelden und Sicherheit“.

This guide walks through the sign-up step by step as it looks in 2026, then covers signing in, what to do when sign-up fails, and how to use your new address in other email apps.

How to create a Yahoo email address in 5 steps

You need a few minutes and your phone, because Yahoo texts a code to your mobile number before it finishes the account (Yahoo Help: Sign up for a Yahoo account).

Step 1: Open Yahoo's sign-up page

The quickest way is to go straight to login.yahoo.com/account/create. You can also open yahoo.com or mail.yahoo.com, click Sign in in the top right corner, and choose the option to create an account. On a phone, the free Yahoo Mail app for iPhone and Android has the same sign-up option.

Step 2: Decide whether you want a new Yahoo address

By default, the form creates a new Yahoo email address. The page also offers Use existing email and Sign in with Google. Choose those only if you want a Yahoo account for services like Yahoo Finance or Fantasy without a new Yahoo inbox. For a Yahoo Mail address, stay on the main form.

Step 3: Enter your details and choose your address

Fill in your first name, last name, the email address you want, a password and your date of birth. All fields are required. The address ends in @yahoo.com; the form also lets you switch to @myyahoo.com. If the name you want is taken, try the other domain or a variation with a dot or a number.

Pick the address carefully, because Yahoo doesn't let you change it later (Yahoo Help: account names can't be changed). Your full name or a simple variation of it ages better than a nickname. Use a long password you don't use anywhere else, then click Next.

Step 4: Verify your mobile number

Yahoo now asks for your mobile number, which is required for every new account. Pick your country code, enter the number, and follow the prompts to receive a verification code. Type the code on the Yahoo page to confirm. If no code arrives, check the number, wait a minute and ask for a new one.

Step 5: Finish and secure your account

Yahoo then opens your new account. You can add a profile picture and change settings now or later. Before you start using the address for anything important, open your account security settings and add a recovery email address, so you can get back in if you lose your phone or forget your password.

Managing several email accounts already? Our guide to the best email apps for multiple accounts compares apps that put them in one inbox.

Can you create a Yahoo account without a phone number?

No. Yahoo asks for a valid mobile number on every new account and uses it for verification and account recovery (Yahoo Help: info required to create a Yahoo account). We'd also steer clear of throwaway or online SMS numbers: the number is how you prove the account is yours when you forget your password, and a number you don't control can lock you out for good.

How to sign in to Yahoo Mail

To open your inbox later, go to mail.yahoo.com (or click Mail on yahoo.com), enter your Yahoo email address, click Next and enter your password. On a phone, the Yahoo Mail app is easier. If you forget your password or Yahoo ID, use Yahoo's sign-in helper and verify yourself with your recovery phone number or email. After too many failed attempts Yahoo may lock the account for a while; it unlocks automatically after 12 hours (Yahoo Help: fix sign-in problems).

Add an email signature

A signature adds your name and contact details to every message automatically. In Yahoo Mail on the web, click the Settings icon, choose More Settings, then Writing email. Turn on the signature toggle for your address and type your signature in the box (Yahoo Help: add a signature). You can format the text and add links.

What is Yahoo Mail?

Yahoo Mail is Yahoo's free email service, online since 1997. The free version is paid for by ads. Useful features include:

• Adding other accounts, such as Gmail, Outlook or AOL, to read everything in one place
• All attachments, photos and documents gathered in one view
• A list of your subscriptions with one-tap unsubscribe
• Custom notifications for the email you care about
• Up to three disposable addresses on a free account, so you don't have to share your real address with every sign-up form

Pros

• Free, with 20 GB of storage in the US
• Good tools for cleaning up newsletters and finding attachments
• Apps for iPhone and Android, and it works in any app that supports IMAP

Cons

• The free version shows ads in your inbox
• Storage is 20 GB, much less than the 1 TB Yahoo used to offer; when your mailbox is full, you can't send or receive email
• You can't sign up without a mobile number

Is Yahoo Mail free? Storage and Yahoo Mail Plus

Yes. In the US, every Yahoo Mail account includes 20 GB of free storage, and Yahoo sells extra storage plans if you need more (Yahoo Help: Mail storage FAQ). If an account goes unused for 12 months or more, its messages may be deleted. The paid upgrade is Yahoo Mail Plus: $5 a month in the US with a 14-day free trial. It removes ads, raises storage to 200 GB, allows up to 500 disposable addresses and keeps your account from expiring when you don't use it (Yahoo: Yahoo Mail Plus). Storage and prices outside the US can differ, so check your own account.

Use your Yahoo account in another email app

You don't have to read Yahoo Mail in a browser or in Yahoo's app. Yahoo supports IMAP, so it works in Apple Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird and most other email apps. Apps that sign in through Yahoo's own page set it up automatically. Others need these settings and an app password, which you create on your Yahoo Account Security page under External connections (Yahoo Help: IMAP settings, Yahoo Help: app passwords):

• Incoming (IMAP): imap.mail.yahoo.com, port 993, SSL
• Outgoing (SMTP): smtp.mail.yahoo.com, port 465 or 587, SSL, authentication required
• Username: your full Yahoo email address
• Password: the app password, not your normal Yahoo password

Reading your Yahoo account in a separate email app also means you don't see Yahoo's inbox ads. If that's your main reason for upgrading, our guide to ad-free email apps covers the options.

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail. Canary is one of those apps: an email app for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows and Android, used by more than 2 million people and featured by Apple on the App Store and the Mac App Store. It handles Yahoo alongside Gmail, Outlook, iCloud and any IMAP account in one inbox. The free plan covers unlimited accounts on 2 devices, with a unified inbox, snooze and email templates. Growth ($36 a year) adds AI for writing and summarizing, send later and full read receipts; Pro+ ($100 a year) adds PGP encryption, SecureSend and phishing protection (Canary Mail pricing). The downside: the AI and security features are on paid plans, which are billed yearly or as a lifetime license, with no monthly option. You can try every paid feature free for 7 days without a credit card.

Yahoo Mail for a small business?

A free Yahoo address works for personal use, but it ends in @yahoo.com. If you want an address on your own domain, look at business email services such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho Mail or Proton. Our comparison of free and low-cost business email providers covers prices and limits. If you're weighing Yahoo against other free services, see our Yahoo Mail vs Gmail comparison and our list of Yahoo Mail alternatives. Prefer Gmail after all? Here's how to create a new Google account.

FAQ: creating a Yahoo email account

Is Yahoo Mail free?

Yes. The standard account is free and shows ads. Yahoo Mail Plus ($5 a month in the US) removes the ads and adds 200 GB of storage.

Can I still make a Yahoo email in 2026?

Yes. Yahoo still offers free @yahoo.com addresses, and the sign-up form also offers @myyahoo.com. Sign up at login.yahoo.com/account/create.

Can I create a Yahoo account without a phone number?

No. A mobile number is required for every new account and is used to verify it and recover it later.

Can I have two Yahoo email addresses?

Yes. Sign out and create a second account with the steps above, using a different address. On a free account you can also create up to three disposable addresses for sign-ups, and the Yahoo Mail app lets you add several accounts and switch between them.

Why can't I create a Yahoo account?

The usual reasons: the address is already taken, the verification code doesn't arrive or has expired (check the number and request a new code), or the browser is causing trouble (try another browser or a private window).

Can I change my Yahoo email address later?

No. Yahoo IDs and email addresses can't be changed. Create a new account if you want a different address, or use a disposable address for sign-ups.

How much storage does Yahoo Mail have?

Free accounts in the US have 20 GB. Yahoo Mail Plus has 200 GB, and Yahoo sells extra storage plans on top. When your mailbox is full, you can't send or receive email until you free up space.

How secure is Yahoo Mail?

Yahoo offers two-step verification, encrypted connections and spam and malware filtering. Turn on two-step verification and add a recovery email address to your account.

Can I use Yahoo Mail on my iPhone or in Outlook?

Yes. Yahoo has free apps for iPhone and Android, and you can add your account to Apple Mail, Outlook or any other IMAP email app. Apps that don't use Yahoo's sign-in page need an app password.

Sources

• Yahoo Help: Sign up for a Yahoo account
• Yahoo Help: Info required to create a Yahoo account
• Yahoo Help: Yahoo Mail account names can't be changed
• Yahoo Help: Yahoo Mail storage FAQ
• Yahoo: Yahoo Mail Plus
• Yahoo Help: Fix problems signing in to your Yahoo account
• Yahoo Help: IMAP server settings for Yahoo Mail
• Yahoo Help: Generate and manage third-party app passwords
• Yahoo Help: Add, edit or disable your signature
• Canary Mail: Pricing

Quick picks by need:

• Zero setup: Gmail, or Samsung Email on a Galaxy phone.
• Work account on Microsoft 365 or Exchange: Microsoft Outlook.
• Several providers plus AI, with the same app on your computer: Canary Mail, Spark or Dove.
• Email that feels like a chat app: Spike.
• Free and open source: Thunderbird for Android or FairEmail.
• End-to-end encryption, and you're willing to change address: Proton Mail.

Disclosure: Canary Mail and Dove are made by our company. They get the same treatment as every other app here, downsides included.

Quick comparison

Google Play ratings are the US listing averages (number of ratings in brackets), checked November 12, 2026. Tap an app's name to jump to its entry.

The best email apps for Android in 2026

The first nine apps work with the email address you already have. Proton Mail, at the end, is a different kind of choice: an encrypted email service you move to. The screenshots come from each app's Google Play listing, so they show the Android app as its maker presents it.

1. Canary Mail: Best for several accounts with AI

Disclosure: we make Canary Mail, so weigh this pick accordingly.

Canary puts Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange and any IMAP account in one app, with a unified inbox you can narrow to a single account in a tap. More than 2 million people use it, and Apple has featured it on the App Store and the Mac App Store. On paid plans you get AI that drafts replies in your tone, summarizes long threads and sorts incoming mail. Read receipts, send later and rules are there too, and Pro+ adds PGP encryption, SecureSend and phishing detection. The same app runs on iPhone, Mac and Windows, so your setup follows you from phone to computer.

• Who it's for: people with mail at several providers who want AI help and the same app on phone and computer
• Price: free with unlimited accounts on up to 2 devices; Growth $36/year (AI Copilot, send later, rules, up to 5 devices); Pro+ $100/year (adds PGP, SecureSend and phishing detection). Both paid plans also come as one-time lifetime licenses, and the 7-day trial needs no card.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone and iPad, Mac, Windows
• Standout features: unified inbox, AI writing and summaries, read receipts, PGP encryption
• Downside: AI and the advanced features are on paid plans, and billing is yearly or lifetime only, with no monthly option. Its Play rating (4.2) comes from far fewer reviews than the big names.

2. Gmail: Best built-in option for Google accounts

Gmail comes preinstalled on almost every Android phone, so for many people the best email app is the one they already have. It isn't only for Gmail addresses, either. Google's help pages say you can add up to five addresses, including Outlook, iCloud Mail and Yahoo accounts or any IMAP account, and read them together by tapping the menu and choosing All inboxes. For iCloud you'll need an app-specific password from your Apple Account first (our help article on how to add an iCloud account on Android walks through it). Google's spam filter, tabbed categories and search are the best reasons to stay. Gemini can summarize threads and help write replies if your Google plan includes it.

• Who it's for: anyone whose main address is Gmail or Google Workspace and who wants zero setup
• Price: free with 15 GB of storage shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos. Google One plans add storage, and Gemini in Gmail comes with Google AI plans.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone and iPad, web (no desktop app)
• Standout features: spam filtering, categories, fast search, All inboxes view
• Downside: non-Google accounts are second-class citizens. They don't get Gmail's categories or spam filtering, and ads show up in the Promotions and Social tabs.

3. Microsoft Outlook: Best for work and Microsoft 365

If your job runs on Microsoft 365 or Exchange, Outlook is the safe choice. IT departments approve it, and it handles work mailboxes, shared calendars and Office attachments better than any third-party app. It also takes Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud and IMAP accounts, with a combined inbox and Focused Inbox to separate important mail from the rest. The calendar lives in the same app. If you came here looking for Mailbird, which only runs on Windows and Mac, Outlook is the closest Android equivalent; our Mailbird alternatives list covers the rest.

• Who it's for: anyone with a work or school Microsoft account, and Microsoft 365 subscribers
• Price: free. Free Outlook.com accounts show ads; Microsoft 365 Personal ($9.99/month or $99.99/year) removes them for Outlook.com addresses and adds Copilot.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac, web
• Standout features: Exchange and Microsoft 365 support, built-in calendar, Focused Inbox
• Downside: Outlook can sync your Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud and IMAP accounts through the Microsoft Cloud, so a copy of that mail sits in Microsoft's data centers. See Outlook alternatives if that bothers you.

4. Dove: Best AI-first inbox

Disclosure: Dove is built by the team behind Canary Mail, our company.

Dove is a newer app that puts AI at the center rather than adding it on. It sorts mail into Focus, Feed and Noise, writes a short summary of what needs you today, and lets you ask your inbox questions in plain language. You can teach it rules in your own words, and it flags likely phishing and impersonation. It works with Gmail, Google Workspace, Outlook, Microsoft 365, Yahoo and IMAP accounts, with unlimited accounts on every plan.

• Who it's for: people buried in email who want AI to triage it and tell them what to do next
• Price: free with unlimited accounts and 10 AI actions a day; Pro is $20/month or $200/year with unlimited AI. The 7-day Pro trial asks for a card.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows, web
• Standout features: AI triage into Focus, Feed and Noise, daily summary, Ask Dove, plain-language rules
• Downside: it's new, with only a few dozen Play ratings so far, and Pro costs more than most apps on this list.

5. Spark: Best for smart triage and small teams

Spark's Smart Inbox groups mail into people, notifications and newsletters, so personal messages don't drown under promotions. The free plan takes unlimited accounts and includes Smart Notifications. The paid plans add Spark +AI for writing and summaries, plus team tools such as shared drafts and comments. It matches Spark on iPhone, Mac and Windows, so the habits carry over.

• Who it's for: busy professionals and small teams who want triage done for them
• Price: free; Plus $10/month or $99/year; Pro $20/month or $199/year
• Platforms: Android, iPhone and iPad, Mac, Windows
• Standout features: Smart Inbox, Smart Notifications, team collaboration, Spark +AI
• Downside: some features process your mail on Readdle's servers, and the AI assistant is a paid feature. See Spark alternatives for other options.

6. Spike: Best for email that reads like chat

Spike strips the headers and signatures out of email and shows each conversation as a chat thread, so a back-and-forth with a colleague reads like a messaging app. It also has team channels, notes, tasks and video calls in the same app, and Spike AI can draft replies and summarize threads. It's the most different-feeling app on this list, which is why some people love it and others bounce off.

• Who it's for: people who'd rather chat than write formal email, and small teams who want email and chat in one place
• Price: free for one email address; Pro is $6 per user per month billed yearly ($8 monthly) for a unified inbox of up to 3 addresses; Ultimate is $12 billed yearly ($16 monthly) for unlimited addresses
• Platforms: Android, iPhone and iPad, Mac, Windows, web
• Standout features: chat-style conversations, unified feed, team channels, Spike AI
• Downside: the free plan covers only one address, so the multi-account inbox costs money, and the Android app's last Play Store update was in June 2026. See Spike alternatives.

7. Yahoo Mail: Best for Yahoo and AOL users

If your address ends in yahoo.com or aol.com, the Yahoo Mail app is the most complete way to use it on Android. Free accounts get 20 GB of storage, the inbox sorts offers, travel and receipts into their own views, and the app can add Gmail, Outlook and AOL accounts too. Mail Plus removes the ads and raises the limits.

• Who it's for: Yahoo and AOL users, and anyone who wants disposable addresses built in
• Price: free; Mail Plus $5/month with a 14-day trial (ad-free, 200 GB, up to 500 disposable addresses)
• Platforms: Android, iPhone and iPad, web
• Standout features: topic views, package tracking, disposable addresses on Plus
• Downside: the free app carries a lot of ads, and Yahoo's past data breaches still put some people off. See Yahoo Mail alternatives.

8. BlueMail: Best free all-rounder across platforms

BlueMail's free Personal plan is generous: unlimited accounts, a unified inbox, Clusters that group mail by sender type, and PGP encryption. It runs on more systems than anything else here, Linux included. The Plus plan adds GemAI, its AI assistant, along with premium themes and email backup on desktop.

• Who it's for: people with mixed providers who want a free app on every device they own
• Price: free Personal plan; Plus and Team are paid plans with free trials (7 and 14 days). Prices vary by country, so check bluemail.me/pricing.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone and iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux
• Standout features: Clusters, PGP, unified inbox, cross-platform
• Downside: the settings are sprawling, and BlueMail's privacy policy has drawn criticism in the past. More picks in BlueMail alternatives.

9. Thunderbird for Android: Best free open-source app (formerly K-9 Mail)

Thunderbird for Android is the app that used to be K-9 Mail. Thunderbird took over K-9 in 2022 and released the renamed app as Thunderbird for Android 8.0 on October 30, 2024. It's free, open source and funded by donations, with no ads. You get unlimited accounts, a unified inbox and OpenPGP encryption (through the free OpenKeychain app), and it pairs naturally with Thunderbird on your computer.

• Who it's for: privacy-minded and open-source users, and former K-9 Mail users
• Price: free (donations)
• Platforms: Android (Google Play and F-Droid); desktop Thunderbird on Windows, Mac and Linux. An iPhone app is in public beta through TestFlight but not on the App Store yet.
• Standout features: open source, OpenPGP, unified inbox, no ads
• Downside: it's email only, with no calendar and no AI, and its Play rating (3.5) is the lowest here. The iPhone app is still a TestFlight beta. See Thunderbird alternatives.

Or switch email service

The apps above work with the address you already have. If what you really want is email that's encrypted end to end, you need a new address with a provider that offers it, and that provider's own app.

10. Proton Mail: Best for encrypted email

Proton Mail is a Swiss encrypted email service with open-source apps. Messages between Proton users are end-to-end encrypted, and you can send password-protected email to anyone else. The Android app is clean and has no ads, and you get a new @proton.me address.

• Who it's for: people who want end-to-end encryption and are willing to change address
• Price: free with up to 1 GB of mail storage (500 MB until you finish Proton's setup checklist), 1 address and 150 messages a day; Mail Plus is $4.99/month or $47.88/year with 15 GB and 10 addresses, often discounted for the first year
• Platforms: Android, iPhone and iPad, web, plus a desktop app
• Standout features: end-to-end encryption, password-protected email, Swiss privacy law
• Downside: the app only works with Proton accounts, so you can't add Gmail or Outlook, and the free plan is small. For other private options see secure email apps and Proton Mail alternatives.

Also worth a look

These apps have loyal Android followings but didn't make the numbered list, usually because they serve a narrower need.

Shortwave

An AI-heavy email app built on Gmail. It connects natively to Gmail and Google Workspace only; Outlook or Yahoo mail has to be forwarded into a Gmail account first, which is why it isn't in the main list. There's a free plan with no ads, and paid plans start at $30 per seat per month. See Shortwave alternatives.

Samsung Email

The default mail app on Galaxy phones, and only available on Samsung devices. It's free, has a combined inbox and supports Exchange ActiveSync for work accounts. It has none of the AI or triage features above. More in the built-in app comparison below.

Edison Mail

Quick and tidy: one-tap unsubscribe, tracking-pixel blocking, and an assistant that pulls travel, packages and receipts into their own folders. Edison Mail+ costs $14.99/month or $99.99/year. Edison is owned by the research company YipitData and says its research business keeps the app free. See Edison Mail alternatives.

FairEmail

A privacy-first, open-source client with no ads or tracking. It handles unlimited accounts with a unified inbox and supports OpenPGP, and the Pro features are a one-time purchase. The interface is dense, and it doesn't support Exchange ActiveSync.

Aqua Mail

A long-standing Android client with deep settings and Exchange support. The free version shows ads; Pro removes them. Our Aqua Mail alternatives roundup compares it with similar apps.

Nine

Built around Exchange ActiveSync for company mail, calendar, contacts and tasks, and works with device-management tools such as Intune. It's for business users who can't or won't use Outlook, though its Play rating (2.9) is low. See Nine email alternatives.

Superhuman

A fast, premium email app aimed at professionals who live in their inbox. Its Android app has only a few hundred Play ratings so far, and it's a paid subscription. See Superhuman alternatives.

Is the built-in app enough? Gmail vs Samsung Email

Android doesn't have one built-in email app. Most phones ship with Gmail; Samsung Galaxy phones ship with both Gmail and Samsung Email. Both are free and both can read accounts from other providers, so plenty of people never need anything else.

• Gmail is the better choice if your main account is Google's. You get Google's spam filtering, categories and search, and up to five addresses in one app. Other providers work but lose Gmail's sorting.
• Samsung Email is the better choice for a work Exchange account on a Galaxy phone if you don't want Outlook. It treats every account the same way and has no ads, but it only exists on Samsung devices.

Install something else when you want one inbox that treats every provider equally, AI help with writing and triage, encryption, or the same app on your computer.

Why email notifications arrive late on Android, and how to fix it

Late or missing email notifications are one of the most common Android complaints, and the cause is usually battery management rather than the email app. Android and phone makers put background apps to sleep to save power, and a sleeping app can't check for new mail. Menu names vary by phone maker and Android version, but the fixes look like this:

1. Check the app's own notification settings. In Gmail, for example, notifications are on only for the Primary category by default. Open Gmail, tap Menu, then Settings, pick the account and choose Email notifications.
2. Allow background use on a Pixel or stock Android. Open Settings > Apps > See all apps, pick your email app, tap App battery usage and make sure Allow background usage is on. Google notes that an app with battery optimization turned off can run more while you're not using it, and that Adaptive Battery may delay notifications.
3. Take the app out of sleep on a Samsung Galaxy. Open Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Background usage limits. Remove your email app from Sleeping apps and Deep sleeping apps, and add it to Never sleeping apps. Samsung says sleeping apps stop syncing and showing notifications in the background, and that never sleeping apps may use more battery.
4. Watch Battery Saver. When it's on, Android limits background activity, so mail may wait until you open the app.

What to look for in an Android email app

• How it connects. Some apps talk to your mail server straight from your phone (Thunderbird, FairEmail). Others sync through the vendor's servers to power push notifications or AI (Outlook for non-Microsoft accounts, Spark for some features). Neither is wrong, but you should know which you're getting.
• Gmail API or IMAP. An app that connects to Gmail through Google's own interface sees labels, categories and archive the way Gmail does. One that uses plain IMAP sees labels as folders, and archiving or deleting can behave differently from the Gmail app. If you live in Gmail labels, try your workflow before you commit.
• Sign-in method. Prefer apps that sign in through Google's or Microsoft's own login page (OAuth). You can revoke access later without changing your password.
• Work account support. Many companies only allow Outlook, or require admin approval for other apps. Check with IT before you rely on a third-party app for work mail.
• Notifications and battery. Reliable push matters more on a phone than almost anything else. Use a new app for a few days and make sure new mail arrives on time; the section above covers the fixes.
• What the free plan really includes. Account limits, ads, AI and device limits vary a lot. The comparison table above shows the limits for each app.

Best Android email app by need

• Free with no ads: Thunderbird for Android, FairEmail, BlueMail and Canary Mail's free plan. Our list of ad-free email apps goes deeper.
• Privacy: Thunderbird for Android or FairEmail for your existing address, Proton Mail if you'll switch provider.
• Work email on Exchange or Microsoft 365: Outlook first; Samsung Email on a Galaxy phone, or Nine if you need ActiveSync without Outlook.
• Several accounts in one inbox: Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, BlueMail or Gmail's All inboxes. We compare these across every platform in the best email apps for multiple accounts.
• AI help with writing and triage: Canary Mail, Dove, Spark or Spike.
• Android phone and iPhone or Mac: pick an app that exists on both, such as Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, Gmail or Dove. If someone in your house is on iPhone, our best email apps for iPhone list uses the same approach.

How we chose

We picked apps that are actively maintained on Google Play, work with mainstream providers (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud or IMAP), and are recommended for Android by other reviewers and in Android forums. Gmail, Outlook and Spark appear on nearly every Android list we read; Spike, Proton Mail, BlueMail, Yahoo Mail and Thunderbird on several. We ranked by how well each app serves a clear type of user, and put services that make you change address in their own section.

On November 12, 2026 we checked every price and plan on the vendor's own site, and every rating, last-update date and ads label on the app's US Google Play listing. Screenshots are taken from those listings. Prices are US list prices unless we say otherwise, and they change often, so check before you buy. Discontinued apps such as Newton are left out. Canary Mail and Dove are made by our company, and we've said so at each entry.

FAQ

What is the best email app for Android?

For most people, Gmail: it's preinstalled, free and handles accounts from other providers too. Choose Outlook for a Microsoft 365 work account, Canary Mail or Spark for many accounts with AI, and Thunderbird for Android if you want a free open-source app.

Does Android have its own email app?

Not one universal app. Gmail is the default on most Android phones, and Samsung Galaxy phones also come with Samsung Email. Both can add other accounts, and you can install any other email app from Google Play and use it instead.

What is the best free email app for Android without ads?

Thunderbird for Android and FairEmail are free, open source and have no ads at all. BlueMail and Canary Mail's free plans are ad-free too. Gmail, Outlook (on free Outlook.com accounts), Yahoo Mail and Aqua Mail's free version show ads. More in our guide to ad-free email apps.

Is there a better email app than Gmail?

For a Google-only account, Gmail is hard to beat. If you also use Outlook, iCloud or Yahoo, an app that treats every provider equally (Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook or BlueMail) will feel better. If you want AI triage, look at Dove or Spark; for privacy, Thunderbird or FairEmail.

Why are my email notifications delayed on Android?

Usually because Android or your phone maker has put the email app to sleep to save battery. Allow background usage for the app, take it out of Sleeping or Deep sleeping apps on a Samsung phone, and check the app's own notification settings. The steps are in the notifications section above.

Can one app handle Gmail and Outlook on Android?

Yes. Gmail, Outlook, Canary Mail, Spark, BlueMail, Dove and Thunderbird for Android all add both kinds of account. Gmail and Outlook each work best with their own accounts, while Canary Mail, Spark and BlueMail treat them the same way in one unified inbox.

FairEmail or Thunderbird for Android: which is better?

Both are free, open source and ad-free. Thunderbird for Android is simpler to set up and pairs with desktop Thunderbird. FairEmail has far more settings and privacy controls, and a higher Play rating, but a denser interface. Neither supports Exchange ActiveSync.

What happened to K-9 Mail?

K-9 Mail became Thunderbird for Android. Thunderbird took over the project in 2022, and the first stable Thunderbird for Android (version 8.0) came out on October 30, 2024. K-9 Mail is still on Google Play and still updated from the same code, so nothing breaks if you stay. To move, export your settings in K-9 and import them in Thunderbird.

Sources

Checked November 12, 2026.

• Google Play listings (US) for each app: ratings, last update, ads labels and screenshots
• Canary Mail pricing: canarymail.io/pricing
• Dove pricing: dove.email/pricing
• Gmail, adding other accounts and All inboxes: support.google.com/mail/answer/6078445
• Gmail notifications on Android: support.google.com/mail/answer/1075549
• Android battery settings: support.google.com/android/answer/7664692 and support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7015477
• Samsung background usage limits: samsung.com/us/support/galaxy-battery/optimization
• Microsoft 365 plans: microsoft.com/microsoft-365; Outlook and Microsoft Cloud sync: support.microsoft.com
• Spark pricing and privacy: sparkmailapp.com/pricing, sparkmailapp.com/privacy
• Spike pricing: spikenow.com/pricing
• BlueMail plans: bluemail.me/pricing
• Yahoo Mail Plus: mail.yahoo.com/plus/mail
• Thunderbird for Android and the iOS roadmap: thunderbird.net/mobile, roadmaps.thunderbird.net/en-US/ios
• Proton plans: proton.me/mail/pricing, proton.me/support/proton-plans
• Shortwave pricing and account support: shortwave.com/pricing
• Edison Mail+: edisonmail.com/features/edison-mail-plus
• FairEmail: email.faircode.eu; Nine: 9folders.com

Elección rápida según lo que necesites:

• Sin configurar nada: Gmail, o Samsung Email en un Galaxy.
• Cuenta del trabajo en Microsoft 365 o Exchange, o una dirección de Hotmail: Microsoft Outlook.
• Varios proveedores con IA, y la misma app en el ordenador: Canary Mail, Spark o Dove.
• Correo que parece un chat: Spike.
• Gratis y de código abierto: Thunderbird para Android o FairEmail.
• Cifrado de extremo a extremo, si no te importa cambiar de dirección: Proton Mail.

Transparencia: Canary Mail y Dove son de nuestra empresa. Reciben el mismo trato que el resto de apps de la lista, con sus pegas incluidas.

Comparativa rápida

Las valoraciones son la media de la ficha de Google Play de EE. UU. (número de valoraciones entre paréntesis), consultadas el 12 de noviembre de 2026. Toca el nombre de una app para ir directamente a su ficha.

Las mejores apps de correo para Android en 2026

Las nueve primeras apps funcionan con la dirección que ya tienes. Proton Mail, al final, es otro tipo de elección: un servicio de correo cifrado al que te mudas. Las capturas vienen de la ficha de Google Play de cada app, así que muestran la app de Android tal como la presenta su desarrollador.

1. Canary Mail: la mejor para varias cuentas con IA

Transparencia: Canary Mail es nuestra, tenlo en cuenta al valorar esta elección.

Canary reúne Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, iCloud, Yahoo, Exchange y cualquier cuenta IMAP en una sola app, con una bandeja unificada que puedes reducir a una sola cuenta con un toque. La usan más de 2 millones de personas, y Apple la ha destacado en el App Store y en el Mac App Store. Con los planes de pago, la IA redacta respuestas con tu tono, resume hilos largos y clasifica el correo que entra. También hay confirmaciones de lectura, envío programado y reglas, y Pro+ añade cifrado PGP, SecureSend y detección de phishing. La misma app funciona en iPhone, Mac y Windows, así que tu configuración te sigue del móvil al ordenador.

• Para quién es: quien tiene correo en varios proveedores y quiere ayuda de la IA y la misma app en el móvil y en el ordenador
• Precio: gratis con cuentas ilimitadas en hasta 2 dispositivos; Growth 36 US$/año (AI Copilot, envío programado, reglas, hasta 5 dispositivos); Pro+ 100 US$/año (añade PGP, SecureSend y detección de phishing). Los dos planes de pago también se venden como licencia de por vida, y la prueba de 7 días no pide tarjeta.
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone y iPad, Mac, Windows
• Lo mejor: bandeja unificada, redacción y resúmenes con IA, confirmaciones de lectura, cifrado PGP
• La pega: la IA y las funciones avanzadas son de pago, y se factura por año o de por vida, sin opción mensual. Su valoración en Play (4,2) se basa en muchas menos opiniones que la de los grandes nombres.

2. Gmail: la mejor opción integrada para cuentas de Google

Gmail viene preinstalada en casi todos los móviles Android, así que para mucha gente la mejor app de correo es la que ya tiene. Y no sirve solo para direcciones de Gmail. Según la ayuda de Google, puedes añadir hasta cinco direcciones, entre ellas cuentas de Outlook, Hotmail, iCloud Mail, Yahoo o cualquier cuenta IMAP, y leerlas juntas tocando el menú y eligiendo Todas las bandejas de entrada. Para iCloud necesitas antes una contraseña específica para apps de tu cuenta de Apple. El filtro antispam de Google, las pestañas por categorías y la búsqueda son las mejores razones para quedarte. Gemini resume hilos y ayuda a responder si tu plan de Google lo incluye.

• Para quién es: cualquiera cuya dirección principal sea de Gmail o Google Workspace y no quiera configurar nada
• Precio: gratis con 15 GB compartidos entre Gmail, Drive y Fotos. Los planes de Google One añaden almacenamiento (el precio cambia según el país), y Gemini en Gmail se incluye en los planes Google AI.
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone y iPad, web (sin app de escritorio)
• Lo mejor: filtro antispam, categorías, búsqueda rápida, vista Todas las bandejas de entrada
• La pega: las cuentas de otros proveedores son de segunda. No tienen las categorías ni el filtro antispam de Gmail, y en las pestañas Promociones y Social aparecen anuncios.

3. Microsoft Outlook: la mejor para el trabajo, Microsoft 365 y Hotmail

Si tu trabajo funciona con Microsoft 365 o Exchange, Outlook es la opción segura. Los departamentos de IT la aprueban, y gestiona buzones de empresa, calendarios compartidos y adjuntos de Office mejor que cualquier app de terceros. También es la app natural para una dirección @hotmail.com, @outlook.com o @live.com, porque todas son cuentas de Outlook.com: inicias sesión con tu dirección y no hay que configurar servidores. Además admite cuentas de Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud e IMAP, con una bandeja combinada y la Bandeja de entrada Prioritarios para separar lo importante del resto. El calendario está en la misma app. Si buscabas Mailbird, que solo funciona en Windows y Mac, Outlook es lo más parecido en Android; el resto de opciones están en nuestras alternativas a Mailbird.

• Para quién es: cualquiera con una cuenta Microsoft del trabajo o de clase, usuarios de Hotmail y Outlook.com y suscriptores de Microsoft 365
• Precio: gratis. Las cuentas gratuitas de Outlook.com muestran anuncios; una suscripción a Microsoft 365 (Personal cuesta 10 €/mes o 99 €/año en España) los quita en las direcciones de Outlook.com y añade Copilot.
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone y iPad, Windows, Mac, web
• Lo mejor: compatibilidad con Exchange y Microsoft 365, calendario integrado, Bandeja de entrada Prioritarios
• La pega: Outlook puede sincronizar tus cuentas de Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud e IMAP a través de Microsoft Cloud, así que una copia de ese correo queda en los centros de datos de Microsoft.

4. Dove: la mejor bandeja centrada en la IA

Transparencia: Dove la desarrolla el equipo de Canary Mail, nuestra empresa.

Dove es una app más nueva que pone la IA en el centro en lugar de añadirla después. Clasifica el correo en Focus, Feed y Noise, escribe un breve resumen de lo que necesita tu atención hoy y responde preguntas sobre tu bandeja en lenguaje normal. Le enseñas reglas con tus propias palabras, y marca posibles casos de phishing y suplantación. Funciona con Gmail, Google Workspace, Outlook, Microsoft 365, Yahoo y cuentas IMAP, con cuentas ilimitadas en todos los planes.

• Para quién es: quien está desbordado por el correo y quiere que la IA lo ordene y le diga qué hacer después
• Precio: gratis con cuentas ilimitadas y 10 acciones de IA al día; Pro cuesta 20 US$/mes o 200 US$/año con IA ilimitada. La prueba de Pro de 7 días pide tarjeta.
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows, web
• Lo mejor: clasificación con IA en Focus, Feed y Noise, resumen diario, Ask Dove, reglas en lenguaje normal
• La pega: es nueva, con solo unas decenas de valoraciones en Google Play, y Pro cuesta más que la mayoría de apps de esta lista.

5. Spark: la mejor para clasificar el correo y para equipos pequeños

La Smart Inbox de Spark agrupa el correo en personas, notificaciones y boletines, para que los mensajes personales no se pierdan entre las promociones. El plan gratis admite cuentas ilimitadas e incluye las notificaciones inteligentes. Los planes de pago añaden Spark +AI para escribir y resumir, además de herramientas de equipo como borradores compartidos y comentarios. Spark existe igual en iPhone, Mac y Windows, así que tus costumbres te acompañan.

• Para quién es: profesionales con mucho trabajo y equipos pequeños que quieren que alguien clasifique por ellos
• Precio: gratis; Plus 10 US$/mes o 99 US$/año; Pro 20 US$/mes o 199 US$/año
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone y iPad, Mac, Windows
• Lo mejor: Smart Inbox, notificaciones inteligentes, trabajo en equipo, Spark +AI
• La pega: algunas funciones procesan tu correo en los servidores de Readdle, y el asistente de IA es de pago. Más opciones en nuestras alternativas a Spark.

6. Spike: la mejor para un correo que se lee como un chat

Spike quita los encabezados y las firmas y muestra cada conversación como un chat, así que un intercambio con un compañero se lee como en una app de mensajería. En la misma app hay canales de equipo, notas, tareas y videollamadas, y Spike AI redacta respuestas y resume hilos. Es la app más distinta de esta lista, por eso hay gente que la adora y gente que la desinstala enseguida.

• Para quién es: quien prefiere chatear a escribir correos formales, y equipos pequeños que quieren correo y chat en un mismo sitio
• Precio: gratis para una dirección de correo; Pro cuesta 6 US$ por usuario al mes con pago anual (8 US$ con pago mensual) para una bandeja unificada de hasta 3 direcciones; Ultimate cuesta 12 US$ con pago anual (16 US$ al mes) para direcciones ilimitadas
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone y iPad, Mac, Windows, web
• Lo mejor: conversaciones tipo chat, feed unificado, canales de equipo, Spike AI
• La pega: el plan gratis cubre una sola dirección, así que la bandeja para varias cuentas es de pago, y la última actualización de la app de Android en Google Play es de junio de 2026.

7. Yahoo Mail: la mejor para usuarios de Yahoo y AOL

Si tu dirección termina en yahoo.es, yahoo.com o aol.com, la app de Yahoo Mail es la forma más completa de usarla en Android. Las cuentas gratuitas tienen 20 GB de almacenamiento, la bandeja separa ofertas, viajes y recibos en vistas propias, y la app admite también cuentas de Gmail, Outlook y AOL. Mail Plus quita los anuncios y amplía los límites.

• Para quién es: usuarios de Yahoo y AOL, y quien quiera direcciones desechables integradas
• Precio: gratis; Mail Plus 5 US$/mes con 14 días de prueba (sin anuncios, 200 GB, hasta 500 direcciones desechables)
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone y iPad, web
• Lo mejor: vistas por temas, seguimiento de paquetes, direcciones desechables con Plus
• La pega: la app gratuita tiene muchos anuncios, y las filtraciones de datos que sufrió Yahoo todavía echan para atrás a algunos.

8. BlueMail: la mejor todoterreno gratuita en todas las plataformas

El plan gratuito Personal de BlueMail es generoso: cuentas ilimitadas, bandeja unificada, Clusters que agrupan el correo por tipo de remitente y cifrado PGP. Funciona en más sistemas que cualquier otra app de aquí, Linux incluido. El plan Plus añade GemAI, su asistente de IA, además de temas premium y copia de seguridad del correo en el escritorio.

• Para quién es: quien usa proveedores distintos y quiere una app gratis en todos sus dispositivos
• Precio: plan Personal gratuito; Plus y Team son planes de pago con prueba gratuita (7 y 14 días). Los precios cambian según el país, consúltalos en bluemail.me/pricing.
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone y iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux
• Lo mejor: Clusters, PGP, bandeja unificada, multiplataforma
• La pega: los ajustes son un laberinto, y la política de privacidad de BlueMail ha recibido críticas en el pasado. Más opciones en nuestras alternativas a BlueMail.

9. Thunderbird para Android: la mejor gratuita y de código abierto (antes K-9 Mail)

Thunderbird para Android es la app que antes se llamaba K-9 Mail. Thunderbird se hizo cargo de K-9 en 2022 y publicó la app con su nuevo nombre, Thunderbird para Android 8.0, el 30 de octubre de 2024. Es gratuita, de código abierto y se financia con donaciones, sin anuncios. Tienes cuentas ilimitadas, bandeja unificada y cifrado OpenPGP (con la app gratuita OpenKeychain), y encaja de forma natural con Thunderbird en el ordenador.

• Para quién es: quien cuida su privacidad, los fans del código abierto y los antiguos usuarios de K-9 Mail
• Precio: gratis (donaciones)
• Plataformas: Android (Google Play y F-Droid); Thunderbird de escritorio en Windows, Mac y Linux. Hay una app para iPhone en beta pública a través de TestFlight, pero todavía no está en el App Store.
• Lo mejor: código abierto, OpenPGP, bandeja unificada, sin anuncios
• La pega: es solo correo, sin calendario ni IA, y su valoración en Play (3,5) es la más baja de la lista. Aún no hay versión para iPhone en el App Store.

O cambia de servicio de correo

Las apps de arriba funcionan con la dirección que ya tienes. Si lo que de verdad quieres es correo cifrado de extremo a extremo, necesitas una dirección nueva en un proveedor que lo ofrezca, y su propia app.

10. Proton Mail: la mejor para correo cifrado

Proton Mail es un servicio suizo de correo cifrado con apps de código abierto. Los mensajes entre usuarios de Proton van cifrados de extremo a extremo, y a cualquier otra persona puedes enviarle correos protegidos con contraseña. La app de Android es limpia y no tiene anuncios, y consigues una dirección nueva @proton.me.

• Para quién es: quien quiere cifrado de extremo a extremo y está dispuesto a cambiar de dirección
• Precio: gratis con hasta 1 GB para el correo (500 MB hasta que completas la lista de primeros pasos de Proton), 1 dirección y 150 mensajes al día; Mail Plus cuesta 4,99 €/mes, o 3,99 €/mes con pago anual (47,88 €), con 15 GB y 10 direcciones
• Plataformas: Android, iPhone y iPad, web, y una app de escritorio
• Lo mejor: cifrado de extremo a extremo, correos protegidos con contraseña, leyes suizas de privacidad
• La pega: la app solo funciona con cuentas de Proton, así que no puedes añadir Gmail ni Outlook, y el plan gratis es pequeño. Más opciones en nuestras alternativas a ProtonMail.

También merecen un vistazo

Estas apps tienen seguidores fieles en Android pero no están en la lista numerada, normalmente porque cubren una necesidad más concreta.

Shortwave

Una app de correo muy centrada en la IA y construida sobre Gmail. Solo se conecta directamente con Gmail y Google Workspace; el correo de Outlook o Yahoo hay que reenviarlo antes a una cuenta de Gmail, y por eso no está en la lista principal. Tiene un plan gratis sin anuncios, y los planes de pago empiezan en 30 US$ por usuario al mes.

Samsung Email

La app de correo predeterminada de los Galaxy, disponible solo en dispositivos Samsung. Es gratis, tiene bandeja combinada y admite Exchange ActiveSync para cuentas del trabajo. No tiene ninguna de las funciones de IA o de clasificación de las apps de arriba. Más sobre ella en la comparación de apps integradas de más abajo.

Edison Mail

Rápida y ordenada: baja de suscripciones con un toque, bloqueo de píxeles de seguimiento y un asistente que lleva viajes, paquetes y recibos a sus propias carpetas. Edison Mail+ cuesta 14,99 US$/mes o 99,99 US$/año. Edison pertenece a la empresa de estudios de mercado YipitData y dice que ese negocio es lo que mantiene la app gratis.

FairEmail

Un cliente de código abierto centrado en la privacidad, sin anuncios ni rastreo. Gestiona cuentas ilimitadas con bandeja unificada y admite OpenPGP, y las funciones Pro se compran una sola vez. La interfaz es densa, y no admite Exchange ActiveSync.

Aqua Mail

Un cliente veterano de Android, con muchísimos ajustes y compatibilidad con Exchange. La versión gratuita tiene anuncios; la Pro los quita.

Nine

Pensada alrededor de Exchange ActiveSync para el correo, el calendario, los contactos y las tareas de empresa, y compatible con herramientas de gestión de dispositivos como Intune. Es para usuarios de empresa que no pueden o no quieren usar Outlook, aunque su valoración en Play (2,9) es baja.

Superhuman

Una app de correo premium y rápida, pensada para profesionales que viven en su bandeja de entrada. Su app de Android solo tiene unos cientos de valoraciones en Google Play, y es una suscripción de pago. Mira nuestras alternativas a Superhuman.

¿Basta con la app que viene instalada? Gmail o Samsung Email

Android no tiene una única app de correo integrada. La mayoría de móviles traen Gmail; los Samsung Galaxy, Gmail y Samsung Email. Las dos son gratis y leen cuentas de otros proveedores, así que mucha gente nunca necesita nada más.

• Gmail es la mejor opción si tu cuenta principal es de Google. Tienes el filtro antispam, las categorías y la búsqueda de Google, y hasta cinco direcciones en una sola app. Los demás proveedores funcionan, pero pierden la clasificación de Gmail.
• Samsung Email es la mejor opción para una cuenta de Exchange del trabajo en un Galaxy si no quieres Outlook. Trata todas las cuentas igual y no tiene anuncios, pero solo existe en dispositivos Samsung.

Instala otra cosa si quieres una bandeja que trate a todos los proveedores por igual, ayuda de la IA para escribir y clasificar, cifrado o la misma app en el ordenador.

Por qué las notificaciones de correo llegan tarde en Android, y cómo arreglarlo

Las notificaciones que llegan tarde o no llegan son una de las quejas más habituales en Android, y la causa suele ser la gestión de la batería, no la app de correo. Android y los fabricantes duermen las apps en segundo plano para ahorrar energía, y una app dormida no puede comprobar si hay correo nuevo. Los nombres de los menús cambian según el fabricante y la versión de Android, pero las soluciones son estas:

1. Revisa los ajustes de notificaciones de la app. En Gmail, por ejemplo, las notificaciones solo están activadas por defecto para la categoría Principal. Abre Gmail, toca el menú y luego Ajustes, elige la cuenta y selecciona Notificaciones de correo.
2. Permite el uso en segundo plano en un Pixel o en Android estándar. Abre Ajustes > Aplicaciones > Ver todas las aplicaciones, elige tu app de correo, toca Uso de batería de la aplicación y comprueba que Permitir uso en segundo plano está activado. Google advierte de que una app sin optimización de batería puede funcionar más en segundo plano, y de que la Batería adaptable puede retrasar las notificaciones.
3. Saca la app del modo inactivo en un Samsung Galaxy. Abre Ajustes > Batería y mantenimiento del dispositivo > Batería > Límites de uso en segundo plano. Quita tu app de correo de las aplicaciones inactivas y de las inactivas profundas, y añádela a las aplicaciones que nunca entran en suspensión. Samsung explica que las apps inactivas no se sincronizan ni muestran notificaciones en segundo plano, y que las que nunca se suspenden pueden gastar más batería.
4. Ojo con el Ahorro de batería. Cuando está activado, Android limita la actividad en segundo plano, y el correo puede esperar a que abras la app.

Qué buscar en una app de correo para Android

• Cómo se conecta. Algunas apps hablan con tu servidor de correo directamente desde el móvil (Thunderbird, FairEmail). Otras sincronizan a través de los servidores del desarrollador para dar notificaciones push o IA (Outlook con cuentas que no son de Microsoft, Spark en algunas funciones). Ninguna opción es mala, pero conviene saber cuál estás eligiendo.
• API de Gmail o IMAP. Una app que se conecta a Gmail con la interfaz propia de Google ve las etiquetas, las categorías y el archivo como los ve Gmail. Una que usa IMAP a secas ve las etiquetas como carpetas, y archivar o borrar puede comportarse distinto que en la app de Gmail. Si vives en las etiquetas de Gmail, prueba tu forma de trabajar antes de decidirte.
• Forma de iniciar sesión. Mejor las apps que inician sesión en la página de Google o de Microsoft (OAuth). Podrás retirar el acceso más adelante sin cambiar la contraseña.
• Cuentas del trabajo. Muchas empresas solo permiten Outlook o exigen aprobar otras apps. Pregunta a IT antes de confiar el correo del trabajo a una app de terceros.
• Notificaciones y batería. En el móvil, que el push sea fiable importa más que casi cualquier otra cosa. Usa una app nueva unos días y comprueba que el correo llega a su hora; la sección de arriba explica cómo arreglarlo.
• Qué incluye de verdad el plan gratis. Los límites de cuentas, los anuncios, la IA y los límites de dispositivos cambian mucho. La tabla comparativa de arriba muestra los límites de cada app.

La mejor app de correo para Android según lo que necesites

• Gratis y sin anuncios: Thunderbird para Android, FairEmail, BlueMail y el plan gratis de Canary Mail. Nuestra lista de apps de correo sin publicidad entra en más detalle.
• Privacidad: Thunderbird para Android o FairEmail para tu dirección actual, Proton Mail si cambias de proveedor.
• Correo del trabajo en Exchange o Microsoft 365: primero Outlook; Samsung Email en un Galaxy, o Nine si necesitas ActiveSync sin Outlook.
• Varias cuentas en una bandeja: Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, BlueMail o la vista Todas las bandejas de entrada de Gmail. Las comparamos en todas las plataformas en las mejores apps de correo para varias cuentas.
• Ayuda de la IA para escribir y clasificar: Canary Mail, Dove, Spark o Spike.
• Móvil Android y iPhone o Mac: elige una app que exista en los dos, como Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, Gmail o Dove. Si alguien en casa usa iPhone, nuestra lista de la mejor app de correo para iPhone sigue el mismo enfoque.

Cómo elegimos

Elegimos apps que se mantienen activamente en Google Play, funcionan con los proveedores habituales (Gmail, Outlook y Hotmail, Yahoo, iCloud o IMAP) y que otros analistas y los foros de Android recomiendan para Android. Gmail, Outlook y Spark aparecen en casi todas las listas de Android que leímos; Spike, Proton Mail, BlueMail, Yahoo Mail y Thunderbird en varias. Las ordenamos según lo bien que cada app sirve a un tipo de usuario concreto, y pusimos aparte los servicios que obligan a cambiar de dirección.

El 12 de noviembre de 2026 comprobamos cada precio y cada plan en la web del desarrollador, y cada valoración, fecha de actualización y aviso de anuncios en la ficha de Google Play de EE. UU. de cada app. Las capturas vienen de esas fichas. Los precios son de EE. UU. salvo que digamos otra cosa, y cambian a menudo, así que compruébalos antes de comprar. Dejamos fuera apps abandonadas como Newton. Canary Mail y Dove son de nuestra empresa, y lo decimos en cada ficha.

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Cuál es la mejor app de correo para Android?

Para la mayoría, Gmail: viene instalada, es gratis y también gestiona cuentas de otros proveedores. Elige Outlook para una cuenta del trabajo en Microsoft 365 o una dirección de Hotmail, Canary Mail o Spark para muchas cuentas con IA, y Thunderbird para Android si quieres una app gratis y de código abierto.

¿Android tiene su propia app de correo?

No una única app para todos. Gmail es la predeterminada en la mayoría de móviles Android, y los Samsung Galaxy traen también Samsung Email. Las dos admiten otras cuentas, y puedes instalar cualquier otra app de correo desde Google Play y usarla en su lugar.

¿Cuál es la mejor app de correo gratis para Android sin anuncios?

Thunderbird para Android y FairEmail son gratuitas, de código abierto y no tienen ningún anuncio. Los planes gratuitos de BlueMail y Canary Mail tampoco tienen anuncios. Gmail, Outlook (en cuentas gratuitas de Outlook.com y Hotmail), Yahoo Mail y la versión gratuita de Aqua Mail sí muestran publicidad. Más en nuestra guía del correo sin publicidad.

¿Hay una app de correo mejor que Gmail?

Para una cuenta solo de Google, Gmail es difícil de superar. Si también usas Outlook, Hotmail, iCloud o Yahoo, te irá mejor una app que trate a todos los proveedores por igual (Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook o BlueMail). Para clasificar con IA, mira Dove o Spark; para privacidad, Thunderbird o FairEmail.

¿Por qué me llegan tarde las notificaciones de correo en Android?

Normalmente porque Android o el fabricante del móvil ha dormido la app de correo para ahorrar batería. Permite el uso en segundo plano de la app, sácala de las aplicaciones inactivas e inactivas profundas en un Samsung y revisa los ajustes de notificaciones de la propia app. Los pasos están en la sección de notificaciones de arriba.

¿Puede una sola app gestionar Gmail y Outlook (Hotmail) en Android?

Sí. Gmail, Outlook, Canary Mail, Spark, BlueMail, Dove y Thunderbird para Android admiten los dos tipos de cuenta. Para Hotmail no hace falta configurar servidores: elige la opción de Outlook y Hotmail e inicia sesión en la página de Microsoft. Gmail y Outlook funcionan mejor cada una con sus propias cuentas, mientras que Canary Mail, Spark y BlueMail las tratan igual en una bandeja unificada.

¿FairEmail o Thunderbird para Android: cuál es mejor?

Las dos son gratis, de código abierto y sin anuncios. Thunderbird para Android es más fácil de configurar y encaja con Thunderbird en el ordenador. FairEmail tiene muchos más ajustes y opciones de privacidad, y mejor valoración en Play, pero una interfaz más densa. Ninguna admite Exchange ActiveSync.

¿Qué pasó con K-9 Mail?

K-9 Mail se convirtió en Thunderbird para Android. Thunderbird se hizo cargo del proyecto en 2022, y la primera versión estable de Thunderbird para Android (la 8.0) salió el 30 de octubre de 2024. K-9 Mail sigue en Google Play y recibe actualizaciones del mismo código, así que no se rompe nada si te quedas. Para cambiar, exporta tus ajustes en K-9 e impórtalos en Thunderbird.

Fuentes

Consultado el 12 de noviembre de 2026.

• Fichas de Google Play (EE. UU.) de cada app: valoraciones, última actualización, avisos de anuncios y capturas
• Precios de Canary Mail: canarymail.io/pricing
• Precios de Dove: dove.email/pricing
• Gmail, añadir otras cuentas y Todas las bandejas de entrada: support.google.com/mail/answer/6078445
• Notificaciones de Gmail en Android: support.google.com/mail/answer/1075549
• Ajustes de batería en Android: support.google.com/android/answer/7664692 y support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7015477
• Límites de uso en segundo plano de Samsung: samsung.com/us/support/galaxy-battery/optimization
• Planes de Microsoft 365: microsoft.com/es-es/microsoft-365; Outlook y sincronización con Microsoft Cloud: support.microsoft.com
• Precios y privacidad de Spark: sparkmailapp.com/pricing, sparkmailapp.com/privacy
• Precios de Spike: spikenow.com/pricing
• Planes de BlueMail: bluemail.me/pricing
• Yahoo Mail Plus: mail.yahoo.com/plus/mail
• Thunderbird para Android y la hoja de ruta de iOS: thunderbird.net/mobile, roadmaps.thunderbird.net/en-US/ios
• Planes de Proton: proton.me/mail/pricing, proton.me/support/proton-plans
• Precios y cuentas compatibles de Shortwave: shortwave.com/pricing
• Edison Mail+: edisonmail.com/features/edison-mail-plus
• FairEmail: email.faircode.eu; Nine: 9folders.com

Snel kiezen op basis van wat u nodig hebt:

• Niets instellen: Gmail, of Samsung Email op een Galaxy-telefoon.
• Werkaccount op Microsoft 365 of Exchange: Microsoft Outlook.
• Meerdere providers plus AI, met dezelfde app op uw computer: Canary Mail, Spark of Dove.
• Mail die aanvoelt als een chat-app: Spike.
• Gratis en open source: Thunderbird voor Android of FairEmail.
• End-to-end-versleuteling, en u wilt best een nieuw adres: Proton Mail.

Hebt u een adres bij KPN, Ziggo of Hotmail? Verderop staat een apart blok met de instellingen die u daarvoor nodig hebt.

Openheid: Canary Mail en Dove worden gemaakt door ons bedrijf. Ze krijgen dezelfde behandeling als elke andere app hier, nadelen inbegrepen.

Snel vergelijken

De scores zijn de gemiddelden in de Amerikaanse Google Play-vermelding (aantal beoordelingen tussen haakjes), gecontroleerd op 12 november 2026. Tik op de naam van een app om direct naar de bespreking te gaan.

De beste e-mail-apps voor Android in 2026

De eerste negen apps werken met het mailadres dat u al hebt. Proton Mail, aan het eind, is een ander soort keuze: een versleutelde maildienst waar u naartoe verhuist. De schermafbeeldingen komen uit de Google Play-vermelding van elke app en tonen de Android-app zoals de maker die presenteert.

1. Canary Mail: Beste voor meerdere accounts met AI

Openheid: wij maken Canary Mail, dus weeg deze keuze daarnaar.

Canary zet Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, KPN, Ziggo, Exchange en elk IMAP-account in één app, met een gecombineerde inbox die u met één tik terugbrengt tot één account. Meer dan 2 miljoen mensen gebruiken de app, en Apple heeft hem uitgelicht in de App Store en de Mac App Store. Met een betaald abonnement schrijft de AI antwoorden in uw eigen toon, vat lange discussies samen en sorteert binnenkomende mail. Leesbevestigingen, later verzenden en regels zitten er ook in, en Pro+ voegt PGP-versleuteling, SecureSend en phishingdetectie toe. Dezelfde app draait op iPhone, Mac en Windows, dus uw instellingen gaan mee van telefoon naar computer.

• Voor wie: mensen met mail bij meerdere providers die hulp van AI willen en dezelfde app op telefoon en computer
• Prijs: gratis met onbeperkt accounts op maximaal 2 apparaten; Growth $36/jaar (AI Copilot, later verzenden, regels, tot 5 apparaten); Pro+ $100/jaar (plus PGP, SecureSend en phishingdetectie). Beide betaalde abonnementen zijn ook als eenmalige lifetime-licentie te koop, en voor de proefperiode van 7 dagen is geen creditcard nodig.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone en iPad, Mac, Windows
• Sterke punten: gecombineerde inbox, schrijven en samenvatten met AI, leesbevestigingen, PGP-versleuteling
• Nadeel: AI en de geavanceerde functies zitten in de betaalde abonnementen, en u betaalt per jaar of eenmalig, zonder maandoptie. De Play-score (4,2) is gebaseerd op veel minder beoordelingen dan bij de grote namen.

2. Gmail: Beste ingebouwde keuze voor Google-accounts

Gmail staat op bijna elke Android-telefoon, dus voor veel mensen is de beste mail-app gewoon de app die ze al hebben. En hij is niet alleen voor Gmail-adressen. Volgens de hulppagina's van Google kunt u tot vijf adressen toevoegen, waaronder Outlook-, iCloud Mail- en Yahoo-accounts of elk IMAP-account, en ze samen lezen door op het menu te tikken en Alle inboxen te kiezen. Voor iCloud hebt u eerst een app-specifiek wachtwoord uit uw Apple-account nodig. Het spamfilter van Google, de tabbladen met categorieën en de zoekfunctie zijn de beste redenen om te blijven. Gemini vat discussies samen en helpt bij het antwoorden als uw Google-abonnement het bevat.

• Voor wie: iedereen met Gmail of Google Workspace als hoofdadres die niets wil instellen
• Prijs: gratis met 15 GB opslag, gedeeld met Drive en Foto's. Google One-opslag begint in de VS bij $1,99 per maand voor 100 GB (de prijs verschilt per land), en Gemini in Gmail zit in de Google AI-abonnementen.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone en iPad, web (geen desktop-app)
• Sterke punten: spamfilter, categorieën, snel zoeken, Alle inboxen
• Nadeel: accounts van andere providers zijn tweederangs. Ze krijgen de categorieën en het spamfilter van Gmail niet, en op de tabbladen Reclame en Sociaal verschijnen advertenties.

3. Microsoft Outlook: Beste voor werk en Microsoft 365

Draait uw werk op Microsoft 365 of Exchange, dan is Outlook de veilige keuze. IT-afdelingen keuren de app goed, en hij gaat beter om met werkpostvakken, gedeelde agenda's en Office-bijlagen dan welke andere app ook. Voor een adres op @hotmail.com, @live.nl of @outlook.com is Outlook de vanzelfsprekende app, omdat dat allemaal Outlook.com-accounts zijn. Daarnaast neemt hij Gmail-, Yahoo-, iCloud- en IMAP-accounts op, met een gecombineerde inbox en Prioriteit om belangrijke mail van de rest te scheiden. De agenda zit in dezelfde app. Zocht u eigenlijk Mailbird, dat alleen op Windows en Mac draait? Dan komt Outlook op Android het dichtst in de buurt; de andere opties staan in onze Mailbird-alternatieven.

• Voor wie: iedereen met een Microsoft-account van werk of school, gebruikers van Hotmail en Outlook.com, en Microsoft 365-abonnees
• Prijs: gratis. Gratis Outlook.com-accounts tonen advertenties; een Microsoft 365-abonnement (Personal kost in Nederland € 10 per maand of € 99 per jaar) haalt ze weg voor Outlook.com-adressen en voegt Copilot toe.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone en iPad, Windows, Mac, web
• Sterke punten: ondersteuning voor Exchange en Microsoft 365, ingebouwde agenda, Prioriteit
• Nadeel: Outlook kan uw Gmail-, Yahoo-, iCloud- en IMAP-accounts synchroniseren via de Microsoft Cloud, waardoor er een kopie van die mail in de datacenters van Microsoft staat.

4. Dove: Beste AI-first inbox

Openheid: Dove wordt gemaakt door het team achter Canary Mail, ons bedrijf.

Dove is een nieuwere app die AI centraal zet in plaats van het achteraf toe te voegen. De app sorteert mail in Focus, Feed en Noise, schrijft een korte samenvatting van wat vandaag uw aandacht nodig heeft en beantwoordt vragen over uw inbox in gewone taal. U leert de app regels aan in uw eigen woorden, en hij markeert waarschijnlijke phishing en nagemaakte afzenders. Dove werkt met Gmail, Google Workspace, Outlook, Microsoft 365, Yahoo en IMAP-accounts, met onbeperkt accounts in elk abonnement.

• Voor wie: mensen die verdrinken in hun mail en willen dat AI sorteert en vertelt wat er nu moet gebeuren
• Prijs: gratis met onbeperkt accounts en 10 AI-acties per dag; Pro kost $20 per maand of $200 per jaar met onbeperkt AI. Voor de proefperiode van 7 dagen van Pro is een creditcard nodig.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows, web
• Sterke punten: AI-sortering in Focus, Feed en Noise, dagelijkse samenvatting, Ask Dove, regels in gewone taal
• Nadeel: de app is nieuw, met nog maar een paar dozijn beoordelingen in Google Play, en Pro kost meer dan de meeste apps in deze lijst.

5. Spark: Beste voor slim sorteren en kleine teams

De Smart Inbox van Spark groepeert mail in personen, meldingen en nieuwsbrieven, zodat persoonlijke berichten niet onder de reclame verdwijnen. De gratis versie neemt onbeperkt accounts op en heeft slimme meldingen. De betaalde abonnementen voegen Spark +AI toe voor schrijven en samenvatten, plus teamfuncties zoals gedeelde concepten en opmerkingen. Spark bestaat ook voor iPhone, Mac en Windows, dus uw gewoontes gaan mee.

• Voor wie: drukke professionals en kleine teams die het sorteren willen uitbesteden
• Prijs: gratis; Plus $10 per maand of $99 per jaar; Pro $20 per maand of $199 per jaar
• Platforms: Android, iPhone en iPad, Mac, Windows
• Sterke punten: Smart Inbox, slimme meldingen, samenwerken in teams, Spark +AI
• Nadeel: sommige functies verwerken uw mail op de servers van Readdle, en de AI-assistent kost extra. Meer opties in onze Spark-alternatieven.

6. Spike: Beste voor mail die leest als een chat

Spike haalt kopregels en handtekeningen weg en toont elk gesprek als een chat, zodat heen-en-weer mailen met een collega leest als een berichtenapp. In dezelfde app zitten ook teamkanalen, notities, taken en videogesprekken, en Spike AI schrijft conceptantwoorden en vat discussies samen. Het is de app in deze lijst die het meest afwijkt, en daarom zijn sommige mensen er dol op terwijl anderen meteen afhaken.

• Voor wie: mensen die liever chatten dan formele mails schrijven, en kleine teams die mail en chat op één plek willen
• Prijs: gratis voor één e-mailadres; Pro kost $6 per gebruiker per maand bij jaarbetaling ($8 per maand) voor een gecombineerde inbox met maximaal 3 adressen; Ultimate kost $12 bij jaarbetaling ($16 per maand) voor onbeperkt adressen
• Platforms: Android, iPhone en iPad, Mac, Windows, web
• Sterke punten: gesprekken in chatstijl, gecombineerde feed, teamkanalen, Spike AI
• Nadeel: de gratis versie dekt maar één adres, dus de inbox voor meerdere accounts kost geld, en de laatste update van de Android-app in Google Play is van juni 2026.

7. Yahoo Mail: Beste voor Yahoo- en AOL-gebruikers

Eindigt uw adres op yahoo.com of aol.com, dan is de Yahoo Mail-app de meest complete manier om het op Android te gebruiken. Gratis accounts krijgen 20 GB opslag, de inbox zet aanbiedingen, reizen en bonnetjes in eigen weergaven, en de app neemt ook Gmail-, Outlook- en AOL-accounts op. Mail Plus haalt de advertenties weg en verhoogt de limieten.

• Voor wie: Yahoo- en AOL-gebruikers, en iedereen die wegwerpadressen ingebouwd wil hebben
• Prijs: gratis; Mail Plus $5 per maand met 14 dagen proef (zonder advertenties, 200 GB, tot 500 wegwerpadressen)
• Platforms: Android, iPhone en iPad, web
• Sterke punten: weergaven per onderwerp, pakketten volgen, wegwerpadressen met Plus
• Nadeel: de gratis app toont veel advertenties, en de datalekken uit het verleden schrikken sommige mensen nog steeds af.

8. BlueMail: Beste gratis alleskunner op alle platforms

Het gratis Personal-abonnement van BlueMail is royaal: onbeperkt accounts, een gecombineerde inbox, Clusters die mail groeperen per soort afzender, en PGP-versleuteling. De app draait op meer systemen dan alle andere hier, Linux inbegrepen. Het Plus-abonnement voegt GemAI toe, de AI-assistent, plus premiumthema's en een back-up van uw mail op de computer.

• Voor wie: mensen met gemengde providers die een gratis app op al hun apparaten willen
• Prijs: gratis Personal-abonnement; Plus en Team zijn betaalde abonnementen met een gratis proefperiode (7 en 14 dagen). De prijzen verschillen per land, controleer ze op bluemail.me/pricing.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone en iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux
• Sterke punten: Clusters, PGP, gecombineerde inbox, op alle platforms
• Nadeel: de instellingen zijn uitgebreid tot onoverzichtelijk, en het privacybeleid van BlueMail is in het verleden bekritiseerd.

9. Thunderbird voor Android: Beste gratis opensource-app (voorheen K-9 Mail)

Thunderbird voor Android is de app die vroeger K-9 Mail heette. Thunderbird nam K-9 in 2022 over en bracht de hernoemde app op 30 oktober 2024 uit als Thunderbird voor Android 8.0. De app is gratis, open source en wordt betaald uit donaties, zonder advertenties. U krijgt onbeperkt accounts, een gecombineerde inbox en OpenPGP-versleuteling (via de gratis app OpenKeychain), en hij past vanzelfsprekend bij Thunderbird op uw computer.

• Voor wie: privacybewuste gebruikers, liefhebbers van open source en voormalige K-9 Mail-gebruikers
• Prijs: gratis (donaties)
• Platforms: Android (Google Play en F-Droid); Thunderbird op de computer voor Windows, Mac en Linux. Een iPhone-app is als openbare bèta beschikbaar via TestFlight, maar staat nog niet in de App Store.
• Sterke punten: open source, OpenPGP, gecombineerde inbox, geen advertenties
• Nadeel: het is alleen mail, zonder agenda en zonder AI, en de Play-score (3,5) is de laagste in deze lijst. In de App Store staat nog geen iPhone-versie.

Of stap over naar een andere maildienst

De apps hierboven werken met het adres dat u al hebt. Wilt u eigenlijk mail die van begin tot eind versleuteld is, dan hebt u een nieuw adres nodig bij een provider die dat biedt, en de app van die provider.

10. Proton Mail: Beste voor versleutelde e-mail

Proton Mail is een Zwitserse versleutelde maildienst met opensource-apps. Berichten tussen Proton-gebruikers zijn end-to-end versleuteld, en naar iedereen anders kunt u mail met een wachtwoord sturen. De Android-app is overzichtelijk en heeft geen advertenties, en u krijgt een nieuw adres op @proton.me.

• Voor wie: mensen die end-to-end-versleuteling willen en bereid zijn een nieuw adres te nemen
• Prijs: gratis met tot 1 GB mailopslag (500 MB tot u de startchecklist van Proton hebt afgerond), 1 adres en 150 berichten per dag; Mail Plus kost € 4,99 per maand, of € 3,99 per maand bij jaarbetaling (€ 47,88), met 15 GB en 10 adressen
• Platforms: Android, iPhone en iPad, web, plus een desktop-app
• Sterke punten: end-to-end-versleuteling, mail met wachtwoord, Zwitserse privacywetgeving
• Nadeel: de app werkt alleen met Proton-accounts, dus Gmail of Outlook toevoegen kan niet, en de gratis versie is klein. Meer opties in onze ProtonMail-alternatieven.

Ook het bekijken waard

Deze apps hebben trouwe fans op Android maar staan niet in de genummerde lijst, meestal omdat ze een smallere behoefte dienen.

Shortwave

Een mail-app op basis van Gmail met veel AI. Hij koppelt rechtstreeks alleen met Gmail en Google Workspace; mail van Outlook of Yahoo moet u eerst doorsturen naar een Gmail-account, en daarom staat hij niet in de hoofdlijst. Er is een gratis abonnement zonder advertenties, en betaalde abonnementen beginnen bij $30 per gebruiker per maand.

Samsung Email

De standaard mail-app op Galaxy-telefoons, en alleen beschikbaar op Samsung-apparaten. Gratis, met een gecombineerde inbox en ondersteuning voor Exchange ActiveSync voor werkaccounts. AI- of sorteerfuncties zoals bij de apps hierboven heeft hij niet. Meer daarover in de vergelijking van ingebouwde apps hieronder.

Edison Mail

Snel en netjes: afmelden met één tik, trackingpixels blokkeren en een assistent die reizen, pakketten en bonnetjes in eigen mappen zet. Edison Mail+ kost $14,99 per maand of $99,99 per jaar. Edison is van het onderzoeksbedrijf YipitData en zegt dat die onderzoekstak de app gratis houdt.

FairEmail

Een opensource-client met privacy voorop, zonder advertenties of tracking. Hij beheert onbeperkt accounts met een gecombineerde inbox en ondersteunt OpenPGP, en de Pro-functies koopt u eenmalig. De interface is druk, en Exchange ActiveSync wordt niet ondersteund.

Aqua Mail

Een Android-client die al lang meegaat, met heel veel instellingen en ondersteuning voor Exchange. De gratis versie toont advertenties, Pro haalt ze weg.

Nine

Gebouwd rond Exchange ActiveSync voor zakelijke mail, agenda, contacten en taken, en werkt met apparaatbeheer zoals Intune. Voor zakelijke gebruikers die Outlook niet kunnen of willen gebruiken, al is de Play-score (2,9) laag.

Superhuman

Een snelle premium mail-app voor professionals die vrijwel in hun inbox wonen. De Android-app heeft nog maar een paar honderd beoordelingen in Google Play, en het is een betaald abonnement. Zie onze Superhuman-alternatieven.

Is de ingebouwde app genoeg? Gmail of Samsung Email

Android heeft niet één ingebouwde mail-app. De meeste telefoons komen met Gmail; Samsung Galaxy-telefoons met zowel Gmail als Samsung Email. Beide zijn gratis en lezen ook accounts van andere providers, dus veel mensen hebben nooit iets anders nodig.

• Gmail is de betere keuze als uw hoofdaccount van Google is. U krijgt het spamfilter, de categorieën en de zoekfunctie van Google, en tot vijf adressen in één app. Andere providers werken, maar missen de sortering van Gmail.
• Samsung Email is de betere keuze voor een Exchange-werkaccount op een Galaxy als u geen Outlook wilt. De app behandelt elk account hetzelfde en toont geen advertenties, maar bestaat alleen op Samsung-apparaten.

Installeer iets anders als u één inbox wilt die elke provider gelijk behandelt, hulp van AI bij schrijven en sorteren, versleuteling, of dezelfde app op uw computer.

Waarom mailmeldingen op Android te laat komen, en wat helpt

Late of ontbrekende meldingen behoren tot de meest gehoorde Android-klachten, en meestal ligt het aan het batterijbeheer en niet aan de mail-app. Android en telefoonmakers zetten apps op de achtergrond in slaapstand om stroom te sparen, en een slapende app kan niet kijken of er nieuwe mail is. De menunamen verschillen per merk en Android-versie, maar de oplossingen zien er zo uit:

1. Controleer de meldingsinstellingen van de app. In Gmail staan meldingen bijvoorbeeld standaard alleen aan voor de categorie Primair. Open Gmail, tik op het menu en dan op Instellingen, kies het account en kies E-mailmeldingen.
2. Sta achtergrondgebruik toe op een Pixel of standaard-Android. Open Instellingen > Apps > Alle apps bekijken, kies uw mail-app, tik op Batterijgebruik van app en zorg dat Achtergrondgebruik toestaan aanstaat. Google wijst erop dat een app zonder batterijoptimalisatie meer op de achtergrond kan draaien, en dat Adaptieve batterij meldingen kan vertragen.
3. Haal de app uit de slaapstand op een Samsung Galaxy. Open Instellingen > Batterij- en apparaatonderhoud > Batterij > Achtergrondgebruikslimieten. Haal uw mail-app weg bij de slapende en diep slapende apps, en voeg hem toe aan de apps die nooit slapen. Samsung meldt dat slapende apps op de achtergrond niet synchroniseren en geen meldingen tonen, en dat apps die nooit slapen meer batterij kunnen gebruiken.
4. Let op Batterijbesparing. Staat die aan, dan beperkt Android achtergrondactiviteit en kan mail wachten tot u de app opent.

KPN, Ziggo en Hotmail op Android

Hebt u nog een mailadres van uw internetprovider? Dat werkt in elke app uit deze lijst behalve Proton Mail:

• KPN Mail (@kpnmail.nl en oudere KPN-adressen): voeg in de app een account toe met uw e-mailadres en wachtwoord; de meeste apps vullen de rest automatisch in. Lukt dat niet, gebruik dan IMAP-server imap.kpnmail.nl (poort 993, SSL) en SMTP-server smtp.kpnmail.nl (poort 587, TLS).
• Ziggo Mail (@ziggo.nl, maar ook @home.nl, @quicknet.nl, @casema.nl, @upcmail.nl, @chello.nl en @a2000.nl): IMAP-server imap.ziggo.nl (poort 993, SSL/TLS) en SMTP-server smtp.ziggo.nl (poort 587), met uw volledige e-mailadres als gebruikersnaam.
• Hotmail, Live en Outlook.com: geen servers nodig. Kies in de app voor Outlook of Microsoft en log in op de inlogpagina van Microsoft.

Kies bij KPN en Ziggo voor IMAP, niet POP: dan blijft uw mail op de server staan en ziet u dezelfde mappen op telefoon, computer en webmail.

Waar u op let bij een mail-app voor Android

• Hoe de app verbinding maakt. Sommige apps praten rechtstreeks vanaf uw telefoon met uw mailserver (Thunderbird, FairEmail). Andere synchroniseren via de servers van de maker voor pushmeldingen of AI (Outlook bij accounts van andere providers, Spark bij sommige functies). Geen van beide is fout, maar het is goed om te weten wat u krijgt.
• Gmail-koppeling of IMAP. Een app die via de eigen koppeling van Google met Gmail praat, ziet labels, categorieën en archief zoals Gmail ze ziet. Een app met gewoon IMAP ziet labels als mappen, en archiveren of verwijderen kan anders werken dan in de Gmail-app. Werkt u veel met Gmail-labels, probeer uw werkwijze dan eerst uit.
• Manier van inloggen. Kies bij voorkeur apps die inloggen via de inlogpagina van Google of Microsoft (OAuth). U kunt de toegang later intrekken zonder uw wachtwoord te wijzigen.
• Werkaccounts. Veel bedrijven staan alleen Outlook toe of willen andere apps eerst goedkeuren. Overleg met de IT-afdeling voordat u voor werkmail op een andere app vertrouwt.
• Meldingen en batterij. Betrouwbare pushmeldingen zijn op een telefoon belangrijker dan bijna alles. Gebruik een nieuwe app een paar dagen en let erop dat nieuwe mail op tijd binnenkomt; het blok hierboven geeft de oplossingen.
• Wat de gratis versie echt biedt. Limieten voor accounts, advertenties, AI en apparaten verschillen sterk. De vergelijkingstabel hierboven toont de grenzen per app.

Beste Android-mail-app per situatie

• Gratis zonder advertenties: Thunderbird voor Android, FairEmail, BlueMail en de gratis versie van Canary Mail. Onze lijst met advertentievrije mail-apps gaat dieper.
• Privacy: Thunderbird voor Android of FairEmail voor uw huidige adres, Proton Mail als u van provider wisselt.
• Werkmail op Exchange of Microsoft 365: eerst Outlook; Samsung Email op een Galaxy, of Nine als u ActiveSync zonder Outlook nodig hebt.
• Meerdere accounts in één inbox: Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, BlueMail of Alle inboxen in Gmail. Voor alle platforms vergelijken we ze in de beste e-mail-apps voor meerdere accounts.
• Hulp van AI bij schrijven en sorteren: Canary Mail, Dove, Spark of Spike.
• Android-telefoon plus iPhone of Mac: kies een app die op allebei bestaat, zoals Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, Gmail of Dove. Gebruikt iemand in huis een iPhone, dan helpt onze lijst met de beste mail-apps voor iPhone.

Hoe we hebben gekozen

We kozen apps die in Google Play actief worden bijgehouden, werken met de gangbare providers (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud, KPN, Ziggo of IMAP) en die andere reviewers en Android-fora aanraden voor Android. Gmail, Outlook en Spark staan op bijna elke Android-lijst die we lazen; Spike, Proton Mail, BlueMail, Yahoo Mail en Thunderbird op meerdere. De volgorde gaat op hoe goed elke app een duidelijk type gebruiker bedient, en diensten waarvoor u een nieuw adres nodig hebt, staan in een eigen blok.

Op 12 november 2026 controleerden we elke prijs en elk abonnement op de site van de maker, en elke score, update-datum en advertentievermelding in de Amerikaanse Google Play-vermelding van de app. De schermafbeeldingen komen uit die vermeldingen. Prijzen zijn Amerikaanse prijzen, tenzij we iets anders vermelden, en ze veranderen vaak, dus controleer ze voordat u koopt. Stopgezette apps zoals Newton laten we weg. Canary Mail en Dove worden gemaakt door ons bedrijf, en dat staat bij elke bespreking.

Veelgestelde vragen

Wat is de beste mail-app voor Android?

Voor de meeste mensen Gmail: voorgeïnstalleerd, gratis en geschikt voor accounts van andere providers. Kies Outlook voor een werkaccount op Microsoft 365, Canary Mail of Spark voor veel accounts met AI, en Thunderbird voor Android als u een gratis opensource-app wilt.

Heeft Android een eigen mail-app?

Niet één app voor alle telefoons. Gmail is op de meeste Android-telefoons de standaard, en Samsung Galaxy-telefoons hebben daarnaast Samsung Email. Beide nemen andere accounts op, en u kunt elke andere mail-app uit Google Play installeren en die in plaats daarvan gebruiken.

Wat is de beste gratis mail-app voor Android zonder advertenties?

Thunderbird voor Android en FairEmail zijn gratis, open source en hebben helemaal geen advertenties. De gratis versies van BlueMail en Canary Mail zijn ook reclamevrij. Gmail, Outlook (bij gratis Outlook.com-accounts), Yahoo Mail en de gratis versie van Aqua Mail tonen advertenties. Meer in onze gids over advertentievrije mail-apps.

Is er een betere mail-app dan Gmail?

Voor een account dat alleen bij Google zit, is Gmail moeilijk te verslaan. Gebruikt u ook Outlook, KPN, Ziggo of iCloud, dan werkt een app die elke provider gelijk behandelt (Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook of BlueMail) prettiger. Voor AI-sortering kijkt u naar Dove of Spark; voor privacy naar Thunderbird of FairEmail.

Waarom komen mijn mailmeldingen op Android te laat?

Meestal omdat Android of de telefoonmaker de mail-app in slaapstand heeft gezet om batterij te sparen. Sta achtergrondgebruik toe voor de app, haal hem op een Samsung weg bij de slapende en diep slapende apps, en controleer de meldingsinstellingen van de app zelf. De stappen staan in het blok over meldingen hierboven.

Kan één app op Android Gmail en Outlook allebei aan?

Ja. Gmail, Outlook, Canary Mail, Spark, BlueMail, Dove en Thunderbird voor Android nemen beide soorten accounts op. Gmail en Outlook werken elk het best met hun eigen accounts, terwijl Canary Mail, Spark en BlueMail ze gelijk behandelen in één gecombineerde inbox.

FairEmail of Thunderbird voor Android: welke is beter?

Beide zijn gratis, open source en zonder advertenties. Thunderbird voor Android is makkelijker in te stellen en past bij Thunderbird op de computer. FairEmail heeft veel meer instellingen en privacyopties, en een hogere Play-score, maar een drukkere interface. Geen van beide ondersteunt Exchange ActiveSync.

Wat is er met K-9 Mail gebeurd?

K-9 Mail is Thunderbird voor Android geworden. Thunderbird nam het project in 2022 over, en de eerste stabiele versie van Thunderbird voor Android (8.0) verscheen op 30 oktober 2024. K-9 Mail staat nog in Google Play en krijgt updates uit dezelfde code, dus er gaat niets stuk als u blijft. Om over te stappen exporteert u uw instellingen in K-9 en importeert u ze in Thunderbird.

Bronnen

Gecontroleerd op 12 november 2026.

• Google Play-vermeldingen (VS) van elke app: scores, laatste update, advertentievermeldingen en schermafbeeldingen
• Prijzen Canary Mail: canarymail.io/pricing
• Prijzen Dove: dove.email/pricing
• Gmail, andere accounts toevoegen en Alle inboxen: support.google.com/mail/answer/6078445
• Gmail-meldingen op Android: support.google.com/mail/answer/1075549
• Batterij-instellingen op Android: support.google.com/android/answer/7664692 en support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7015477
• Achtergrondgebruikslimieten bij Samsung: samsung.com/us/support/galaxy-battery/optimization
• Microsoft 365-abonnementen: microsoft.com/nl-nl/microsoft-365; Outlook en synchronisatie via de Microsoft Cloud: support.microsoft.com
• Prijzen en privacy van Spark: sparkmailapp.com/pricing, sparkmailapp.com/privacy
• Prijzen Spike: spikenow.com/pricing
• Abonnementen BlueMail: bluemail.me/pricing
• Yahoo Mail Plus: mail.yahoo.com/plus/mail
• Thunderbird voor Android en de iOS-roadmap: thunderbird.net/mobile, roadmaps.thunderbird.net/en-US/ios
• Proton-abonnementen: proton.me/mail/pricing, proton.me/support/proton-plans
• Prijzen en ondersteunde accounts van Shortwave: shortwave.com/pricing
• Edison Mail+: edisonmail.com/features/edison-mail-plus
• FairEmail: email.faircode.eu; Nine: 9folders.com
• KPN en Ziggo: hulppagina's van de providers met de IMAP- en SMTP-instellingen

La scelta rapida in base alle tue esigenze:

• Nessuna configurazione: Gmail, oppure Samsung Email su un Galaxy.
• Account di lavoro Microsoft 365 o Exchange: Microsoft Outlook.
• Più provider e IA, con la stessa app anche sul computer: Canary Mail, Spark o Dove.
• Email che sembra una chat: Spike.
• Gratis e open source: Thunderbird per Android o FairEmail.
• Crittografia end-to-end, se sei disposto a cambiare indirizzo: Proton Mail.

Hai un indirizzo Libero, Virgilio o una PEC? Leggi anche la sezione dedicata più in basso: le app di Libero e Virgilio gestiscono anche altri account, e per la PEC servono parametri specifici.

Trasparenza: Canary Mail e Dove sono prodotti della nostra azienda. Li trattiamo come tutte le altre app della lista, difetti compresi.

Confronto rapido

I voti sono le medie della scheda Google Play statunitense (numero di recensioni tra parentesi), rilevate il 12 novembre 2026. Tocca il nome di un'app per passare direttamente alla sua scheda.

Le migliori app email per Android nel 2026

Le prime nove app funzionano con l'indirizzo che hai già. Proton Mail, in fondo, è una scelta diversa: un servizio di posta crittografata a cui ti trasferisci. Gli screenshot vengono dalla scheda Google Play di ogni app e mostrano l'app Android così come la presenta lo sviluppatore.

1. Canary Mail: la migliore per più account con l'IA

Trasparenza: Canary Mail è un nostro prodotto, valuta questa scelta di conseguenza.

Canary riunisce Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Libero, Exchange e qualsiasi account IMAP in un'unica app, con una casella unificata che puoi restringere a un solo account con un tocco. La usano più di 2 milioni di persone, e Apple l'ha messa in evidenza sull'App Store e sul Mac App Store. Con i piani a pagamento l'IA scrive risposte con il tuo tono, riassume le conversazioni lunghe e smista la posta in arrivo. Ci sono anche conferme di lettura, invio programmato e regole, e Pro+ aggiunge la crittografia PGP, SecureSend e il rilevamento del phishing. La stessa app funziona su iPhone, Mac e Windows, quindi la tua configurazione ti segue dal telefono al computer.

• Per chi: chi ha caselle presso più provider e vuole l'aiuto dell'IA e la stessa app su telefono e computer
• Prezzo: gratis con account illimitati su un massimo di 2 dispositivi; Growth 39,99 €/anno (Copilot IA, invio programmato, regole, fino a 5 dispositivi); Pro+ 99,99 €/anno (aggiunge PGP, SecureSend e rilevamento del phishing). Entrambi i piani esistono anche come licenza a vita, e la prova di 7 giorni non richiede la carta di credito.
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone e iPad, Mac, Windows
• Punti di forza: casella unificata, scrittura e riepiloghi con IA, conferme di lettura, crittografia PGP
• Punto debole: l'IA e le funzioni avanzate sono nei piani a pagamento, con fatturazione annuale o a vita e nessuna opzione mensile. Il voto su Play (4,2) si basa su molte meno recensioni rispetto ai grandi nomi.

2. Gmail: la migliore app preinstallata per gli account Google

Gmail è preinstallata su quasi tutti i telefoni Android, quindi per molti la migliore app email è quella che hanno già. E non serve solo per gli indirizzi Gmail. Secondo la guida di Google puoi aggiungere fino a cinque indirizzi, compresi account Outlook, iCloud Mail, Yahoo o qualsiasi account IMAP, e leggerli insieme toccando il menu e scegliendo Tutte le caselle. Per iCloud ti serve prima una password per app generata dal tuo Account Apple (il nostro articolo di supporto spiega come aggiungere un account iCloud su Android). Il filtro antispam di Google, le schede per categoria e la ricerca sono i motivi migliori per restare. Gemini riassume le conversazioni e aiuta a rispondere se il tuo abbonamento Google lo include.

• Per chi: chiunque abbia come indirizzo principale Gmail o Google Workspace e non voglia configurare nulla
• Prezzo: gratis con 15 GB di spazio condiviso tra Gmail, Drive e Foto. I piani Google One partono da 1,99 € al mese per 100 GB, e Gemini in Gmail è incluso negli abbonamenti Google AI.
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone e iPad, web (nessuna app desktop)
• Punti di forza: filtro antispam, categorie, ricerca veloce, vista Tutte le caselle
• Punto debole: gli account di altri provider sono di serie B. Non hanno le categorie né il filtro antispam di Gmail, e nelle schede Promozioni e Social compare pubblicità.

3. Microsoft Outlook: la migliore per il lavoro e Microsoft 365

Se il tuo lavoro gira su Microsoft 365 o Exchange, Outlook è la scelta sicura. I reparti IT la approvano, e gestisce caselle aziendali, calendari condivisi e allegati Office meglio di qualsiasi app di terze parti. Accetta anche account Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud e IMAP, con una casella combinata e la Posta in arrivo evidenziata che separa ciò che conta dal resto. Il calendario è nella stessa app. Se cercavi Mailbird, che funziona solo su Windows e Mac, su Android Outlook è quanto di più vicino; le altre opzioni sono nelle nostre alternative a Mailbird.

• Per chi: chiunque abbia un account Microsoft di lavoro o di scuola, e gli abbonati a Microsoft 365
• Prezzo: gratis. Gli account Outlook.com gratuiti mostrano pubblicità. Microsoft 365 Basic (20 €/anno) la rimuove per gli indirizzi Outlook.com; Microsoft 365 Personal (10 €/mese o 99 €/anno) aggiunge Copilot.
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone e iPad, Windows, Mac, web
• Punti di forza: supporto a Exchange e Microsoft 365, calendario integrato, Posta in arrivo evidenziata
• Punto debole: Outlook può sincronizzare i tuoi account Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud e IMAP tramite il Microsoft Cloud, quindi una copia di quella posta resta nei data center di Microsoft.

4. Dove: la migliore casella guidata dall'IA

Trasparenza: Dove è sviluppata dal team di Canary Mail, la nostra azienda.

Dove è un'app più recente che mette l'IA al centro invece di aggiungerla dopo. Divide la posta in Focus, Feed e Noise, scrive un breve riepilogo di ciò che richiede la tua attenzione oggi e risponde alle domande sulla tua casella in linguaggio naturale. Le insegni le regole con parole tue, e segnala probabili tentativi di phishing e furti d'identità. Funziona con Gmail, Google Workspace, Outlook, Microsoft 365, Yahoo e account IMAP, con account illimitati in ogni piano.

• Per chi: chi è sommerso dalle email e vuole che l'IA le smisti e gli dica cosa fare dopo
• Prezzo: gratis con account illimitati e 10 azioni IA al giorno; Pro costa 20 $ al mese o 200 $ all'anno, con IA illimitata. La prova Pro di 7 giorni richiede una carta.
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows, web
• Punti di forza: smistamento con IA in Focus, Feed e Noise, riepilogo quotidiano, Ask Dove, regole in linguaggio naturale
• Punto debole: è nuova, con solo qualche decina di recensioni su Google Play, e Pro costa più della maggior parte delle app di questa lista.

5. Spark: la migliore per lo smistamento intelligente e i piccoli team

La Smart Inbox di Spark raggruppa la posta in persone, notifiche e newsletter, così i messaggi personali non finiscono sotto le promozioni. La versione gratuita accetta account illimitati e include le notifiche intelligenti. I piani a pagamento aggiungono Spark +AI per scrivere e riassumere, oltre a strumenti per i team come bozze condivise e commenti. Spark esiste anche su iPhone, Mac e Windows, quindi le abitudini restano le stesse.

• Per chi: professionisti impegnati e piccoli team che vogliono lo smistamento fatto per loro
• Prezzo: gratis; Plus 10 €/mese o 99 €/anno; Pro 22 €/mese o 229 €/anno (prezzi dell'App Store italiano)
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone e iPad, Mac, Windows
• Punti di forza: Smart Inbox, notifiche intelligenti, collaborazione in team, Spark +AI
• Punto debole: alcune funzioni elaborano la tua posta sui server di Readdle, e l'assistente IA è a pagamento. Altre opzioni nelle nostre alternative a Spark.

6. Spike: la migliore per l'email in stile chat

Spike toglie intestazioni e firme e mostra ogni conversazione come una chat, così uno scambio con un collega si legge come in un'app di messaggistica. Nella stessa app ci sono anche canali del team, note, attività e videochiamate, e Spike AI scrive bozze di risposta e riassume le conversazioni. È l'app più diversa di questa lista: per questo alcuni la adorano e altri la abbandonano subito.

• Per chi: chi preferisce chattare piuttosto che scrivere email formali, e i piccoli team che vogliono email e chat nello stesso posto
• Prezzo: gratis per un indirizzo email; Pro costa 6 $ per utente al mese con piano annuale (8 $ con piano mensile) per una casella unificata fino a 3 indirizzi; Ultimate costa 12 $ con piano annuale (16 $ mensili) per indirizzi illimitati
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone e iPad, Mac, Windows, web
• Punti di forza: conversazioni in stile chat, feed unificato, canali del team, Spike AI
• Punto debole: la versione gratuita copre un solo indirizzo, quindi la casella per più account è a pagamento, e l'ultimo aggiornamento dell'app Android su Google Play risale a giugno 2026.

7. Yahoo Mail: la migliore per gli utenti Yahoo e AOL

Se il tuo indirizzo finisce con yahoo.it, yahoo.com o aol.com, l'app Yahoo Mail è il modo più completo di usarlo su Android. Gli account gratuiti hanno 20 GB di spazio, la casella divide offerte, viaggi e ricevute in viste dedicate, e l'app accetta anche account Gmail, Outlook e AOL. Mail Plus elimina la pubblicità e alza i limiti.

• Per chi: utenti Yahoo e AOL, e chi vuole indirizzi usa e getta integrati
• Prezzo: gratis; Mail Plus costa 5 $ al mese negli Stati Uniti, con 14 giorni di prova (senza pubblicità, 200 GB, fino a 500 indirizzi usa e getta)
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone e iPad, web
• Punti di forza: viste per argomento, tracciamento dei pacchi, indirizzi usa e getta con Plus
• Punto debole: l'app gratuita mostra molta pubblicità, e le violazioni di dati subite in passato da Yahoo frenano ancora qualcuno.

8. BlueMail: la migliore app gratuita completa su tutte le piattaforme

Il piano gratuito Personal di BlueMail è generoso: account illimitati, casella unificata, Clusters che raggruppano la posta per tipo di mittente e crittografia PGP. Funziona su più sistemi di qualsiasi altra app qui, Linux compreso. Il piano Plus aggiunge GemAI, l'assistente IA, insieme a temi premium e al backup della posta sul desktop.

• Per chi: chi usa provider diversi e vuole un'app gratuita su tutti i suoi dispositivi
• Prezzo: piano Personal gratuito; Plus e Team sono piani a pagamento con prova gratuita (7 e 14 giorni). I prezzi cambiano da paese a paese, controllali su bluemail.me/pricing.
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone e iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux
• Punti di forza: Clusters, PGP, casella unificata, multipiattaforma
• Punto debole: le impostazioni sono dispersive, e l'informativa sulla privacy di BlueMail è stata criticata in passato.

9. Thunderbird per Android: la migliore app gratuita e open source (ex K-9 Mail)

Thunderbird per Android è l'app che prima si chiamava K-9 Mail. Thunderbird ha rilevato K-9 nel 2022 e ha pubblicato l'app rinominata come Thunderbird per Android 8.0 il 30 ottobre 2024. È gratuita, open source e finanziata dalle donazioni, senza pubblicità. Hai account illimitati, una casella unificata e la crittografia OpenPGP (tramite l'app gratuita OpenKeychain), e si abbina in modo naturale a Thunderbird sul computer.

• Per chi: chi tiene alla privacy, gli appassionati di open source e gli ex utenti di K-9 Mail
• Prezzo: gratis (donazioni)
• Piattaforme: Android (Google Play e F-Droid); Thunderbird desktop su Windows, Mac e Linux. Un'app per iPhone è in beta pubblica tramite TestFlight, ma non è ancora sull'App Store.
• Punti di forza: open source, OpenPGP, casella unificata, nessuna pubblicità
• Punto debole: è solo email, senza calendario né IA, e il suo voto su Play (3,5) è il più basso della lista. Sull'App Store non c'è ancora una versione per iPhone.

Oppure cambia servizio email

Le app qui sopra funzionano con l'indirizzo che hai già. Se quello che vuoi davvero è posta crittografata end-to-end, ti serve un nuovo indirizzo presso un provider che la offre, e la sua app.

10. Proton Mail: la migliore per la posta crittografata

Proton Mail è un servizio svizzero di posta crittografata con app open source. I messaggi tra utenti Proton sono crittografati end-to-end, e puoi inviare a chiunque altro email protette da password. L'app Android è pulita e senza pubblicità, e ottieni un nuovo indirizzo @proton.me.

• Per chi: chi vuole la crittografia end-to-end ed è disposto a cambiare indirizzo
• Prezzo: gratis con fino a 1 GB di spazio per la posta (500 MB finché non completi la lista di configurazione di Proton), 1 indirizzo e 150 messaggi al giorno; Mail Plus costa 4,99 € al mese, o 3,99 € al mese con fatturazione annuale (47,88 €), con 15 GB e 10 indirizzi
• Piattaforme: Android, iPhone e iPad, web, più un'app desktop
• Punti di forza: crittografia end-to-end, email protette da password, legge svizzera sulla privacy
• Punto debole: l'app funziona solo con gli account Proton, quindi non puoi aggiungere Gmail o Outlook, e il piano gratuito è piccolo. Altre opzioni nelle nostre alternative a ProtonMail.

Da tenere d'occhio

Queste app hanno estimatori fedeli su Android ma non sono nella lista numerata, di solito perché rispondono a un'esigenza più specifica.

Shortwave

Un'app email molto incentrata sull'IA, costruita su Gmail. Si collega direttamente solo a Gmail e Google Workspace; la posta di Outlook o Yahoo va prima inoltrata a un account Gmail, ed è per questo che non è nella lista principale. C'è un piano gratuito senza pubblicità, e i piani a pagamento partono da 30 $ per utente al mese.

Samsung Email

L'app email predefinita dei Galaxy, disponibile solo sui dispositivi Samsung. È gratuita, ha una casella combinata e supporta Exchange ActiveSync per gli account di lavoro. Non ha nessuna delle funzioni di IA o di smistamento delle app qui sopra. Ne parliamo nel confronto tra app preinstallate più in basso.

Edison Mail

Veloce e ordinata: disiscrizione con un tocco, blocco dei pixel di tracciamento e un assistente che raccoglie viaggi, pacchi e ricevute in cartelle dedicate. Edison Mail+ costa 14,99 $ al mese o 99,99 $ all'anno. Edison appartiene alla società di ricerca YipitData e dichiara che la sua attività di ricerca permette di mantenere l'app gratuita.

FairEmail

Un client open source pensato per la privacy, senza pubblicità né tracciamento. Gestisce account illimitati con casella unificata e supporta OpenPGP, e le funzioni Pro si acquistano una volta sola. L'interfaccia è fitta, e non supporta Exchange ActiveSync.

Aqua Mail

Un client Android di lunga data, con impostazioni molto dettagliate e supporto a Exchange. La versione gratuita mostra pubblicità, la Pro la elimina.

Nine

Costruita attorno a Exchange ActiveSync per posta, calendario, contatti e attività aziendali, e compatibile con strumenti di gestione dei dispositivi come Intune. È per chi lavora in azienda e non può o non vuole usare Outlook, anche se il suo voto su Play (2,9) è basso.

Superhuman

Un'app email premium e veloce, pensata per i professionisti che vivono nella casella di posta. L'app Android ha solo qualche centinaio di recensioni su Google Play, ed è un abbonamento a pagamento. Vedi le nostre alternative a Superhuman.

Basta l'app preinstallata? Gmail o Samsung Email

Android non ha un'unica app email integrata. La maggior parte dei telefoni arriva con Gmail; i Samsung Galaxy con Gmail e Samsung Email. Sono entrambe gratuite e leggono anche gli account di altri provider, quindi a molti non serve altro.

• Gmail è la scelta migliore se il tuo account principale è di Google. Hai il filtro antispam, le categorie e la ricerca di Google, e fino a cinque indirizzi nella stessa app. Gli altri provider funzionano ma perdono lo smistamento di Gmail.
• Samsung Email è la scelta migliore per un account Exchange di lavoro su un Galaxy se non vuoi Outlook. Tratta tutti gli account allo stesso modo e non ha pubblicità, ma esiste solo sui dispositivi Samsung.

Installa altro se vuoi un'unica casella che tratti tutti i provider allo stesso modo, l'aiuto dell'IA per scrivere e smistare, la crittografia o la stessa app sul computer.

Perché le notifiche email arrivano in ritardo su Android, e come risolvere

Notifiche in ritardo o assenti sono tra i problemi più comuni su Android, e di solito la causa è la gestione della batteria, non l'app email. Android e i produttori mettono in sospensione le app in background per risparmiare energia, e un'app sospesa non può controllare se c'è nuova posta. I nomi dei menu cambiano a seconda del produttore e della versione di Android, ma le soluzioni sono queste:

1. Controlla le impostazioni di notifica dell'app. In Gmail, per esempio, le notifiche sono attive di default solo per la categoria Principale. Apri Gmail, tocca il menu, poi Impostazioni, scegli l'account e seleziona Notifiche email.
2. Consenti l'utilizzo in background su un Pixel o su Android standard. Apri Impostazioni > App > Mostra tutte le app, scegli la tua app email, tocca Utilizzo della batteria dell'app e verifica che Consenti l'utilizzo in background sia attivo. Google spiega che un'app senza ottimizzazione della batteria può restare più attiva in background, e che la batteria adattiva può ritardare le notifiche.
3. Togli l'app dalla sospensione su un Samsung Galaxy. Apri Impostazioni > Assistenza batteria e dispositivo > Batteria > Limiti utilizzo in background. Togli l'app email dalle app in sospensione e in sospensione profonda, e aggiungila alle app mai in sospensione. Samsung precisa che le app in sospensione non si sincronizzano e non mostrano notifiche in background, e che le app mai in sospensione possono consumare più batteria.
4. Attenzione al risparmio energetico. Quando è attivo, Android limita l'attività in background, e la posta può arrivare solo quando apri l'app.

Libero, Virgilio e PEC su Android

In Italia molte caselle sono su Libero o Virgilio, e molti professionisti hanno anche una PEC. Ecco cosa sapere:

• App Libero Mail e Virgilio Mail: sono gratuite e, a differenza di molte app dei provider, gestiscono anche account di altri servizi come Gmail, Yahoo o Outlook. Per aggiungerne uno scegli il provider dall'elenco, oppure Altre mail se non c'è. Da Altre mail l'app Libero Mail configura anche una PEC di un altro gestore.
• Libero in un'altra app: usa IMAP con imapmail.libero.it (porta 993) in entrata e smtp.libero.it (porta 465) in uscita, entrambi con SSL/TLS.
• Virgilio in un'altra app: IMAP in.virgilio.it (porta 993) e SMTP out.virgilio.it (porta 465), con SSL/TLS.
• PEC: si configura come un normale account IMAP con i parametri del tuo gestore, in un'app che supporti IMAP come Canary Mail, Thunderbird o Libero Mail. Per Aruba PEC sono imaps.pec.aruba.it (porta 993) e smtps.pec.aruba.it (porta 465), con SSL/TLS; se hai attivato la verifica in due passaggi, Aruba richiede una password dedicata per i client di posta.

Cosa guardare in un'app email per Android

• Come si collega. Alcune app parlano direttamente con il tuo server di posta dal telefono (Thunderbird, FairEmail). Altre sincronizzano tramite i server dello sviluppatore per le notifiche push o l'IA (Outlook per gli account non Microsoft, Spark per alcune funzioni). Nessuna delle due strade è sbagliata, ma è bene sapere quale stai scegliendo.
• API di Gmail o IMAP. Un'app che si collega a Gmail tramite l'interfaccia di Google vede etichette, categorie e archivio come li vede Gmail. Una che usa il semplice IMAP vede le etichette come cartelle, e archiviare o eliminare può funzionare diversamente rispetto all'app Gmail. Se usi molto le etichette di Gmail, prova il tuo flusso di lavoro prima di decidere.
• Metodo di accesso. Preferisci le app che accedono tramite la pagina di login di Google o Microsoft (OAuth). Potrai revocare l'accesso in seguito senza cambiare password.
• Account di lavoro. Molte aziende consentono solo Outlook o richiedono un'approvazione per le altre app. Chiedi all'IT prima di affidare la posta di lavoro a un'app di terze parti.
• Notifiche e batteria. Sul telefono, un push affidabile conta più di quasi tutto il resto. Usa una nuova app per qualche giorno e controlla che la posta arrivi in tempo; la sezione qui sopra spiega le soluzioni.
• Cosa include davvero la versione gratuita. Limiti di account, pubblicità, IA e limiti di dispositivi variano molto. La tabella di confronto qui sopra mostra i limiti di ogni app.

La migliore app email per Android in base alle esigenze

• Gratis e senza pubblicità: Thunderbird per Android, FairEmail, BlueMail e il piano gratuito di Canary Mail. La nostra lista di app email senza pubblicità approfondisce.
• Privacy: Thunderbird per Android o FairEmail per l'indirizzo che hai già, Proton Mail se cambi provider.
• Posta di lavoro su Exchange o Microsoft 365: prima Outlook; Samsung Email su un Galaxy, o Nine se ti serve ActiveSync senza Outlook.
• Più account in un'unica casella: Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, BlueMail o la vista Tutte le caselle di Gmail. Le confrontiamo su tutte le piattaforme nelle migliori app email per più account.
• Aiuto dell'IA per scrivere e smistare: Canary Mail, Dove, Spark o Spike.
• Telefono Android e iPhone o Mac: scegli un'app che esiste su entrambi, come Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, Gmail o Dove. Se in casa qualcuno usa l'iPhone, la nostra lista delle migliori app email per iPhone segue lo stesso metodo.

Come abbiamo scelto

Abbiamo scelto app aggiornate con regolarità su Google Play, compatibili con i principali provider (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud, Libero o IMAP) e consigliate per Android da altri recensori e nei forum Android. Gmail, Outlook e Spark compaiono in quasi tutte le liste per Android che abbiamo letto; Spike, Proton Mail, BlueMail, Yahoo Mail e Thunderbird in diverse. L'ordine riflette quanto bene ogni app serve un tipo preciso di utente, e i servizi che richiedono di cambiare indirizzo sono in una sezione a parte.

Il 12 novembre 2026 abbiamo controllato ogni prezzo e ogni piano sul sito dello sviluppatore, e ogni voto, data di aggiornamento e indicazione di pubblicità nella scheda Google Play statunitense dell'app. Gli screenshot vengono da quelle schede. I prezzi in euro vengono dallo sviluppatore o dall'App Store italiano; quando uno sviluppatore indica solo prezzi in dollari, li riportiamo così. I prezzi cambiano spesso, controllali prima di acquistare. Le app abbandonate come Newton sono escluse. Canary Mail e Dove sono prodotti della nostra azienda, e lo indichiamo in ogni scheda.

Domande frequenti

Qual è la migliore app email per Android?

Per la maggior parte delle persone Gmail: è preinstallata, gratuita e gestisce anche account di altri provider. Scegli Outlook per un account di lavoro Microsoft 365, Canary Mail o Spark per tanti account con l'IA, e Thunderbird per Android se vuoi un'app gratuita e open source.

Android ha una sua app email?

Non una sola per tutti. Gmail è l'app predefinita sulla maggior parte dei telefoni Android, e i Samsung Galaxy hanno anche Samsung Email. Entrambe accettano altri account, e puoi installare qualsiasi altra app email da Google Play e usarla al loro posto.

Qual è la migliore app email gratis per Android senza pubblicità?

Thunderbird per Android e FairEmail sono gratuite, open source e senza alcuna pubblicità. Anche i piani gratuiti di BlueMail e Canary Mail sono senza pubblicità. Gmail, Outlook (sugli account Outlook.com gratuiti), Yahoo Mail e la versione gratuita di Aqua Mail mostrano pubblicità. Approfondisci nella nostra guida alle app email senza pubblicità.

Esiste un'app email migliore di Gmail?

Per un account solo Google, Gmail è difficile da battere. Se usi anche Outlook, Libero, iCloud o Yahoo, ti troverai meglio con un'app che tratta tutti i provider allo stesso modo (Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook o BlueMail). Per lo smistamento con IA guarda Dove o Spark; per la privacy, Thunderbird o FairEmail.

Perché le notifiche email arrivano in ritardo su Android?

Di solito perché Android o il produttore del telefono ha messo in sospensione l'app email per risparmiare batteria. Consenti all'app l'utilizzo in background, toglila dalle app in sospensione e in sospensione profonda su un Samsung e controlla le impostazioni di notifica dell'app stessa. I passaggi sono nella sezione sulle notifiche qui sopra.

Un'unica app può gestire Gmail e Outlook su Android?

Sì. Gmail, Outlook, Canary Mail, Spark, BlueMail, Dove e Thunderbird per Android accettano entrambi i tipi di account. Gmail e Outlook funzionano meglio ciascuna con i propri account, mentre Canary Mail, Spark e BlueMail li trattano allo stesso modo in un'unica casella unificata.

Meglio FairEmail o Thunderbird per Android?

Sono entrambe gratuite, open source e senza pubblicità. Thunderbird per Android è più semplice da configurare e si abbina a Thunderbird sul computer. FairEmail ha molte più impostazioni e opzioni per la privacy, e un voto su Play più alto, ma un'interfaccia più fitta. Nessuna delle due supporta Exchange ActiveSync.

Che fine ha fatto K-9 Mail?

K-9 Mail è diventata Thunderbird per Android. Thunderbird ha rilevato il progetto nel 2022, e la prima versione stabile di Thunderbird per Android (8.0) è uscita il 30 ottobre 2024. K-9 Mail è ancora su Google Play e riceve aggiornamenti dallo stesso codice, quindi se resti non si rompe nulla. Per passare, esporta le impostazioni da K-9 e importale in Thunderbird.

Fonti

Verificato il 12 novembre 2026.

• Schede Google Play (USA) di ogni app: voti, ultimo aggiornamento, indicazioni di pubblicità e screenshot
• Prezzi di Canary Mail: canarymail.io/pricing
• Prezzi di Dove: dove.email/pricing
• Gmail, aggiungere altri account e Tutte le caselle: support.google.com/mail/answer/6078445
• Notifiche di Gmail su Android: support.google.com/mail/answer/1075549
• Impostazioni della batteria su Android: support.google.com/android/answer/7664692 e support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7015477
• Limiti di utilizzo in background Samsung: samsung.com/us/support/galaxy-battery/optimization
• Piani Microsoft 365: microsoft.com/it-it/microsoft-365; Outlook e sincronizzazione tramite il Microsoft Cloud: support.microsoft.com
• Prezzi e privacy di Spark: sparkmailapp.com/pricing, sparkmailapp.com/privacy
• Prezzi di Spike: spikenow.com/pricing
• Piani BlueMail: bluemail.me/pricing
• Yahoo Mail Plus: mail.yahoo.com/plus/mail
• Thunderbird per Android e roadmap iOS: thunderbird.net/mobile, roadmaps.thunderbird.net/en-US/ios
• Piani Proton: proton.me/mail/pricing, proton.me/support/proton-plans
• Prezzi e account supportati da Shortwave: shortwave.com/pricing
• Edison Mail+: edisonmail.com/features/edison-mail-plus
• FairEmail: email.faircode.eu; Nine: 9folders.com
• Libero, Virgilio e Aruba PEC: pagine di assistenza dei provider con i parametri IMAP e SMTP

Le choix rapide selon votre besoin :

• Aucune configuration : Gmail, ou Samsung Email sur un Galaxy.
• Compte professionnel Microsoft 365 ou Exchange : Microsoft Outlook.
• Plusieurs fournisseurs et de l'IA, avec la même appli sur ordinateur : Canary Mail, Spark ou Dove.
• Des mails qui se lisent comme une messagerie instantanée : Spike.
• Gratuite et open source : Thunderbird pour Android ou FairEmail.
• Chiffrement de bout en bout, quitte à changer d'adresse : Proton Mail.

Vous avez une adresse Orange, Free, SFR ou laposte.net ? Lisez aussi la partie consacrée à ces boîtes plus bas : leurs applications servent surtout à leur propre messagerie, et Orange demande un réglage avant qu'une autre appli puisse relever vos mails.

Transparence : Canary Mail et Dove sont conçus par notre entreprise. Ils sont traités comme toutes les autres applis de cette liste, défauts compris.

Comparatif rapide

Les notes sont les moyennes de la fiche Google Play américaine (nombre d'avis entre parenthèses), relevées le 12 novembre 2026. Touchez le nom d'une appli pour aller directement à sa présentation.

Les meilleures applications mail pour Android en 2026

Les neuf premières applis fonctionnent avec l'adresse que vous avez déjà. Proton Mail, en fin de liste, relève d'un autre choix : un service de messagerie chiffrée vers lequel vous déménagez. Les captures d'écran viennent de la fiche Google Play de chaque appli et montrent l'application Android telle que son éditeur la présente.

1. Canary Mail : la meilleure pour plusieurs comptes avec l'IA

Transparence : nous éditons Canary Mail, tenez-en compte en lisant cette recommandation.

Canary réunit Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, Orange, Exchange et n'importe quel compte IMAP dans une seule appli, avec une boîte de réception unifiée que vous filtrez sur un seul compte d'un geste. Plus de 2 millions de personnes l'utilisent, et Apple l'a mise en avant sur l'App Store et le Mac App Store. Avec les offres payantes, l'IA rédige des réponses dans votre ton, résume les longues conversations et trie le courrier entrant. Accusés de lecture, envoi programmé et règles sont aussi de la partie, et Pro+ ajoute le chiffrement PGP, SecureSend et la détection du phishing. La même appli tourne sur iPhone, Mac et Windows : vos réglages vous suivent du téléphone à l'ordinateur.

• Pour qui : les personnes qui ont des adresses chez plusieurs fournisseurs et veulent l'aide de l'IA et la même appli sur téléphone et ordinateur
• Prix : gratuit avec comptes illimités sur 2 appareils maximum ; Growth 39,99 €/an (Copilot IA, envoi programmé, règles, jusqu'à 5 appareils) ; Pro+ 99,99 €/an (ajoute PGP, SecureSend et la détection du phishing). Les deux offres existent aussi en licence à vie, et l'essai de 7 jours se fait sans carte bancaire.
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone et iPad, Mac, Windows
• Points forts : boîte de réception unifiée, rédaction et résumés par IA, accusés de lecture, chiffrement PGP
• Point faible : l'IA et les fonctions avancées sont réservées aux offres payantes, facturées à l'année ou à vie, sans formule mensuelle. Sa note Play (4,2) repose sur bien moins d'avis que celle des grands noms.

2. Gmail : la meilleure appli préinstallée pour les comptes Google

Gmail est préinstallée sur presque tous les téléphones Android : pour beaucoup, la meilleure appli mail est celle qu'ils ont déjà. Et elle ne se limite pas aux adresses Gmail. D'après l'aide Google, vous pouvez ajouter jusqu'à cinq adresses, dont des comptes Outlook, iCloud Mail, Yahoo ou n'importe quel compte IMAP, et les lire ensemble en touchant le menu puis Toutes les boîtes de réception. Pour iCloud, il vous faut d'abord un mot de passe pour app généré dans votre compte Apple (notre article d'aide explique comment ajouter un compte iCloud sur Android). Le filtre antispam de Google, les onglets par catégorie et la recherche sont les meilleures raisons de rester. Gemini résume les conversations et aide à répondre si votre abonnement Google l'inclut.

• Pour qui : toute personne dont l'adresse principale est Gmail ou Google Workspace et qui ne veut rien configurer
• Prix : gratuit avec 15 Go de stockage partagés entre Gmail, Drive et Photos. Les forfaits Google One commencent à 1,99 € par mois pour 100 Go, et Gemini dans Gmail est inclus dans les abonnements Google AI.
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone et iPad, web (pas d'appli de bureau)
• Points forts : filtre antispam, catégories, recherche rapide, vue Toutes les boîtes de réception
• Point faible : les comptes d'autres fournisseurs sont traités en citoyens de seconde zone. Ils n'ont ni les catégories ni le filtre antispam de Gmail, et des publicités apparaissent dans les onglets Promotions et Réseaux sociaux.

3. Microsoft Outlook : la meilleure pour le travail et Microsoft 365

Si votre travail tourne sur Microsoft 365 ou Exchange, Outlook est le choix sûr. Les services informatiques l'autorisent, et elle gère les boîtes professionnelles, les calendriers partagés et les pièces jointes Office mieux que n'importe quelle appli tierce. Elle accepte aussi les comptes Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud et IMAP, avec une boîte unifiée et la boîte de réception Prioritaire qui sépare l'important du reste. Le calendrier est dans la même appli. Si vous cherchiez Mailbird, qui ne tourne que sur Windows et Mac, Outlook est ce qui s'en approche le plus sur Android ; nos alternatives à Mailbird présentent les autres options.

• Pour qui : toute personne avec un compte Microsoft professionnel ou scolaire, et les abonnés Microsoft 365
• Prix : gratuit. Les comptes Outlook.com gratuits affichent des publicités. Microsoft 365 Basic (20 €/an) les supprime pour les adresses Outlook.com ; Microsoft 365 Personnel (10 €/mois ou 99 €/an) ajoute Copilot.
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone et iPad, Windows, Mac, web
• Points forts : prise en charge d'Exchange et de Microsoft 365, calendrier intégré, boîte de réception Prioritaire
• Point faible : Outlook peut synchroniser vos comptes Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud et IMAP via le Microsoft Cloud, si bien qu'une copie de ces mails se retrouve dans les centres de données de Microsoft.

4. Dove : la meilleure boîte de réception pilotée par l'IA

Transparence : Dove est développée par l'équipe de Canary Mail, notre entreprise.

Dove est une appli plus récente qui place l'IA au centre au lieu de l'ajouter après coup. Elle trie le courrier en Focus, Feed et Noise, rédige un court résumé de ce qui demande votre attention aujourd'hui et répond à vos questions sur votre boîte en langage courant. Vous lui apprenez des règles avec vos propres mots, et elle signale le phishing et l'usurpation probables. Elle fonctionne avec Gmail, Google Workspace, Outlook, Microsoft 365, Yahoo et les comptes IMAP, avec des comptes illimités dans toutes les offres.

• Pour qui : les personnes noyées sous les mails qui veulent que l'IA trie et leur dise quoi faire ensuite
• Prix : gratuit avec comptes illimités et 10 actions IA par jour ; Pro coûte 20 $ par mois ou 200 $ par an, avec IA illimitée. L'essai Pro de 7 jours demande une carte bancaire.
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows, web
• Points forts : tri par IA en Focus, Feed et Noise, résumé quotidien, Ask Dove, règles en langage courant
• Point faible : elle est récente, avec seulement quelques dizaines d'avis sur Google Play, et Pro coûte plus cher que la plupart des applis de cette liste.

5. Spark : la meilleure pour le tri intelligent et les petites équipes

La Smart Inbox de Spark range le courrier entre personnes, notifications et newsletters, pour que les messages personnels ne disparaissent pas sous les promotions. La version gratuite accepte des comptes illimités et inclut les notifications intelligentes. Les offres payantes ajoutent Spark +AI pour rédiger et résumer, ainsi que des outils d'équipe comme les brouillons partagés et les commentaires. Spark existe aussi sur iPhone, Mac et Windows, vos habitudes vous suivent donc.

• Pour qui : les professionnels occupés et les petites équipes qui veulent qu'on trie pour eux
• Prix : gratuit ; Plus 10 €/mois ou 99 €/an ; Pro 22 €/mois ou 229 €/an (tarifs de l'App Store français)
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone et iPad, Mac, Windows
• Points forts : Smart Inbox, notifications intelligentes, travail en équipe, Spark +AI
• Point faible : certaines fonctions traitent vos mails sur les serveurs de Readdle, et l'assistant IA est payant. D'autres options dans nos alternatives à Spark.

6. Spike : la meilleure pour des mails qui se lisent comme un chat

Spike retire les en-têtes et les signatures et affiche chaque conversation comme un fil de discussion : un échange avec un collègue se lit comme dans une messagerie instantanée. L'appli réunit aussi des canaux d'équipe, des notes, des tâches et des appels vidéo, et Spike AI rédige des réponses et résume les fils. C'est l'appli la plus déroutante de cette liste, ce qui explique que certains l'adorent et que d'autres la désinstallent vite.

• Pour qui : ceux qui préfèrent discuter plutôt qu'écrire des mails formels, et les petites équipes qui veulent mail et chat au même endroit
• Prix : gratuit pour une adresse mail ; Pro coûte 6 $ par utilisateur et par mois en paiement annuel (8 $ au mois) pour une boîte unifiée jusqu'à 3 adresses ; Ultimate coûte 12 $ en paiement annuel (16 $ au mois) pour un nombre illimité d'adresses
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone et iPad, Mac, Windows, web
• Points forts : conversations façon chat, fil unifié, canaux d'équipe, Spike AI
• Point faible : la version gratuite ne couvre qu'une adresse, la boîte multicompte est donc payante, et la dernière mise à jour de l'appli Android sur Google Play date de juin 2026.

7. Yahoo Mail : la meilleure pour les utilisateurs Yahoo et AOL

Si votre adresse se termine par yahoo.fr, yahoo.com ou aol.com, l'appli Yahoo Mail est la façon la plus complète de l'utiliser sur Android. Les comptes gratuits ont 20 Go de stockage, la boîte range offres, voyages et reçus dans des vues dédiées, et l'appli accepte aussi les comptes Gmail, Outlook et AOL. Mail Plus supprime la publicité et relève les limites.

• Pour qui : les utilisateurs Yahoo et AOL, et ceux qui veulent des adresses jetables intégrées
• Prix : gratuit ; Mail Plus coûte 5 $ par mois aux États-Unis, avec un essai de 14 jours (sans publicité, 200 Go, jusqu'à 500 adresses jetables)
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone et iPad, web
• Points forts : vues par thème, suivi des colis, adresses jetables avec Plus
• Point faible : l'appli gratuite affiche beaucoup de publicités, et les fuites de données passées de Yahoo en refroidissent encore certains.

8. BlueMail : la meilleure appli gratuite polyvalente, sur toutes les plateformes

L'offre gratuite Personal de BlueMail est généreuse : comptes illimités, boîte de réception unifiée, Clusters qui regroupent le courrier par type d'expéditeur, et chiffrement PGP. Elle tourne sur plus de systèmes que toutes les autres ici, Linux compris. L'offre Plus ajoute GemAI, son assistant IA, ainsi que des thèmes premium et la sauvegarde des mails sur ordinateur.

• Pour qui : les personnes aux fournisseurs variés qui veulent une appli gratuite sur tous leurs appareils
• Prix : offre Personal gratuite ; Plus et Team sont des offres payantes avec essai gratuit (7 et 14 jours). Les prix varient selon le pays, vérifiez-les sur bluemail.me/pricing.
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone et iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux
• Points forts : Clusters, PGP, boîte unifiée, multiplateforme
• Point faible : les réglages sont tentaculaires, et la politique de confidentialité de BlueMail a été critiquée par le passé. D'autres choix dans nos alternatives à BlueMail.

9. Thunderbird pour Android : la meilleure appli gratuite et open source (ex-K-9 Mail)

Thunderbird pour Android, c'est l'appli qui s'appelait K-9 Mail. Thunderbird a repris K-9 en 2022 et publié l'appli renommée sous le nom de Thunderbird pour Android 8.0 le 30 octobre 2024. Elle est gratuite, open source et financée par les dons, sans publicité. Vous avez des comptes illimités, une boîte unifiée et le chiffrement OpenPGP (via l'appli gratuite OpenKeychain), et elle va naturellement de pair avec Thunderbird sur ordinateur.

• Pour qui : les utilisateurs soucieux de leur vie privée, les adeptes de l'open source et les anciens utilisateurs de K-9 Mail
• Prix : gratuit (dons)
• Plateformes : Android (Google Play et F-Droid) ; Thunderbird de bureau sur Windows, Mac et Linux. Une appli iPhone est en bêta publique via TestFlight, mais pas encore sur l'App Store.
• Points forts : open source, OpenPGP, boîte unifiée, aucune publicité
• Point faible : c'est une appli de mail seulement, sans calendrier ni IA, et sa note Play (3,5) est la plus basse de la liste. Pas encore de version iPhone sur l'App Store.

Ou changer de messagerie

Les applis ci-dessus fonctionnent avec l'adresse que vous avez déjà. Si ce que vous voulez vraiment, c'est un courrier chiffré de bout en bout, il vous faut une nouvelle adresse chez un fournisseur qui le propose, et son appli.

10. Proton Mail : la meilleure pour les mails chiffrés

Proton Mail est un service suisse de messagerie chiffrée aux applis open source. Les messages entre utilisateurs Proton sont chiffrés de bout en bout, et vous pouvez envoyer des mails protégés par mot de passe à n'importe qui d'autre. L'appli Android est épurée et sans publicité, et vous obtenez une nouvelle adresse en @proton.me.

• Pour qui : les personnes qui veulent le chiffrement de bout en bout et acceptent de changer d'adresse
• Prix : gratuit avec jusqu'à 1 Go de stockage mail (500 Mo tant que vous n'avez pas terminé la liste de démarrage de Proton), 1 adresse et 150 messages par jour ; Mail Plus coûte 4,99 € par mois, ou 3,99 € par mois en paiement annuel (47,88 €), avec 15 Go et 10 adresses
• Plateformes : Android, iPhone et iPad, web, et une appli de bureau
• Points forts : chiffrement de bout en bout, mails protégés par mot de passe, droit suisse de la vie privée
• Point faible : l'appli ne fonctionne qu'avec les comptes Proton, impossible d'y ajouter Gmail ou Outlook, et l'offre gratuite est petite. D'autres options dans nos alternatives à ProtonMail.

À voir aussi

Ces applis ont des fidèles sur Android mais ne figurent pas dans la liste numérotée, le plus souvent parce qu'elles répondent à un besoin plus étroit.

Shortwave

Une appli mail très axée sur l'IA, construite sur Gmail. Elle ne se connecte directement qu'à Gmail et Google Workspace ; le courrier Outlook ou Yahoo doit d'abord être transféré vers un compte Gmail, d'où son absence de la liste principale. Il existe une offre gratuite sans publicité, et les offres payantes commencent à 30 $ par utilisateur et par mois.

Samsung Email

L'appli mail par défaut des Galaxy, disponible uniquement sur les appareils Samsung. Elle est gratuite, a une boîte de réception combinée et gère Exchange ActiveSync pour les comptes professionnels. Elle n'a aucune des fonctions d'IA ou de tri des applis ci-dessus. Plus de détails dans la comparaison des applis préinstallées plus bas.

Edison Mail

Rapide et soignée : désabonnement en un geste, blocage des pixels espions et un assistant qui range voyages, colis et reçus dans leurs propres dossiers. Edison Mail+ coûte 14,99 $ par mois ou 99,99 $ par an. Edison appartient à la société d'études YipitData et explique que son activité d'études permet de garder l'appli gratuite.

FairEmail

Un client open source centré sur la vie privée, sans publicité ni pistage. Il gère des comptes illimités avec une boîte unifiée et prend en charge OpenPGP, et les fonctions Pro s'achètent une fois pour toutes. L'interface est dense, et Exchange ActiveSync n'est pas pris en charge.

Aqua Mail

Un client Android de longue date, aux réglages très poussés et compatible Exchange. La version gratuite affiche des publicités, la version Pro les supprime.

Nine

Conçue autour d'Exchange ActiveSync pour le mail, le calendrier, les contacts et les tâches d'entreprise, et compatible avec les outils de gestion des appareils comme Intune. Pour les professionnels qui ne peuvent pas ou ne veulent pas utiliser Outlook, malgré une note Play faible (2,9).

Superhuman

Une appli mail haut de gamme et rapide, pensée pour les professionnels qui vivent dans leur boîte de réception. Son appli Android n'a que quelques centaines d'avis sur Google Play, et c'est un abonnement payant. Voir nos alternatives à Superhuman.

L'appli préinstallée suffit-elle ? Gmail ou Samsung Email

Android n'a pas une seule appli mail intégrée. La plupart des téléphones sont livrés avec Gmail ; les Samsung Galaxy, avec Gmail et Samsung Email. Les deux sont gratuites et lisent les comptes d'autres fournisseurs, beaucoup n'ont donc besoin de rien d'autre.

• Gmail est le meilleur choix si votre compte principal est chez Google. Vous profitez du filtre antispam, des catégories et de la recherche de Google, et de jusqu'à cinq adresses dans une même appli. Les autres fournisseurs fonctionnent mais perdent le tri de Gmail.
• Samsung Email est le meilleur choix pour un compte Exchange professionnel sur un Galaxy si vous ne voulez pas d'Outlook. Elle traite tous les comptes de la même façon, sans publicité, mais n'existe que sur les appareils Samsung.

Installez autre chose si vous voulez une seule boîte qui traite tous les fournisseurs à égalité, l'aide de l'IA pour écrire et trier, du chiffrement, ou la même appli sur votre ordinateur.

Pourquoi les notifications de mail arrivent en retard sur Android, et comment y remédier

Les notifications en retard ou absentes font partie des plaintes les plus courantes sur Android, et la cause est généralement la gestion de la batterie plutôt que l'appli mail. Android et les fabricants mettent en veille les applis en arrière-plan pour économiser l'énergie, et une appli en veille ne peut pas vérifier l'arrivée de nouveaux mails. Les noms des menus varient selon le fabricant et la version d'Android, mais les solutions ressemblent à ceci :

1. Vérifiez les réglages de notification de l'appli. Dans Gmail, par exemple, les notifications ne sont activées par défaut que pour la catégorie Principale. Ouvrez Gmail, touchez le menu, puis Paramètres, choisissez le compte et sélectionnez Notifications par e-mail.
2. Autorisez l'utilisation en arrière-plan sur un Pixel ou sous Android standard. Ouvrez Paramètres > Applications > Voir toutes les applications, choisissez votre appli mail, touchez Utilisation de la batterie par l'application et vérifiez que Autoriser l'utilisation en arrière-plan est activé. Google précise qu'une appli dont l'optimisation de la batterie est désactivée peut fonctionner davantage en arrière-plan, et que la batterie adaptative peut retarder les notifications.
3. Sortez l'appli de la veille sur un Samsung Galaxy. Ouvrez Paramètres > Batterie et maintenance de l'appareil > Batterie > Limites d'utilisation en arrière-plan. Retirez votre appli mail des applications en veille et en veille prolongée, et ajoutez-la aux applications jamais en veille. Samsung indique que les applis en veille ne se synchronisent pas et n'affichent pas de notifications en arrière-plan, et que les applis jamais en veille peuvent consommer plus de batterie.
4. Surveillez l'économiseur de batterie. Quand il est activé, Android limite l'activité en arrière-plan, et les mails peuvent attendre que vous ouvriez l'appli.

Orange, Free, SFR et laposte.net sur Android

Beaucoup d'adresses françaises sont chez un fournisseur d'accès ou chez La Poste. Leurs applications gratuites sont pensées pour leur propre messagerie : l'application Mail Orange, par exemple, sert à consulter une ou plusieurs boîtes Orange, et l'application laposte.net votre boîte laposte.net. Pour lire ces adresses avec Gmail ou Outlook dans une seule appli, prenez une application de la liste ci-dessus et vérifiez ces points :

• Orange (@orange.fr, @wanadoo.fr) : l'accès POP/IMAP est désactivé par défaut sur les boîtes récentes. Activez-le dans les paramètres de Mail Orange, et utilisez de préférence le mot de passe dédié aux logiciels de messagerie, à récupérer dans votre Espace client, rubrique Connexion et sécurité. Serveurs : imap.orange.fr (port 993, SSL/TLS) et smtp.orange.fr (port 465, SSL/TLS).
• laposte.net : seules les connexions chiffrées sont acceptées. Serveurs : imap.laposte.net (port 993) et smtp.laposte.net (port 587), avec SSL/TLS.
• Free : serveur IMAP imap.free.fr (port 993, SSL).
• SFR : vérifiez les paramètres IMAP à jour sur l'assistance SFR avant de configurer votre adresse.

Pour ajouter une adresse Orange dans Gmail, une fois l'accès IMAP activé : touchez votre photo de profil, puis Ajouter un autre compte > Autre, et saisissez votre adresse et le mot de passe dédié. Si les serveurs ne sont pas détectés, indiquez ceux ci-dessus.

Bien choisir son application mail Android

• Comment elle se connecte. Certaines applis parlent directement à votre serveur mail depuis le téléphone (Thunderbird, FairEmail). D'autres synchronisent via les serveurs de l'éditeur pour assurer les notifications push ou l'IA (Outlook pour les comptes non Microsoft, Spark pour certaines fonctions). Aucune approche n'est mauvaise, mais mieux vaut savoir laquelle vous choisissez.
• API Gmail ou IMAP. Une appli qui se connecte à Gmail par l'interface de Google voit les libellés, les catégories et l'archivage comme Gmail. Une appli en IMAP simple voit les libellés comme des dossiers, et l'archivage ou la suppression peuvent se comporter autrement que dans l'appli Gmail. Si vous vivez dans vos libellés Gmail, testez votre façon de faire avant de vous engager.
• Méthode de connexion. Préférez les applis qui passent par la page de connexion de Google ou de Microsoft (OAuth). Vous pourrez révoquer l'accès plus tard sans changer de mot de passe.
• Comptes professionnels. Beaucoup d'entreprises n'autorisent qu'Outlook ou exigent une validation pour les autres applis. Renseignez-vous auprès du service informatique avant de confier vos mails pro à une appli tierce.
• Notifications et batterie. Sur un téléphone, un push fiable compte plus que presque tout le reste. Utilisez une nouvelle appli quelques jours et vérifiez que les mails arrivent à l'heure ; la partie ci-dessus détaille les solutions.
• Ce que comprend vraiment la version gratuite. Limites de comptes, publicité, IA et limites d'appareils varient beaucoup. Le tableau comparatif ci-dessus indique les limites de chaque appli.

La meilleure application mail Android selon votre besoin

• Gratuite et sans publicité : Thunderbird pour Android, FairEmail, BlueMail et la version gratuite de Canary Mail. Notre liste de messageries sans publicité va plus loin.
• Vie privée : Thunderbird pour Android ou FairEmail pour votre adresse actuelle, Proton Mail si vous changez de fournisseur.
• Mail professionnel sur Exchange ou Microsoft 365 : Outlook d'abord ; Samsung Email sur un Galaxy, ou Nine s'il vous faut ActiveSync sans Outlook.
• Plusieurs comptes dans une boîte : Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, BlueMail ou la vue Toutes les boîtes de réception de Gmail. Nous les comparons sur toutes les plateformes dans les meilleures applis mail pour plusieurs comptes.
• L'aide de l'IA pour écrire et trier : Canary Mail, Dove, Spark ou Spike.
• Téléphone Android et iPhone ou Mac : choisissez une appli qui existe des deux côtés, comme Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, Gmail ou Dove. Si quelqu'un chez vous est sur iPhone, notre liste des meilleures applis mail pour iPhone suit la même approche.

Notre méthode

Nous avons retenu des applis activement maintenues sur Google Play, compatibles avec les grands fournisseurs (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud, Orange ou IMAP) et recommandées pour Android par d'autres testeurs et sur les forums Android. Gmail, Outlook et Spark figurent sur presque toutes les listes Android que nous avons lues ; Spike, Proton Mail, BlueMail, Yahoo Mail et Thunderbird sur plusieurs. Nous les avons classées selon la façon dont chacune sert un type d'utilisateur précis, et placé à part les services qui obligent à changer d'adresse.

Le 12 novembre 2026, nous avons vérifié chaque prix et chaque offre sur le site de l'éditeur, ainsi que chaque note, date de mise à jour et mention de publicité sur la fiche Google Play américaine de l'appli. Les captures d'écran viennent de ces fiches. Les prix en euros viennent de l'éditeur ou de l'App Store français ; quand un éditeur n'affiche que des prix en dollars, nous les donnons tels quels. Les prix changent souvent, vérifiez-les avant d'acheter. Les applis abandonnées comme Newton ne figurent pas dans la liste. Canary Mail et Dove sont conçues par notre entreprise, et nous le précisons à chaque fois.

FAQ

Quelle est la meilleure application mail pour Android ?

Pour la plupart des gens, Gmail : préinstallée, gratuite, et elle gère aussi les comptes d'autres fournisseurs. Choisissez Outlook pour un compte professionnel Microsoft 365, Canary Mail ou Spark pour de nombreux comptes avec l'IA, et Thunderbird pour Android si vous voulez une appli gratuite et open source.

Android a-t-il sa propre application mail ?

Pas une appli unique pour tous. Gmail est l'appli par défaut sur la plupart des téléphones Android, et les Samsung Galaxy ont aussi Samsung Email. Les deux acceptent d'autres comptes, et vous pouvez installer n'importe quelle autre appli mail depuis Google Play et l'utiliser à la place.

Quelle application mail Android gratuite et sans pub choisir ?

Thunderbird pour Android et FairEmail sont gratuites, open source et totalement sans publicité. Les versions gratuites de BlueMail et de Canary Mail n'en affichent pas non plus. Gmail, Outlook (sur les comptes Outlook.com gratuits), Yahoo Mail et la version gratuite d'Aqua Mail affichent de la publicité. Plus de détails dans notre guide des messageries sans publicité.

Existe-t-il une meilleure application mail que Gmail ?

Pour un compte uniquement Google, Gmail est difficile à battre. Si vous utilisez aussi Outlook, Orange, iCloud ou Yahoo, une appli qui traite tous les fournisseurs à égalité (Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook ou BlueMail) sera plus agréable. Pour le tri par IA, regardez Dove ou Spark ; pour la vie privée, Thunderbird ou FairEmail.

Pourquoi mes notifications de mail arrivent-elles en retard sur Android ?

Le plus souvent parce qu'Android ou le fabricant du téléphone a mis l'appli mail en veille pour économiser la batterie. Autorisez l'utilisation en arrière-plan de l'appli, retirez-la des applications en veille et en veille prolongée sur un Samsung, et vérifiez les réglages de notification de l'appli elle-même. Les étapes sont détaillées dans la partie sur les notifications ci-dessus.

Une seule appli peut-elle gérer Gmail et Outlook sur Android ?

Oui. Gmail, Outlook, Canary Mail, Spark, BlueMail, Dove et Thunderbird pour Android acceptent les deux types de compte. Gmail et Outlook fonctionnent au mieux avec leurs propres comptes, tandis que Canary Mail, Spark et BlueMail les traitent de la même façon dans une boîte unifiée.

FairEmail ou Thunderbird pour Android : laquelle choisir ?

Les deux sont gratuites, open source et sans publicité. Thunderbird pour Android est plus simple à configurer et va de pair avec Thunderbird sur ordinateur. FairEmail offre bien plus de réglages et d'options de confidentialité, avec une meilleure note Play, mais une interface plus chargée. Aucune des deux ne prend en charge Exchange ActiveSync.

Qu'est devenu K-9 Mail ?

K-9 Mail est devenu Thunderbird pour Android. Thunderbird a repris le projet en 2022, et la première version stable de Thunderbird pour Android (8.0) est sortie le 30 octobre 2024. K-9 Mail est toujours sur Google Play et reçoit des mises à jour issues du même code : rien ne casse si vous restez. Pour passer à Thunderbird, exportez vos réglages dans K-9 et importez-les dans Thunderbird.

Sources

Vérifié le 12 novembre 2026.

• Fiches Google Play (États-Unis) de chaque appli : notes, dernière mise à jour, mentions de publicité et captures d'écran
• Tarifs Canary Mail : canarymail.io/pricing
• Tarifs Dove : dove.email/pricing
• Gmail, ajouter d'autres comptes et Toutes les boîtes de réception : support.google.com/mail/answer/6078445
• Notifications Gmail sur Android : support.google.com/mail/answer/1075549
• Réglages de batterie Android : support.google.com/android/answer/7664692 et support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7015477
• Limites d'utilisation en arrière-plan Samsung : samsung.com/us/support/galaxy-battery/optimization
• Offres Microsoft 365 : microsoft.com/fr-fr/microsoft-365 ; Outlook et synchronisation via le Microsoft Cloud : support.microsoft.com
• Tarifs et confidentialité de Spark : sparkmailapp.com/pricing, sparkmailapp.com/privacy
• Tarifs Spike : spikenow.com/pricing
• Offres BlueMail : bluemail.me/pricing
• Yahoo Mail Plus : mail.yahoo.com/plus/mail
• Thunderbird pour Android et la feuille de route iOS : thunderbird.net/mobile, roadmaps.thunderbird.net/en-US/ios
• Offres Proton : proton.me/mail/pricing, proton.me/support/proton-plans
• Tarifs et comptes pris en charge par Shortwave : shortwave.com/pricing
• Edison Mail+ : edisonmail.com/features/edison-mail-plus
• FairEmail : email.faircode.eu ; Nine : 9folders.com
• Orange, laposte.net, Free et SFR : pages d'assistance des fournisseurs pour les paramètres IMAP

Die schnelle Empfehlung nach Bedarf:

• Ohne Einrichtung: Gmail, auf einem Galaxy-Handy auch Samsung E-Mail.
• Dienstkonto bei Microsoft 365 oder Exchange: Microsoft Outlook.
• Mehrere Anbieter plus KI, mit derselben App auf dem Computer: Canary Mail, Spark oder Dove.
• E-Mail, die sich wie ein Chat anfühlt: Spike.
• Kostenlos und Open Source: Thunderbird für Android oder FairEmail.
• Ende-zu-Ende-Verschlüsselung, und Sie sind bereit, die Adresse zu wechseln: Proton Mail.

Nutzen Sie GMX, WEB.DE oder T-Online, lesen Sie auch den Abschnitt zu diesen Anbietern weiter unten. Ihre eigenen Apps sind vor allem für das eigene Postfach gedacht, und bevor eine andere App Ihre Mails abrufen darf, müssen Sie meist eine Einstellung ändern.

Hinweis: Canary Mail und Dove stammen von unserem Unternehmen. Sie werden hier genauso behandelt wie alle anderen Apps, Schwächen inklusive.

Die Apps im Überblick

Die Bewertungen sind die Durchschnittswerte im US-Eintrag bei Google Play (Anzahl der Bewertungen in Klammern), Stand 12. November 2026. Tippen Sie auf einen App-Namen, um zum Eintrag zu springen.

Die besten E-Mail-Apps für Android 2026

Die ersten neun Apps funktionieren mit der Adresse, die Sie schon haben. Proton Mail am Ende ist eine andere Art von Wahl: ein verschlüsselter E-Mail-Dienst, zu dem Sie umziehen. Die Screenshots stammen aus dem Google-Play-Eintrag der jeweiligen App und zeigen die Android-App so, wie der Hersteller sie präsentiert.

1. Canary Mail: Am besten für mehrere Konten mit KI

Hinweis: Canary Mail stammt von uns. Gewichten Sie diese Empfehlung entsprechend.

Canary bringt Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, GMX, WEB.DE, Exchange und jedes IMAP-Konto in eine App, mit einem gemeinsamen Posteingang, den Sie mit einem Tippen auf ein einzelnes Konto eingrenzen. Mehr als 2 Millionen Menschen nutzen die App, und Apple hat sie im App Store und im Mac App Store vorgestellt. In den bezahlten Tarifen schreibt die KI Antworten in Ihrem Ton, fasst lange Verläufe zusammen und sortiert eingehende Mails. Lesebestätigungen, zeitversetztes Senden und Regeln sind ebenfalls dabei, und Pro+ ergänzt PGP-Verschlüsselung, SecureSend und Phishing-Erkennung. Dieselbe App läuft auf iPhone, Mac und Windows, Ihre Einrichtung zieht also vom Handy auf den Computer mit.

• Für wen: Menschen mit Postfächern bei mehreren Anbietern, die KI-Hilfe und dieselbe App auf Handy und Computer möchten
• Preis: kostenlos mit unbegrenzt vielen Konten auf bis zu 2 Geräten; Growth 39,99 €/Jahr (KI-Copilot, zeitversetztes Senden, Regeln, bis zu 5 Geräte); Pro+ 99,99 €/Jahr (dazu PGP, SecureSend und Phishing-Erkennung). Beide Tarife gibt es auch als einmalige Lifetime-Lizenz, und die 7-tägige Testphase braucht keine Kreditkarte.
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone und iPad, Mac, Windows
• Stärken: gemeinsamer Posteingang, KI zum Schreiben und Zusammenfassen, Lesebestätigungen, PGP-Verschlüsselung
• Schwäche: KI und die erweiterten Funktionen gibt es nur in den bezahlten Tarifen, und abgerechnet wird jährlich oder einmalig, ohne Monatsabo. Die Play-Bewertung (4,2) beruht auf deutlich weniger Stimmen als bei den großen Namen.

2. Gmail: Die beste vorinstallierte App für Google-Konten

Gmail ist auf fast jedem Android-Handy vorinstalliert, für viele ist die beste Mail-App also die, die sie schon haben. Sie ist auch nicht nur für Gmail-Adressen gedacht. Laut Google-Hilfe können Sie bis zu fünf Adressen hinzufügen, darunter Outlook-, iCloud- und Yahoo-Konten oder jedes IMAP-Konto, und sie gemeinsam lesen: Menü antippen und Alle Posteingänge wählen. Für iCloud brauchen Sie vorher ein app-spezifisches Passwort aus Ihrem Apple Account (unser Hilfeartikel zeigt, wie Sie ein iCloud-Konto auf Android hinzufügen). Googles Spamfilter, die Kategorien-Tabs und die Suche sind die besten Gründe, bei Gmail zu bleiben. Gemini fasst Verläufe zusammen und hilft beim Antworten, wenn Ihr Google-Abo es enthält.

• Für wen: alle, deren Hauptadresse bei Gmail oder Google Workspace liegt und die nichts einrichten wollen
• Preis: kostenlos mit 15 GB Speicher, den sich Gmail, Drive und Fotos teilen. Google-One-Speicher gibt es ab 1,99 € im Monat für 100 GB, Gemini in Gmail ist in den Google-KI-Abos enthalten.
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone und iPad, Web (keine Desktop-App)
• Stärken: Spamfilter, Kategorien, schnelle Suche, Ansicht „Alle Posteingänge“
• Schwäche: Konten anderer Anbieter sind Bürger zweiter Klasse. Sie bekommen weder Gmails Kategorien noch den Spamfilter, und in den Tabs „Werbung“ und „Soziale Netzwerke“ erscheint Werbung.

3. Microsoft Outlook: Am besten für Arbeit und Microsoft 365

Läuft Ihre Arbeit über Microsoft 365 oder Exchange, ist Outlook die sichere Wahl. IT-Abteilungen geben die App frei, und mit Firmenpostfächern, geteilten Kalendern und Office-Anhängen kommt sie besser zurecht als jede Drittanbieter-App. Gmail-, Yahoo-, iCloud- und IMAP-Konten nimmt sie ebenfalls auf, mit gemeinsamem Posteingang und dem Posteingang mit Relevanz, der Wichtiges vom Rest trennt. Der Kalender steckt in derselben App. Falls Sie eigentlich Mailbird gesucht haben, das nur unter Windows und auf dem Mac läuft: Outlook kommt dem auf Android am nächsten, die übrigen Optionen finden Sie in unseren Mailbird-Alternativen.

• Für wen: alle mit einem Microsoft-Konto von Arbeit oder Schule sowie Microsoft-365-Abonnenten
• Preis: kostenlos. Kostenlose Outlook.com-Konten zeigen Werbung. Microsoft 365 Basic (20 €/Jahr) entfernt sie für Outlook.com-Adressen; Microsoft 365 Single (10 €/Monat oder 99 €/Jahr) bringt zusätzlich Copilot.
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone und iPad, Windows, Mac, Web
• Stärken: Exchange- und Microsoft-365-Unterstützung, eingebauter Kalender, Posteingang mit Relevanz
• Schwäche: Outlook kann Ihre Gmail-, Yahoo-, iCloud- und IMAP-Konten über die Microsoft Cloud synchronisieren, eine Kopie dieser Mails liegt dann in Microsofts Rechenzentren.

4. Dove: Der beste KI-zentrierte Posteingang

Hinweis: Dove kommt vom Team hinter Canary Mail, also von unserem Unternehmen.

Dove ist eine neuere App, bei der die KI im Mittelpunkt steht, statt nachträglich ergänzt zu sein. Sie sortiert Mails in Focus, Feed und Noise, schreibt eine kurze Zusammenfassung dessen, was heute Ihre Aufmerksamkeit braucht, und beantwortet Fragen zu Ihrem Posteingang in normaler Sprache. Regeln bringen Sie ihr mit eigenen Worten bei, und sie markiert wahrscheinliches Phishing und gefälschte Absender. Dove arbeitet mit Gmail, Google Workspace, Outlook, Microsoft 365, Yahoo und IMAP-Konten, in jedem Tarif mit unbegrenzt vielen Konten.

• Für wen: Menschen, die in Mails ertrinken und möchten, dass die KI sortiert und sagt, was als Nächstes zu tun ist
• Preis: kostenlos mit unbegrenzt vielen Konten und 10 KI-Aktionen pro Tag; Pro kostet 20 $ im Monat oder 200 $ im Jahr, mit unbegrenzter KI. Für die 7-tägige Pro-Testphase ist eine Karte nötig.
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows, Web
• Stärken: KI-Sortierung in Focus, Feed und Noise, tägliche Zusammenfassung, Ask Dove, Regeln in normaler Sprache
• Schwäche: Die App ist neu und hat bei Google Play erst einige Dutzend Bewertungen, und Pro kostet mehr als die meisten Apps dieser Liste.

5. Spark: Am besten für automatische Sortierung und kleine Teams

Der Smart Inbox von Spark sortiert Mails nach Personen, Benachrichtigungen und Newslettern, damit persönliche Nachrichten nicht unter Werbung verschwinden. Die Gratisversion nimmt unbegrenzt viele Konten auf und enthält intelligente Benachrichtigungen. Die bezahlten Tarife bringen Spark +AI zum Schreiben und Zusammenfassen sowie Teamfunktionen wie gemeinsame Entwürfe und Kommentare. Spark gibt es genauso auf iPhone, Mac und Windows, Ihre Gewohnheiten nehmen Sie also mit.

• Für wen: vielbeschäftigte Berufstätige und kleine Teams, die sich das Sortieren abnehmen lassen wollen
• Preis: kostenlos; Plus 10 €/Monat oder 99 €/Jahr; Pro 22 €/Monat oder 229 €/Jahr (Preise im deutschen App Store)
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone und iPad, Mac, Windows
• Stärken: Smart Inbox, intelligente Benachrichtigungen, Zusammenarbeit im Team, Spark +AI
• Schwäche: Manche Funktionen verarbeiten Ihre Mails auf den Servern von Readdle, und der KI-Assistent kostet extra. Weitere Optionen finden Sie in unseren Spark-Alternativen.

6. Spike: Am besten für E-Mail im Chat-Stil

Spike entfernt Kopfzeilen und Signaturen und zeigt jede Unterhaltung als Chatverlauf, ein Hin und Her mit einer Kollegin liest sich also wie in einem Messenger. Dazu kommen Team-Kanäle, Notizen, Aufgaben und Videoanrufe in derselben App, und Spike AI entwirft Antworten und fasst Verläufe zusammen. Es ist die App auf dieser Liste, die sich am stärksten anders anfühlt. Manche lieben sie genau deshalb, andere kommen damit gar nicht zurecht.

• Für wen: Menschen, die lieber chatten als förmliche Mails schreiben, und kleine Teams, die Mail und Chat an einem Ort möchten
• Preis: kostenlos für eine E-Mail-Adresse; Pro kostet 6 $ pro Nutzer und Monat bei Jahreszahlung (8 $ monatlich) für einen gemeinsamen Posteingang mit bis zu 3 Adressen; Ultimate kostet 12 $ bei Jahreszahlung (16 $ monatlich) für beliebig viele Adressen
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone und iPad, Mac, Windows, Web
• Stärken: Unterhaltungen im Chat-Stil, gemeinsamer Feed, Team-Kanäle, Spike AI
• Schwäche: Die Gratisversion deckt nur eine Adresse ab, der Posteingang für mehrere Konten kostet also Geld, und das letzte Update der Android-App bei Google Play stammt vom Juni 2026.

7. Yahoo Mail: Am besten für Yahoo- und AOL-Nutzer

Endet Ihre Adresse auf yahoo.de, yahoo.com oder aol.com, ist die Yahoo-Mail-App der vollständigste Weg, sie auf Android zu nutzen. Kostenlose Konten bekommen 20 GB Speicher, der Posteingang sortiert Angebote, Reisen und Belege in eigene Ansichten, und die App nimmt auch Gmail-, Outlook- und AOL-Konten auf. Mail Plus entfernt die Werbung und hebt die Limits an.

• Für wen: Yahoo- und AOL-Nutzer und alle, die Wegwerfadressen direkt eingebaut haben möchten
• Preis: kostenlos; Mail Plus kostet in den USA 5 $ im Monat, mit 14 Tagen Testzeit (werbefrei, 200 GB, bis zu 500 Wegwerfadressen)
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone und iPad, Web
• Stärken: Themenansichten, Sendungsverfolgung, Wegwerfadressen mit Plus
• Schwäche: Die kostenlose App zeigt viel Werbung, und die Datenlecks der Vergangenheit schrecken manche bis heute ab.

8. BlueMail: Der beste kostenlose Allrounder für alle Plattformen

Der kostenlose Personal-Tarif von BlueMail ist großzügig: unbegrenzt viele Konten, ein gemeinsamer Posteingang, Clusters, die Mails nach Absendertyp gruppieren, und PGP-Verschlüsselung. Die App läuft auf mehr Systemen als alle anderen hier, Linux eingeschlossen. Der Plus-Tarif bringt GemAI, den KI-Assistenten, dazu Premium-Designs und auf dem Desktop eine Mail-Sicherung.

• Für wen: Menschen mit gemischten Anbietern, die eine kostenlose App auf jedem ihrer Geräte möchten
• Preis: Personal kostenlos; Plus und Team sind bezahlte Tarife mit kostenloser Testphase (7 bzw. 14 Tage). Die Preise hängen vom Land ab, prüfen Sie sie unter bluemail.me/pricing.
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone und iPad, Mac, Windows, Linux
• Stärken: Clusters, PGP, gemeinsamer Posteingang, plattformübergreifend
• Schwäche: Die Einstellungen sind ausufernd, und die Datenschutzerklärung von BlueMail wurde in der Vergangenheit kritisiert.

9. Thunderbird für Android: Die beste kostenlose Open-Source-App (früher K-9 Mail)

Thunderbird für Android ist die App, die früher K-9 Mail hieß. Thunderbird hat K-9 im Jahr 2022 übernommen und die umbenannte App am 30. Oktober 2024 als Thunderbird für Android 8.0 veröffentlicht. Sie ist kostenlos, Open Source und durch Spenden finanziert, ohne Werbung. Sie bekommen unbegrenzt viele Konten, einen gemeinsamen Posteingang und OpenPGP-Verschlüsselung (über die kostenlose App OpenKeychain), und sie passt natürlich zu Thunderbird auf dem Computer.

• Für wen: datenschutzbewusste Open-Source-Fans und frühere K-9-Mail-Nutzer
• Preis: kostenlos (Spenden)
• Plattformen: Android (Google Play und F-Droid); Thunderbird für den Computer unter Windows, Mac und Linux. Eine iPhone-App gibt es als öffentliche Beta über TestFlight, im App Store ist sie noch nicht.
• Stärken: Open Source, OpenPGP, gemeinsamer Posteingang, keine Werbung
• Schwäche: Es ist eine reine Mail-App, ohne Kalender und ohne KI, und die Play-Bewertung (3,5) ist die niedrigste hier. Im App Store gibt es noch keine iPhone-Version.

Oder den E-Mail-Dienst wechseln

Die Apps oben arbeiten mit der Adresse, die Sie schon haben. Wollen Sie eigentlich durchgehend Ende-zu-Ende-verschlüsselte E-Mails, brauchen Sie eine neue Adresse bei einem Anbieter, der das bietet, und dessen eigene App.

10. Proton Mail: Am besten für verschlüsselte E-Mails

Proton Mail ist ein verschlüsselter E-Mail-Dienst aus der Schweiz mit Open-Source-Apps. Nachrichten zwischen Proton-Nutzern sind Ende-zu-Ende-verschlüsselt, und an alle anderen können Sie passwortgeschützte Mails schicken. Die Android-App ist aufgeräumt und werbefrei, und Sie bekommen eine neue Adresse auf @proton.me.

• Für wen: Menschen, die Ende-zu-Ende-Verschlüsselung wollen und bereit sind, die Adresse zu wechseln
• Preis: kostenlos mit bis zu 1 GB Mailspeicher (500 MB, bis Sie Protons Einrichtungs-Checkliste abgeschlossen haben), 1 Adresse und 150 Nachrichten pro Tag; Mail Plus kostet 4,99 € im Monat oder 3,99 € im Monat bei Jahreszahlung (47,88 €), mit 15 GB und 10 Adressen
• Plattformen: Android, iPhone und iPad, Web, dazu eine Desktop-App
• Stärken: Ende-zu-Ende-Verschlüsselung, passwortgeschützte Mails, Schweizer Datenschutzrecht
• Schwäche: Die App funktioniert nur mit Proton-Konten, Gmail oder Outlook lassen sich nicht hinzufügen, und die Gratisversion ist knapp bemessen. Weitere Optionen finden Sie in unseren ProtonMail-Alternativen.

Auch einen Blick wert

Diese Apps haben treue Android-Fans, stehen aber nicht in der nummerierten Liste, meist weil sie einen engeren Zweck erfüllen.

Shortwave

Eine stark auf KI ausgerichtete Mail-App auf Gmail-Basis. Direkt verbinden lassen sich nur Gmail und Google Workspace; Mails von Outlook oder Yahoo müssen Sie erst an ein Gmail-Konto weiterleiten, deshalb steht Shortwave nicht in der Hauptliste. Es gibt einen kostenlosen Tarif ohne Werbung, bezahlte Tarife beginnen bei 30 $ pro Nutzer und Monat.

Samsung E-Mail

Die Standard-Mail-App auf Galaxy-Handys, und nur auf Samsung-Geräten erhältlich. Sie ist kostenlos, hat einen gemeinsamen Posteingang und unterstützt Exchange ActiveSync für Dienstkonten. KI- oder Sortierfunktionen wie bei den Apps oben hat sie nicht. Mehr dazu im Vergleich der vorinstallierten Apps weiter unten.

Edison Mail

Schnell und aufgeräumt: Abmelden mit einem Tippen, Blockieren von Tracking-Pixeln und ein Assistent, der Reisen, Pakete und Belege in eigene Ordner sortiert. Edison Mail+ kostet 14,99 $ im Monat oder 99,99 $ im Jahr. Edison gehört dem Research-Unternehmen YipitData und gibt an, dass dessen Research-Geschäft die App kostenlos hält.

FairEmail

Ein Open-Source-Client mit Fokus auf Datenschutz, ohne Werbung und Tracking. Er verwaltet unbegrenzt viele Konten mit gemeinsamem Posteingang und unterstützt OpenPGP, die Pro-Funktionen kaufen Sie einmalig. Die Oberfläche ist dicht gepackt, und Exchange ActiveSync wird nicht unterstützt.

Aqua Mail

Ein langjähriger Android-Client mit sehr vielen Einstellungen und Exchange-Unterstützung. Die kostenlose Version zeigt Werbung, Pro entfernt sie.

Nine

Gebaut rund um Exchange ActiveSync für Firmenmail, Kalender, Kontakte und Aufgaben, und kompatibel mit Geräteverwaltung wie Intune. Für Geschäftsleute, die Outlook nicht nutzen können oder wollen, auch wenn die Play-Bewertung (2,9) niedrig ist.

Superhuman

Eine schnelle Premium-Mail-App für Profis, die praktisch im Posteingang leben. Die Android-App hat bei Google Play erst einige Hundert Bewertungen, und Superhuman ist ein kostenpflichtiges Abo. Mehr in unseren Superhuman-Alternativen.

Reicht die vorinstallierte App? Gmail oder Samsung E-Mail

Android hat nicht die eine eingebaute Mail-App. Die meisten Handys kommen mit Gmail, Samsung-Galaxy-Handys mit Gmail und Samsung E-Mail. Beide sind kostenlos und lesen auch Konten anderer Anbieter, viele brauchen also nie etwas anderes.

• Gmail ist die bessere Wahl, wenn Ihr Hauptkonto bei Google liegt. Sie bekommen Googles Spamfilter, Kategorien und Suche sowie bis zu fünf Adressen in einer App. Andere Anbieter funktionieren, verlieren aber Gmails Sortierung.
• Samsung E-Mail ist die bessere Wahl für ein Exchange-Dienstkonto auf einem Galaxy-Handy, wenn Sie Outlook nicht möchten. Sie behandelt jedes Konto gleich und zeigt keine Werbung, existiert aber nur auf Samsung-Geräten.

Eine andere App lohnt sich, wenn Sie einen Posteingang möchten, der jeden Anbieter gleich behandelt, KI-Hilfe beim Schreiben und Sortieren, Verschlüsselung oder dieselbe App auf dem Computer.

Warum Mail-Benachrichtigungen auf Android zu spät kommen, und was hilft

Verspätete oder fehlende Benachrichtigungen gehören zu den häufigsten Android-Beschwerden, und meist liegt es am Akku-Management, nicht an der Mail-App. Android und die Handyhersteller schicken Apps im Hintergrund schlafen, um Strom zu sparen, und eine schlafende App kann nicht nach neuen Mails sehen. Die Menünamen unterscheiden sich je nach Hersteller und Android-Version, die Lösungen sehen aber so aus:

1. Die Benachrichtigungseinstellungen der App prüfen. In Gmail zum Beispiel sind Benachrichtigungen standardmäßig nur für die Kategorie „Allgemein“ aktiv. Öffnen Sie Gmail, tippen Sie auf das Menü, dann auf Einstellungen, wählen Sie das Konto und dann E-Mail-Benachrichtigungen.
2. Auf einem Pixel oder bei Android ohne Herstelleroberfläche die Hintergrundnutzung erlauben. Öffnen Sie Einstellungen > Apps > Alle Apps anzeigen, wählen Sie Ihre Mail-App, tippen Sie auf Akkunutzung der App und achten Sie darauf, dass Hintergrundnutzung zulassen aktiviert ist. Google weist darauf hin, dass eine App ohne Akkuoptimierung mehr im Hintergrund laufen kann und dass der adaptive Akku Benachrichtigungen verzögern kann.
3. Auf einem Samsung Galaxy die App aus dem Standby holen. Öffnen Sie Einstellungen > Akku und Gerätewartung > Akku > Hintergrundnutzungslimits. Entfernen Sie Ihre Mail-App aus den Apps im Standby und im Tiefschlaf und fügen Sie sie zu den Apps, die nie in den Standby wechseln hinzu. Laut Samsung synchronisieren Apps im Standby im Hintergrund nicht und zeigen keine Benachrichtigungen, und Apps ohne Standby können mehr Akku verbrauchen.
4. Auf den Energiesparmodus achten. Ist er aktiv, schränkt Android Hintergrundaktivität ein, und Mails kommen eventuell erst, wenn Sie die App öffnen.

GMX, WEB.DE und T-Online auf Android

Viele Postfächer in Deutschland liegen bei GMX, WEB.DE oder der Telekom. Alle drei haben eigene kostenlose Apps, die aber vor allem für das eigene Postfach gedacht sind:

• GMX Mail und WEB.DE Mail: Mehrere GMX- bzw. WEB.DE-Konten lassen sich direkt in der App hinzufügen. Postfächer anderer Anbieter holen Sie über den kostenlosen Sammeldienst ins GMX- oder WEB.DE-Postfach. Die Mails landen dann bei GMX bzw. WEB.DE, nicht als eigenständiges Konto in der App.
• Telekom Mail: Die App verwaltet beliebig viele @t-online.de- und @magenta.de-Postfächer. Konten anderer Anbieter werden laut Telekom-Support nicht unterstützt.

Wenn Sie Ihre GMX-, WEB.DE- oder T-Online-Adresse zusammen mit Gmail oder Outlook in einer App lesen möchten, nehmen Sie eine der Apps aus der Liste oben und beachten Sie diese Einstellungen:

• GMX und WEB.DE: Der Zugriff per POP3/IMAP ist ab Werk ausgeschaltet. Aktivieren Sie ihn im Webmailer unter E-Mail-Einstellungen > POP3/IMAP (Option „POP3- und IMAP-Zugriff erlauben“). Wird er lange nicht genutzt, schalten GMX und WEB.DE ihn wieder ab.
• T-Online: Für Mail-Apps brauchen Sie ein eigenes „Passwort für E-Mail-Programme“, das Sie im E-Mail Center oder im Kundencenter der Telekom festlegen. Der IMAP-Server lautet secureimap.t-online.de, Port 993.

Worauf Sie bei einer Android-Mail-App achten sollten

• Wie sie sich verbindet. Manche Apps sprechen direkt vom Handy mit Ihrem Mailserver (Thunderbird, FairEmail). Andere synchronisieren über die Server des Herstellers, um Push-Benachrichtigungen oder KI zu ermöglichen (Outlook bei Konten anderer Anbieter, Spark bei einigen Funktionen). Beides ist nicht falsch, Sie sollten aber wissen, was Sie bekommen.
• Gmail-Schnittstelle oder IMAP. Eine App, die über Googles eigene Schnittstelle mit Gmail spricht, sieht Labels, Kategorien und Archiv so wie Gmail selbst. Eine App mit reinem IMAP sieht Labels als Ordner, und Archivieren oder Löschen kann sich anders verhalten als in der Gmail-App. Arbeiten Sie viel mit Gmail-Labels, probieren Sie Ihren Ablauf aus, bevor Sie sich festlegen.
• Anmeldeverfahren. Bevorzugen Sie Apps, die sich über die Anmeldeseite von Google oder Microsoft anmelden (OAuth). Den Zugriff können Sie später widerrufen, ohne Ihr Passwort zu ändern.
• Dienstkonten. Viele Firmen erlauben nur Outlook oder verlangen eine Freigabe für andere Apps. Klären Sie das mit der IT, bevor Sie sich für Firmenmails auf eine Drittanbieter-App verlassen.
• Benachrichtigungen und Akku. Zuverlässiges Push ist auf dem Handy wichtiger als fast alles andere. Nutzen Sie eine neue App ein paar Tage und achten Sie darauf, dass neue Mails pünktlich ankommen; der Abschnitt oben zeigt die Lösungen.
• Was die Gratisversion wirklich enthält. Kontolimits, Werbung, KI und Gerätelimits unterscheiden sich stark. Die Vergleichstabelle oben zeigt die Grenzen jeder App.

Die beste Android-Mail-App nach Bedarf

• Kostenlos ohne Werbung: Thunderbird für Android, FairEmail, BlueMail und die Gratisversion von Canary Mail. Unsere Liste werbefreier E-Mail-Apps geht tiefer.
• Datenschutz: Thunderbird für Android oder FairEmail für Ihre bisherige Adresse, Proton Mail, wenn Sie den Anbieter wechseln.
• Dienstmail über Exchange oder Microsoft 365: zuerst Outlook; Samsung E-Mail auf einem Galaxy-Handy oder Nine, wenn Sie ActiveSync ohne Outlook brauchen.
• Mehrere Konten in einem Posteingang: Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, BlueMail oder Gmails „Alle Posteingänge“. Für alle Plattformen vergleichen wir das in den besten E-Mail-Apps für mehrere Konten.
• KI-Hilfe beim Schreiben und Sortieren: Canary Mail, Dove, Spark oder Spike.
• Android-Handy plus iPhone oder Mac: Nehmen Sie eine App, die es auf beiden gibt, etwa Canary Mail, Spark, Outlook, Gmail oder Dove. Nutzt jemand in Ihrem Haushalt ein iPhone, hilft unsere Liste der besten Mail-Apps fürs iPhone.