How to Block Someone on Gmail
Stop a sender's emails in Gmail: open a message, hit the three-dot menu, and Block. Here's how, how to unblock, and how to block a whole domain.
To block someone on Gmail, open one of their emails, click the three-dot menu at the top right of the message, and choose Block [sender]. From then on their mail skips your inbox and lands in Spam. Gmail never tells the sender they were blocked.
Block a sender in three clicks
Open any message from the person. At the top right of that message, next to Reply, click More (the three vertical dots), then Block [sender] and confirm Block. Every future email from that address goes straight to Spam instead of your inbox. It works the same way in the Gmail app.
Unblock, or choose a softer option
Blocking is reversible, and it is not always the right tool.
| Action | What it does | Use when |
|---|---|---|
| Block | Sends that sender to Spam | A person keeps emailing you |
| Report spam | Flags it and trains the filter | Unwanted bulk or scam mail |
| Unsubscribe | Leaves a legitimate list | A newsletter you once wanted |
To reverse a block, go to Settings, See all settings, Filters and Blocked Addresses, tick the address, and Unblock selected addresses. For junk that is more scam than annoyance, Report spam does more, and it is the right move for a phishing email.
Block a whole domain
Blocking is per-address, so to stop every email from one company, use a filter. Open Settings, Filters and Blocked Addresses, Create a new filter, put @company.com in the From box, Create filter, then tick Delete it (or Skip the Inbox) and Create filter. That quietly removes anything from that domain. If wanted mail has gone missing rather than unwanted mail arriving, that is the opposite problem — see Gmail not receiving emails — and labels help keep the senders you do want organized.
Block one person from their message in three clicks; use a filter when it is a whole domain. Reach for Report spam over Block when the mail is a scam, since it also helps protect other people.
Common questions
How do I unblock someone on Gmail?
Go to Settings, See all settings, Filters and Blocked Addresses, tick the address, and click Unblock selected addresses. You can also open one of their messages, click the three-dot menu, and choose Unblock. Their mail then returns to your inbox.
Does the person know I blocked them?
No. Gmail gives no notification, no bounce message, and no sign on their end — their emails simply route to your Spam folder.
What’s the difference between Block, Report spam, and Unsubscribe?
Block sends that one sender to Spam; Report spam flags the message and trains Gmail against similar senders; Unsubscribe removes you from a legitimate mailing list without marking it abusive. Use Unsubscribe for a newsletter you once signed up for.
How do I block a whole company or domain?
Blocking is per-address, so create a filter instead: Settings, Filters and Blocked Addresses, Create a new filter, enter @domain.com in From, then choose Delete it. Every email from that domain is then handled automatically.