Almost 85% of emails sent are spam. That translates into over 122 billion spam emails a day being sent around the globe. It's no wonder, then, that so many people have inboxes overflowing with useless and unwanted messages.
It can be an overwhelming task when you set out to unsubscribe from all those junk emails.
Luckily, there are tools available that can make email cleanup easier. Instead of trawling your way through countless unwanted emails, you can clean up your inbox now by using some clever tips and tricks. In this article, we explain exactly what you need to do to get that clear email inbox you've been dreaming of!
Click that Unsubscribe Link!
Though it might feel tiresome having to open up those spam messages, if you want to get yourself off the mailing list, it can often be the simplest way to do it. The main goal for the sender is to keep you subscribed: that's why the unsubscribe link is usually buried in small print at the bottom of the spam message.
To achieve that clean email setup, you're probably going to have to go and manually unsubscribe from at least some of those random mailing lists you've ended up on.
When looking for unsubscribe options, be aware - they are often hidden as much as possible in an effort to keep you from clicking. It's also important to be alert - if you don't recognize the email at all or something looks suspicious, just delete it. Don't take risks with strange-looking links!
Some Email Platforms Can Help!
Whether you're on Outlook or Gmail, there's a good chance your email platform has algorithms that help it to recognize spam and seek out unsubscribe links. Be sure to make the most of this feature on your quest for a tidy email list!
Outlook (Microsoft)
Outlook tries to help on both its app and its website. They provide more prominent unsubscribe links on those messages that you might want to get rid of.
On webmail, such messages will have an option attached by Outlook. It says, 'Getting too much email? Unsubscribe'. Just click the link, and you'll be removed from the mailing list!
Gmail (Google)
It's easy to unsubscribe with Gmail. The platform picks up on any working unsubscribe link and puts it right at the top of the message next to the sender's email address. The link is also sometimes displayed in the toolbar in place of the spam icon - if you click, an unmissable unsubscribe button will appear.
Google's advanced algorithms work to pick out senders whose emails you always ignore. Sometimes, they will suggest accounts for you to unsubscribe from even without you opening their mail.
It's easy on the mobile app too. Just tap the three-dot menu at the top of an email. If the sender has an unsubscribe option, it will appear here.
Other Email Platforms
The iOS mail app that runs Apple Mail has a similar feature to Google and Outlook. The top of the messages will display an 'unsubscribe' option which, when clicked, will email the sender with your unsubscribe request.
On the Edison app, which hosts email accounts from various platforms, you can use the unsubscribe feature across all providers. Whether your account is Google, IMAP, Outlook, Yahoo, or iCloud, their unsubscribe option will help you.
When the Unsubscribe Link Doesn't Work
Sometimes, the button isn't enough. Other times, there simply isn't a button giving the option to unsubscribe.
In these instances, there are other ways you can unsubscribe or keep their emails out of your inbox.
The first thing to try is replying directly to the sender. Make it clear that you want to be removed from their email list so that you don't receive any more of their spam or promotional content. This is a quick way of getting in touch with the sender and asking them to stop contacting you, and you shouldn't hear from them again.
If the email address is a no-reply, there may be other contact details that you can use to get in touch with the sender and ask them to stop emailing you.
Redirect Junk Emails
In the settings of your email account, you can tag certain senders as spam and have their promotions sent to an unwanted folder, so they don't clog up your inbox. You may even be able to have their content auto-deleted by setting up a filter.
Another good way to keep emails from certain senders out of your way is by blocking them. This can work if it's a sender you're absolutely sure you never want to hear from again.
To block, simply go into the options menu on the email.
You should get the option to 'block.' If you'd rather not block, there should also be an option that says 'report spam' or something similar. Selecting this will set up an auto filter that redirects their content to the spam folder, and you should be unsubscribed from their mailing list.
You may also get the option to report a phishing scam. If you suspect that the email in question is an attempt to gather your data, report it as phishing, and it will be reported to a cyber security team who investigates attempted phishing attacks.
Use Tools to Keep Your Inbox Clean
A build-up of spam can make it seem impossible to ever have a tidy inbox again. That's why services like Mailstrom exist.
Whilst it's possible to unsubscribe from many mailing lists through the emails you receive, it's simply not feasible to do so every time, especially if you're on more mailing lists than you can count.
A tool like Mailstrom is designed to help you unsubscribe from promotional accounts en masse, and you can also use it to delete the backlog of spam you have in your inbox. Having software that helps you to deal with the volume of spam emails you receive can make email cleanup far less time-consuming.
How Does It Work?
Using software is a way to clear your emails out without relying on artificial intelligence that makes an approximation of what you want to keep. Mailstrom groups together bundles of emails based on criteria chosen by you, allowing you to deal with them all at once rather than sifting through single messages.
It also takes multiple steps out of the blocking and unsubscribing process, both functions taking only one click.
The encryption used by the software means nobody ever sees your email password, so you don't need to be concerned about security. Whatever email platform you use, Mailstrom will work for you.
If you'd like to learn more about the service, you can head over to the information pages on the mailstrom site. You can even sign up for a free trial if you think it'll be right for you!
Protect Your Email Address from Spammers!
Once you've got your inbox cleared out, it's vital that you reduce the number of spam senders that get their hands on your email address. Sometimes it can't be helped: online shopping often signs you up for promotional content!
Still, take extra care to uncheck that box, and try not to share your email around with potential spammers.
Never post your email on freely accessible sites, use good antivirus software, and never open links in suspicious emails. Being vigilant will reduce the clutter in your inbox by a significant amount!
To avoid your computer becoming a hub of spam emails, only download software and files from sites that you trust. This can prevent the installation of malware that can be used by spammers to send mass emails.
Spam emails can be more than just an irritant.
They can cause real problems if they get in the way of you using your inbox efficiently, and in the worst cases, they can contain malicious links that can harm your computer. That's why it's so important to get the influx of spam under control.
Email Cleanup Has Never Been Simpler
Now that you know how to unsubscribe from those emails you don't want clogging up your inbox, the rest is up to you. The method you use for removing unwanted emails is your choice, but whatever you do, you can be sure that the final click on 'delete email' is going to feel great.
Mailstrom is a service dedicated to helping you sort your inbox into something useable and satisfying. If you need help getting rid of spammers, please don't hesitate to contact us today. Soon enough, your inbox will be working like a well-oiled machine.
