This is for you if… your email says the mailbox is full, messages are bouncing back, or you have stopped receiving new emails.
I was helping someone in Stevenage whose email looked fine on the phone, but the account itself was full online. Deleting a few messages from the phone had not emptied the actual mailbox.
Why email storage fills up
Email storage is used by messages, attachments, sent items, deleted items and sometimes spam or archive folders. Large photos and PDFs can fill a mailbox much faster than plain text emails.
What to clear first
- Delete emails with large attachments you no longer need.
- Empty the deleted items or bin folder.
- Check sent items for large files.
- Clear junk or spam if it contains lots of messages.
- Save important attachments before deleting emails.
Why deleting on one device may not be enough
If your phone is not syncing properly, it may only remove the local copy. Sign in to the email provider’s website to check the true storage level.
Should you buy more storage?
Sometimes extra storage is useful, but it is worth clearing obvious clutter first. If your mailbox fills repeatedly, you may need a better system for saving attachments and deleting old newsletters.
Need help?
For ongoing help and peace of mind in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, my membership can help you keep on top of email. For a one-off clear-out, you can book a visit.