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Why can I send but can't receive emails

Euan 0 Reputation points
2026-04-19T08:38:18.4933333+00:00

I have checked my email memory, checked forward is not active and completely removed and reinstalled outlook, however I can send emails no problem but cannot receive any emails at all. I have tried via laptop and mobile phone, but with no joy.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email

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Euan 0 Reputation points
2026-04-20T19:52:49.3066667+00:00

Found it! There was a silent rule that marked the email as read and automatically moved all to the archive folder. Think someone had hacked in but I have updated it to a new password.

Thank you so much for all your time and help. Really appreciate it.

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  1. Anuraag Roy 260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-19T10:37:07.8233333+00:00

    Greetings,

    Hi, I'm Anuraag, an Independent Windows Advisor and a Microsoft customer. I'd be happy to look into this for you.

    I do see that you mentioned that you have looked into the email memory. Do you mean the "Email Storage"?

    1. Can you access your received email through the website rather than any apps?
    1. Also, could you please check the Filter button while you are in inbox- clicking on the "Unread" or "All" to see all the received emails.
      User's image
    2. If you go to https://outlook.live.com/mail/options/accounts-category/storage

    User's image

    You must have space available under "Email Storage" ,as you can see in the screenshot attached.

    Did you check the rules? If there are any existing rules that might be in effect. To check rules:

    1. Go to Settings.
    2. Click on Mail.
    3. Click on Rules.
    4. Temporarily disable/ delete the rules- if you have any.

    Also, while you are in settings, you will also have an option to check the "Junk" folder. This option would show you all emails that have been blocked under the Blocked senders and domains option.

    Best wishes,
    Anuraag.

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  2. Anuraag Roy 260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-19T12:29:58.66+00:00

    Euan,

    Thank you so much for sharing the outcome.
    Euan, if you do have any existing rules, please delete all of them- you might need to set them up again.

    Can you try these scenarios:

    1. Send an email to yourself- For example,
      • Click on "New email."
      • Enter the same email address that you are having trouble with, and send it to yourself.
      • If you are using your PC to try these steps, have your Phone or any other device next to you, check if the email that you sent pops up in the inbox for a second- sometimes it just comes and then disappears.
      • On your other device, set your Inbox View to "All"
    2. Send an email to yourself, but using any other email address you own- maybe a Gmail or any other service provider. Repeat the same steps that I have already shared with you. See if you see the email coming to your inbox for a second.

    Thanks.

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  3. Euan 0 Reputation points
    2026-04-19T11:14:52.61+00:00

    Greetings Anuraag,

    Thank you for your help. Still no joy i'm afraid. In response to your points:

    1 - Yes, sorry, email storage. Currently has 3gb used of 5gb.

    2 - No, tried Outlook om the pc, Outlook online as well as Outlook on the mobile phone.

    3 - Checked "All" (as well as junk, unread, read and changed settings to newest first). Last email received was 30/01/26

    4 - Checked Rules, none there at all.

    5 - Checked all blocked emails, and the expected emails do not have their addresses in the blocked list.

    Any more help greatly appreciated!

    Kindest regards,

    Euan

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