problem with deleted emails

Question

my deleted emails keep returning back into my inbox instead of remaining deleted How can I fix this issue

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John!

To help narrow down the issue:

1. Does this happen when you use Outlook on the web, Outlook for Windows, Outlook mobile app, or your phone’s built-in mail app?
2. Are you using this email on other devices?
3. What type of account is it (Outlook, Gmail, work/school)?
4. Does the email go to Deleted first, then return?

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In the meantime, if you haven’t already already:

• Log in via web https://outlook.live.com/mail delete one email, and check if it comes back.
• Check any Outlook rules: In https://outlook.live.com/mail go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Rules and Mail

Let me know what you find.

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Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

For Outlook.com accounts there was a known issue where emails deleted from the Inbox could reappear instead of staying deleted. This affected messages syncing from a connected account (for example, Gmail) but has been fixed by a service update.

If deleted messages are still coming back, use these steps:

1. If using a connected account (such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) with Outlook.com:
   • Sign in directly to the original (source) mailbox in a browser (for example, go to Gmail.com for a Gmail account).
   • Delete the same messages from the Inbox there.
   • Wait a short time and check Outlook again to confirm they no longer return.
2. If the problem persists or is not related to a connected account:
   • Go to Outlook.com in a browser and sign in.
   • Use Help on the menu bar and describe the issue, then scroll to Still need help? and choose Yes to contact support so they can check the mailbox configuration and server-side rules.
3. If using Outlook on the web or Outlook.com light version, verify that items are really deleted and not just moved back from Deleted Items:
   • After deleting, open the Deleted Items folder.
   • If needed, right‑click Deleted Items and choose Empty folder to permanently remove them.

If the mailbox is hosted by another provider (for example, an ISP or corporate Exchange), also check that provider’s webmail for any rules or filters that might be moving items back to the Inbox before Outlook receives them.

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References:

• Emails deleted from Outlook.com are reverting back to the Inbox
• Fixes or workarounds for recent issues on Outlook.com
• Read and send email in the light version of Outlook