How to Delete Emails in Outlook for iOS

You can delete Outlook emails on iOS without having to open them

What to Know

  • In the Message list, tap and hold the email you want to delete, then go to the bottom of the Message list and tap the trashcan.
  • To delete messages instead of archiving them when you swipe: Go to Menu > Settings > Swipe Options and change the settings.
  • To recover deleted emails: Go to the Trash or Deleted Items folder, open the message, tap the three dots (...), then tap Move to Folder.

This article explains how to delete emails in the Outlook app for iPhone and iPad.

How to Delete Emails in Outlook for iOS

To delete individual emails with the Outlook app for iPhone and iPad:

  1. In the Message list, tap and hold the email you want to delete. To delete more than one message, tap the other messages that you want to delete.

    Selecting emails in Outlook for Mac.

    If the email is open and displays the message, tap the Trash can icon to delete the message.

  2. Go to the bottom of the Message list and select the Trash bin icon.

Swipe to Delete Emails

By default, Outlook for iOS archives emails when you swipe to the left on the message. Here's how to change that setting:

  1. Go to the upper-left side of the Outlook app and tap the avatar.

  2. Select Settings (the gear icon).

    Options in Outlook for Mac.
  3. In the Settings screen, scroll to the Mail section, then tap Swipe Options.

    Viewing Settings in Outlook for Mac.
  4. In the Swipe Options screen, tap the Swipe Left icon.

    Swipe options in Outlook for Mac.
  5. In the Swipe Left screen, select Delete.

    The Swipe Left options in Outlook for Mac.
  6. Select the Back arrow to return to your emails.

    Setting the swipe left to delete in Outlook for Mac.
  7. Swipe left on the email you want to swiftly delete. Do this for any email in your account, in any folder, and as many times as you like to immediately send emails to the trash.

Recover a Deleted Email

If you accidentally remove emails that you intended to keep, here's how to get them back:

  1. Tap the menu (avatar) icon.

    The inbox in Outlook for Mac.
  2. Go to the Trash or Deleted Items folder, then open the email message.

    Deleted items in Outlook for Mac.
  3. Select the three dots (...) and select Move to Folder.

    Options for a deleted email in Outlook for Mac.
  4. In the Move Conversation screen, select the folder where you want to move the email.

    Moving an email to another folder in Outlook for Mac.
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