Allow Blocked Images in Outlook Email

Issue/Question

  • Why does Outlook block images or other external content in HTML email messages, and how can I display the content?

 

Overview

HTML email messages can contain images that are stored on an external website instead of being included directly in the message. Outlook may block these images from downloading automatically to help protect your privacy and security.

When an external image loads, the image server may be able to determine that the message was opened. This is commonly done through a small or invisible image called a tracking pixel or web beacon. Blocking external content can also prevent unwanted material from appearing and reduce the risks associated with content from an untrusted source.

Note: Outlook is not necessarily blocking the entire HTML message. It is usually blocking images and other content that the message attempts to download from the Internet. Images embedded directly in the message or included as attachments are generally not affected.

 

Environment

  • Classic Microsoft Outlook for Windows included with Microsoft 365

  • Microsoft Outlook mobile app for iOS and Android

  • HTML email messages containing images linked to external websites

 

Resolution

Only allow external content when you recognize and trust the sender. Loading images can notify the sender that your email address is active and that you opened the message.

Security recommendation: Displaying images in one trusted message or allowing images only from safe senders provides more privacy protection than automatically loading images in every message.

Classic Outlook

Option 1: Display images in one message

Use this option when you trust the message but do not want Outlook to automatically display images from the sender in the future.

  1. Open or preview the email message in Outlook.

  2. Select the information bar near the top of the message that says pictures were not downloaded.

  3. Select Download Pictures.

  4. Outlook will download and display the external images for that message.

Option 2: Always display images from a trusted sender or domain

Use this option when you regularly receive messages from a sender or organization you trust.

  1. Open a message from the trusted sender.

  2. Right-click a blocked image placeholder or the blocked-content notification.

  3. Choose the appropriate option:

    • Select Add Sender to Safe Senders List to trust only that email address.

    • Select Add the Domain to Safe Senders List to trust all email addresses using that domain.

  4. Close and reopen the message if the images do not appear immediately.

Caution: Adding an entire domain permits images from every sender using that domain. Add only domains that you recognize and trust.

Outlook Mobile App for iOS and Android

Choose one of the following options. These are separate methods; you do not need to complete both.

Option 1: Display images in one message

Use this option to display the images without changing the Outlook app's external-image setting.

  1. Open the email in the Outlook mobile app.

  2. Tap the Some images were blocked banner at the top of the message.

  3. The external images will be downloaded and displayed for that message.

Option 2: Change how the Outlook mobile app loads external images

Use this option to change the default behavior for messages viewed in the Outlook app on that mobile device.

  1. Open the Outlook mobile app.

  2. Tap your profile or account icon in the upper-left corner.

  3. Tap the Settings gear icon.

  4. Tap Accounts

  5. Tap Block External Images.

  6. Select the option that meets your needs. Available choices may include:

    • Always Block: External images remain blocked unless you load them from the message banner.

    • Load for Safe Senders: Images load automatically only for internal or trusted senders. This is the recommended option when available.

 

 

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