The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To reduce email open tracking, stop remote images from loading automatically—or, in Apple Mail, use privacy protection that fetches them while hiding identifying details. Gmail, Apple Mail, and Outlook offer different controls, and the right choice depends on whether you want to block image requests or make them less revealing.
What these settings can—and cannot—stop
A common way to register an email open is to include a remotely hosted image or web beacon. When your mail app retrieves it, the server can receive a request associated with the message. Blocking remote content can prevent that image request until you allow it. This is different from a read receipt, and it does not stop tracking through links you click.
Apple specifically says Mail Privacy Protection does not extend to links or attachments such as PDFs. Image controls also do not necessarily block images included as attachments or embedded directly in a message.
Choose between blocking images and protecting their retrieval
| Your goal | Setting to use | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Prevent remote image requests until you decide | Gmail on a computer: Ask before displaying external images; Mac Mail: Block All Remote Content; Outlook: use the applicable image-blocking control for your version. | Some legitimate images remain hidden until you allow them. |
| Keep remote content available while reducing identifying information | Apple Mail: Protect Mail Activity. | Apple fetches remote content in the background while obscuring identifying details; this is not the same as blocking every fetch. |
| Show images from one trusted message | Use Gmail’s per-message image display action or classic Outlook’s Download Pictures. | Loading remote content may generate an associated request. |
Stop automatic image loading in Gmail on a computer
- Open Gmail and select Settings > See all settings.
- Scroll to Images and select Ask before displaying external images.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Save Changes.
For a message with images, select Display images below when you want to load them. This setting path is documented for Gmail on a computer; the Gmail mobile app’s controls may differ by platform and version.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- [Compatible Models] - 3 Pack Privacy Glass Screen Protector for the iPhone 17e/iPhone 16e/iPhone 14/iPhone 13/iPhone 13 Pro(6.1 inch). Includes 3 privacy screen protectors and a cleaning kit. *Two types of packaging boxes are randomly shipped.
- [Full Coverage Protection] - This screen protector offers edge-to-edge protection for your device, using military-grade explosion-proof glass. It is also compatible with most phone cases, the appropriate size ensures that the phone case won't squeeze the screen protector after installation, providing double protection for the edges of the phone.
- [High Privacy Protection] - The necessary choice for you in public places. Select the optimal anti-peeping angles for the anti-spy coating to balance privacy and visual comfort. Protect your personal privacy and sensitive information from being seen by people nearby who might peek. To better protect your phone, 3mm nano-scale ultra-thin aviation glass is chosen as the material, it also protects your eyes from harsh light, ensuring a softer visual effect.
- [Superior Quality] Made of high-quality tempered glass, free of bubble wrap, easy to install and no residue when disassembled. Maintain the original touch experience, with a high-definition and clear hydrophobic and oleophobic screen coating to prevent fingerprints, sweat and oil residue. High-hardness glass protects your screen from drops, impacts, scratches and breaks, providing ultimate protection for your phone.
- [Face ID Compatible] - Precise cutting combined with high-quality glass material supports the perfect use of the Face ID function, and it can also take high-pixel photos through the front camera.
Google says its image handling prevents senders from using image loading to learn your computer or location and prevents image requests from setting or reading browser cookies. Google also cautions that senders may sometimes know whether an email containing images was opened, so Gmail’s image proxy should not be treated as a guarantee that every open signal is suppressed. Google’s Gmail image settings
Use Apple Mail privacy controls on iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings > Apps > Mail > Privacy Protection.
- Turn on Protect Mail Activity.
Apple says this option hides your IP address and prevents senders from seeing whether you opened a message. It requires Limit IP Address Tracking to be enabled for the Wi-Fi network. Apple describes the feature as privately downloading remote content in the background, whether or not you engage with a message. The content is routed through two separate relays: one knows your IP address but not the third-party Mail content, and the other sees the content but not your IP address. This reduces identifying information; it does not mean remote images are never requested.
Rank #2
- Compatible Model(s): Magicmoon brand filter only for 24 inch -diagonally measured - widescreen monitor - aspect ratio 16:9 - filter size: width: 20 15/16", Height: 11 13/16" (531mm x 298mm)
- Superior Privacy: The computer privacy filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (the angle is about 30 to 60 degree), but bright when looking directly at it. To change the privacy level - simply adjust your monitor’s brightness accordingly
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy Filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 to 495 nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in open work spaces
- Includes Two Options: Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed
For details on the setting and its limits, see Apple’s iPhone guide to Mail Privacy Protection and Mail Privacy Protection and Privacy.
Block remote content in Apple Mail on Mac
- Open Mail and select Mail > Settings > Privacy.
- Turn off Protect Mail Activity if your priority is to prevent remote content from downloading.
- Turn on Block All Remote Content. Keep Hide IP Address selected; Apple recommends leaving it on if Protect Mail Activity is deselected.
With Block All Remote Content, Mail indicates that remote content is present but does not download it until you choose. Remote images may therefore remain unavailable until you allow them. Apple documents these controls for current and recent macOS versions, including Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, Ventura 13, and Monterey 12. See Apple’s Mac Mail privacy settings guide.
Rank #3
- 【Compatibility】Compatible with iPhone 17e / iPhone 16e / iPhone 14 / iPhone 13 / iPhone 13 Pro 6.1 Inch Display, NOT fit for other models.
- 【Etching process, Better quality】Made of the Highest Quality Tempered-Glass with 9H Super Tough protects From scratches to high impact drops.
- 【High Privacy】 Mothca Matte Tempered Glass Privacy Screen Protector for iPhone 17e / iPhone16e / iPhone 14 / iPhone 13 / iPhone 13 Pro will keep your personal and sensitive information safe from the strangers around you.
- 【Smooth as Silk】Matte finish using same technology as E-reader matte screen, no screen glare, no dazzling, free fingerprints and gives a silk like touch feeling, Comfortable Game Operation
- 【Go Further Than 2.5D Round Edge】Full screen coverage design with well crafted 2.5D round edge. 9H hardness, protect your iPhone 17e /16e /14 / 13 / 13 Pro from scratches, daily wear and drops.
Block external images in Outlook
Outlook for Android and iOS
Microsoft’s mobile Outlook guidance confirms a Block external images setting. It is intended to stop automatic loading of internet-hosted images, including web beacons that can track whether a message was read. Microsoft says this does not block images embedded in the email as attachments, including most messages from friends and family. Follow Microsoft’s Outlook mobile help for the current setting details.
Classic Outlook for Windows
In classic Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016, automatic downloads of internet pictures are blocked by default. To review the controls, open File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Automatic Download. For a trusted message, select Download Pictures to load its images.
Rank #4
![[2 Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41SBKw3J4ML._SL160_.jpg)
- 【24 PRIVACY FILTER DIMENSIONS】 Width: 20 15/16" (20.9 inches/532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (11.8 inches/299 mm) - 16:9 Aspect Ratio. Mamol computer privacy filters are designed to be perfectly compatible with HP, Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, LG, ViewSonic and other brands of monitors. Please check the width and height dimensions of your computer screen before ordering. If you have any questions about the dimensions, please contact us.
- 【ENHANCED PRIVACY PROTECTION】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy filter keeps your electronic information confidential, making it excellent for use in high traffic areas. the computer privacy screen 24 inch is designed with advanced microlouver technology to block visibility at around 30 degrees and black out screens completely near 60 degrees.
- 【EYES PROTECTION】 This blackout privacy screen greatly reduces eye strain and minimizes potential hazards to vision. It filters 99.9% of UV rays and suppresses 98% of blue light. As a reversible 24-inch privacy screen filter: The glossy side of the protector provides extra clarity and greater privacy, and the matte side minimizes glare and distracting reflections. Satisfy your different daily uses as needed.
- 【BETTER HD CLARTIY】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy screen Shield adds an extra layer of AR Ultra HD light transmission compared to others. It maintains the high definition of the screen without sacrificing too much screen brightness. It won't reduce the brightness and cause eye fatigue because of the privacy screen installed on the screen.
- 【ANTI SCRATCH & WASHABLE 】Our privacy anti-glare Monitor film has a surface enhancement layer to protect the privacy filter from scratches and fingerprints. It is washable and reusable. Even after prolonged use, you will get a brand new privacy screen for your desktop computer monitor after cleaning. Very Durable!
Microsoft notes that a message may retain displayed images on later opens depending on whether you saved it from the Reading Pane or from the open message. Microsoft also distinguishes tracking pixels from read receipts. See Microsoft’s classic Outlook instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the exact Outlook version you use
Outlook’s controls are not one universal setting: the mobile app and classic Windows application have different documented instructions. The cited guidance does not establish one identical path for new Outlook, Outlook on the web, Outlook for Mac, and every mobile release. Check the support instructions for your specific client rather than applying the classic Windows path to another version.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible Models: Width: 13 9/16" (13.5 inch/344 mm), Height: 7 5/8" (7.6 inch/194 mm), Diagonal: 15.6" (396.24 mm) widescreen laptops which have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Not touchscreen compatible !!! Not fit for 16:10.Do NOT rely solely on your laptop’s diagonal size when ordering. Use a ruler to measure your screen’s visible area (excluding the black bezels). If the width reads 344mm and height reads 194mm, this filter is a perfect match for your device.
- Keep Information Privacy: Effective "black out" privacy from side views outside the 60-degree viewing angle. Designed for optical clarity when viewing from the front, a person not at the front of the screen can only see the dark side of the screen, so it protects buisness secrets and personal privacy
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 - 495nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain. Our laptop privacy screen also helps keep your screen safe from dust and scratches
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in high traffic areas such as open work spaces, airports, airplanes, commuter trains, coffee shops and other public places, etc
- Easy Installation: Choose between 2 simple Options; Slide-On/Off or Mounted. Not touchscreen compatible
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
