How to remove unwanted e-mails from the server?

How to Delete Unwanted Emails from Your Server?

This is one of the most common questions we receive in our support channels. Whether you're dealing with spam, old messages, or simply want to clean up your inbox, removing emails directly from the server ensures they're gone for good across all your devices.

Why Use Webmail for Server-Side Deletion?

The key to permanently removing emails from your server is using your webmail client—a web-based email application that connects directly to your server. Think of webmail as the "master control" for your email account. While desktop and mobile apps like Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail sync with your server, webmail gives you direct access to manage what's actually stored there.

Popular webmail platforms include Roundcube, MailEnable, SmarterMail, and IceWarp, among others.

Step-by-Step Deletion Methods

Deleting Individual Emails

1. Access your webmail account by logging into your hosting provider's webmail interface
2. Navigate to the target folder (Inbox, Spam, Sent, etc.) containing the unwanted emails
3. Select the specific emails you want to remove by clicking on them
4. Click the Delete button (usually represented by a trash can icon)
5. Empty the Trash folder to permanently remove the emails from your server

Important: Don't forget this final step—emails moved to Trash still occupy server space until permanently deleted.

Bulk Email Deletion

For clearing out large numbers of emails at once:

1. Open the folder you want to clean up
2. Select all emails using the "Select All" option (typically found in a dropdown menu)
3. Click Delete to move all selected emails to Trash
4. Go to your Trash folder and repeat the process to permanently remove everything

Complete Folder Cleanup

To wipe an entire folder clean:

1. Navigate to the target folder
2. Look for the folder options menu (often three dots ⋮ or a "More" button)
3. Select "Empty" or "Delete All"
4. Confirm the action when prompted

Warning: This action is irreversible, so double-check that you want to permanently delete everything in the folder.

Universal Application

These methods work across virtually all webmail platforms, regardless of your hosting type or email server software. The specific button locations and menu names may vary slightly, but the core process remains consistent whether you're using Windows hosting, Linux hosting, or any other email service provider.

By following these steps, you'll free up server storage space and ensure that unwanted emails are completely removed from all devices connected to your email account.