Email Mailbox Full: Quotas and Storage Explained

What is a mailbox quota?

A mailbox quota is the storage limit assigned to an email account. Messages, attachments and folders such as Sent and Trash may count toward that limit. The exact calculation depends on the email service.

What happens when the mailbox is full?

You may be unable to receive new messages, and senders may receive a delivery error. Existing messages are not necessarily deleted automatically. Check the warning or bounce message for details.

Free up space safely

1. Review large messages and attachments.
2. Download or save attachments you need before deleting messages.
3. Empty Trash and Spam if you no longer need their contents.
4. Remove old messages from Sent and other folders where appropriate.
5. If you need to retain mail, use an approved archive or export method before removing it from the server.

Deleting a message in an IMAP app often deletes it from the server and other synchronised devices too. Confirm what will be removed before proceeding.

If you still need more space

Check the quota in your control panel and ask your provider whether a larger mailbox or plan is available. Do not share your password with support; they can usually check account limits without it.