This Gmail trick keeps spammers from tracking you

Google's mail service blocks and scans images for suspicious content before you see them.

Katie Teague Writer II

Katie is a writer covering all things how-to at CNET, with a focus on Social Security and notable events. When she's not writing, she enjoys playing in golf scrambles, practicing yoga and spending time on the lake.

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Katie Teague

Sept. 13, 2019 3:30 a.m. PT

2 min read

If you've ever accidentally or curiously clicked on a spam image when looking through your Gmail messages, it's a good possibility you've been tracked by spammers. Google addressed this years ago with a setting for Android that it recently added for iPhone, too. Turn it on and it stops attachments like images from automatically loading when you open an email. The setting also keeps unsolicited email from tracking you, which can help protect you from spammers. Plus, it'll help load your emails faster.

Here's how it works: The update scans the images to make sure there isn't any suspicious content that the sender may use to track your location and use cookies. Gmail also makes sure the images don't contain harmful software. If Google detects something suspicious, Gmail won't show you the images and instead gives you the option to open them.

Here's how to disable images in Gmail from automatically opening on your phone.