Apple mail tracking pixels

The pesky tracking pixels!

Apple Mail, like many other email clients, uses tracking pixels to track the delivery and opening of emails. Here's what you need to know:

What are tracking pixels?

Tracking pixels, also known as web beacons or clear GIFs, are tiny images embedded in an email that are used to track the behavior of the email recipient. These pixels are usually 1x1 pixels in size and are invisible to the human eye.

How do tracking pixels work?

When you open an email that contains a tracking pixel, the pixel is loaded from the sender's server. This allows the sender to track the following information:

  1. Delivery: Whether the email was delivered to your inbox or not.
  2. Open: Whether you opened the email or not.
  3. Clicks: Which links you clicked on in the email.
  4. Bounces: Whether the email bounced back to the sender due to a invalid email address or other issues.

How to disable tracking pixels in Apple Mail

While it's not possible to completely disable tracking pixels, you can take steps to reduce their effectiveness:

  1. Use a tracking blocker: Install a tracking blocker extension in your browser, such as uBlock Origin or Ghostery, which can block tracking pixels.
  2. Use a VPN: Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help mask your IP address and make it harder for senders to track your behavior.
  3. Use a secure email client: Apple Mail uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt emails, making it harder for senders to track your behavior.
  4. Report spam: If you receive an email with a tracking pixel and you're not interested in receiving emails from that sender, report the email as spam.
  5. Use a email client with built-in tracking protection: Some email clients, like ProtonMail, have built-in tracking protection features that can help block tracking pixels.

What can you do if you're concerned about tracking pixels?

If you're concerned about tracking pixels, consider the following:

  1. Use a secure email service: Choose an email service that prioritizes privacy and security, such as ProtonMail or Tutanota.
  2. Use a email client with built-in tracking protection: Use an email client that has built-in tracking protection features.
  3. Be cautious with email links: Be careful when clicking on links in emails, especially from senders you don't know or trust.
  4. Monitor your email activity: Keep an eye on your email activity and report any suspicious behavior to your email provider.

Remember, while tracking pixels can be a concern, they're not necessarily a threat to your security or privacy. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect yourself.