Does deleting mail free up storage
The answer is: it depends.
When you delete an email, it doesn't necessarily free up storage space immediately. Here's why:
- Email clients: If you're using a email client like Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, or Apple Mail, the deleted emails are usually moved to a "Trash" or "Deleted Items" folder. This folder is still taking up space on your device, but it's not counted towards your overall storage capacity.
- Server-side storage: If you're using a web-based email service like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Outlook.com, deleted emails are typically moved to a "Trash" or "Deleted Items" folder on the server. This means that the deleted emails are still taking up space on the server, but it's not counted towards your overall storage capacity.
- Purge process: Most email services and clients have a purge process that periodically deletes emails from the "Trash" or "Deleted Items" folder. This process is usually triggered after a certain period of time, such as 30 days. During this time, the deleted emails are still taking up space, but they're not counted towards your overall storage capacity.
To free up storage space, you need to:
- Empty the Trash: In your email client, go to the "Trash" or "Deleted Items" folder and permanently delete the emails. This will free up space on your device.
- Purge deleted emails: Check your email service's settings to see if they have a purge process in place. If they do, you can usually set the purge period to a shorter time frame, such as 1 day, to free up space more quickly.
- Manage your email storage: Consider using a email client that allows you to manage your email storage more effectively, such as by setting a storage limit or using a third-party email management tool.
In summary, deleting an email doesn't always free up storage space immediately. You need to empty the Trash, purge deleted emails, and manage your email storage to free up space.