Stop emails going to the Other tab in Outlook

This article explains how to manage Outlook’s Focused Inbox across Microsoft 365 apps: either turn it off to remove the Other tab or keep it and train messages to always go to Focused (or Other), with platform-specific steps. It also covers checking Junk vs Other, marking Not Junk, reviewing rules that might move messages, and notes limitations with shared mailboxes and rule-moved mail.

Questions

• How do I stop emails from going to the “Other” tab in Outlook?
• Can I turn off Focused Inbox so there’s no “Focused” and “Other” at all?
• How do I make sure messages from a person or mailing list always land in “Focused”?
• What’s the difference between “Other” and “Junk,” and how do I check both?

Environment

This article applies to users with Microsoft 365 mail using Outlook on Windows (classic and new), macOS, Outlook on the web (outlook.office.com), and Outlook for iOS/Android. If you see two tabs at the top of your Inbox labeled “Focused” and “Other,” Focused Inbox is on. If you don’t see those tabs, Focused Inbox is off for that mailbox or not supported in your app.

Resolution

Determine what version of Outlook you're currently using.

1. Decide if you want to turn off Focused Inbox completely (removes the “Other” tab) or keep it and train it.
   • If you want a single Inbox with no “Other,” turn Focused Inbox off (Step 2).
   • If you like Focused Inbox but certain messages are landing in “Other,” train Outlook to always put them in “Focused” (Step 3).
2. Turn off Focused Inbox (removes “Other”):
   • Windows – classic Outlook: Open Outlook. Select the View tab, then select Show Focused Inbox to toggle it off.
   • Windows – new Outlook: Select the Settings (gear) icon, choose Mail > Layout, then turn off Focused Inbox.
   • macOS (new Outlook): Select the Organize tab, then toggle Focused Inbox off.
   • Outlook on the web: Select the Settings (gear) icon, search for “Focused Inbox,” then turn it off under Mail > Layout.
   • iOS/Android: Tap your profile picture or Home icon > Settings (gear) > turn off Focused Inbox.

   For detailed, up-to-date steps for each app, see Focused Inbox for Outlook

3. Keep Focused Inbox but train it to stop putting certain emails in “Other”:
   • Windows – classic Outlook: In the Other tab, right-click a message that should be in Focused. Choose Move to Focused > Always move to Focused.
   • Windows – new Outlook: Right-click the message in Other. Choose Move > Always move to Focused.
   • macOS (new Outlook): Right-click or Control-click the message in Other. Choose Move to Focused > Always move to Focused.
   • Outlook on the web: Right-click the message in Other. Select Move to Focused, then choose Always move to Focused.
   • iOS/Android: Open the message in Other, tap the three dots (More), choose Move to Focused, then select Always move.

   Tip: If something is in Focused but you don’t want similar messages there, use Move to Other > Always move to Other on that message.

4. Make sure messages aren’t going to Junk instead:
   • Check your Junk Email folder. If a good message is there, mark it as Not Junk to help Outlook learn.
   • Avoid using “Block” on legitimate senders; instead, train Focused/Other using the steps above.
5. Review any rules that might be moving messages:
   • Outlook on the web: Settings > Mail > Rules. Disable or edit rules that move or file messages unexpectedly.
   • Desktop Outlook: Check Rules (Home tab > Rules) and turn off or adjust any that auto-move messages.
6. Notes and limitations:
   • Focused Inbox separates mail within your Inbox only; it doesn’t affect messages that rules move to other folders.
   • Some shared or delegated mailboxes may not support Focused Inbox in all Outlook apps.

Learn more: Focused Inbox for Outlook.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you can chat with Bowdoin Bot of contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk by phone at (207) 725-3030 or in person at the Tech Hub in Smith Union.