Check an email for tracking without loading its images
Some emails use images to track when a message is opened. Email tracking inspector lets you check a saved message without loading those images. Keep the saved email private too, since it can include personal writing and details about everyone in the conversation.
1. Save the original message
Use your mail app's download-message or raw-source option to save an .eml file, a saved email with its delivery details. Avoid opening a saved HTML version as a webpage. If your mail app already loaded images, this inspection can't undo those requests. The saved source may also show addresses and delivery details that weren't visible in the message.
2. Open it in Email tracking inspector
Choose the .eml file or paste the email source or HTML into the inspector. It accepts files up to 16 MiB. Your browser reads the message without turning its HTML into a live webpage. It doesn't fetch embedded images or frames, or run embedded scripts.
3. Look at the image and link findings
Review image hosts, possible tracking pixels, tracked links and links whose visible text names a different destination. A tracking pixel is a small image used to notice when an email loads. Ordinary images can also load from servers, and legitimate services sometimes wrap links. Treat a finding as something to examine, rather than proof of a scam.
4. Keep personal links out of other checkers
An image or redirect address may include a code tied to your email address. Don't paste it into a scanner or short-link expander that visits it. To reach the sender's service, use its usual app or a website address you know.
5. Check any text copy you share
Choose Download plain-text copy if you need the message without its HTML layout. Open the download and read the sender, subject, dates, body and links. Plain text can still contain private details and access links. For a report, share a small excerpt and use Personal info redactor if helpful.
6. Review your mail app's image settings
Check automatic remote-content loading and any exceptions for senders or sites. Thunderbird blocks remote content by default and lets you allow exceptions. Other services may load images through their own servers or use different controls; check their current instructions. Blocking images won't stop tracking through a personal link you choose to follow.
Good to know
The inspector looks for known services and common patterns. It can miss trackers or flag ordinary content. It doesn't check attachments for malware, verify who sent the message or tell you exactly what an earlier opening revealed.