Yahoo Mail users must act before Aug 27

If you've seen the same warning, you're in good company, and yes, it's legit. But that doesn't mean you should click and pay without thinking. Here's what's actually going on and if it might be time to consider a new provider.

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Yahoo Mail users with overflowing inboxes are being notified that their storage has exceeded the free limit. Yahoo is making changes that kick in on Aug. 27, 2025. If your account is still over the limit by that date, you won't be able to send or receive emails.

The email Stacy received originally had incorrect pricing meant for Canadian users. Yahoo followed up with corrected U.S. pricing:

This is part of Yahoo's broader push to monetize its email platform while encouraging users to either clean up their inboxes or pay for expanded storage.

If you want to keep using Yahoo for free, here are the steps to reduce your storage:

Delete 1 or more emails

By default, selecting all emails will only select 100 emails at a time. A pop-up notice will be displayed near the top of the screen that gives you the option to select all messages in your inbox.

Delete all messages in a folder

This option isn't available for your Inbox or system folders.

(Note: This doesn't work for system folders like Inbox or Spam.)

Find and delete Yahoo Mail emails with large attachments

Older version of Yahoo Mail:

(These steps apply to the older Yahoo Mail interface and may differ slightly depending on your browser or account settings.)

Newer version of Yahoo Mail:

(These steps apply to the newer Yahoo Mail interface and features may vary by account. Yahoo may update these steps at any time.)

Pro tips:

They still count against your storage, even if you don't see them in your main inbox.

On desktop (web browser):

To empty your Trash folder:

To empty your Spam folder:

On the Yahoo Mail App (Mobile):

To empty Trash:

To empty Spam:

Important: Deleting messages from Trash and Spam is required to actually free up storage. Emails in those folders still count toward your Yahoo Mail quota until they're permanently removed.

Check your real-time usage under settings so you're not caught off guard.

Using desktop (Web) Yahoo Mail

Using the Yahoo mobile app or mobile site

This ensures you're up to date and never surprised by a storage cap.

If you're frustrated with storage limits, privacy concerns or the uptick in paid features, you're not stuck.

Option 1: Forward important emails to another email address

This is the quickest, no-tech-required method.

Tip: Create a separate folder in your other email account for these backups.

Option 2: Download emails as files

Great if you want offline access or to store them on a drive.

You can save these files to your desktop, external hard drive, or cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com/Mail 

If you're not ready to cut ties completely, forward Yahoo emails to your new address so you don't miss a beat. Here's how to do it:

What you should know:

Bonus tip:

If you use Yahoo Mail Plus, you can set up filters and more advanced forwarding rules for even more control.

Yahoo is no longer just an old-school email provider; it's a business looking to turn free users into paying customers. If you rely on Yahoo Mail for critical communication, it's time to decide:

Whatever you choose, the worst option is doing nothing and losing access on Aug. 27.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech

Stacy's email wasn't a scam. It was a real warning from Yahoo, but one that deserves a smart response. Whether you stick with Yahoo, trim your inbox or start fresh with another service, the key is to act now. Don't wait until your inbox locks you out.

What About You? Would you pay for more Yahoo storage, or is it finally time to switch to a new inbox? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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