How to know if someone read your email
Open-tracking embeds a 1x1 pixel in outgoing mail and reports when a recipient loads it. That signal can include their IP, device and open time without an explicit prompt. On the receiving side, Mailshade uses declarativeNetRequest to cancel requests to known tracker-pixel domains across six opt-in web clients, while its DOM scan separately records detected tracker signals. Inbox access remains limited to the clients you choose, and the local dashboard distinguishes detection history from a network-block claim. This guide explains the privacy trade and consent-based alternatives.
How read-tracking gives you the signal
A tracking pixel in a sent message loads when the recipient opens it. That load is reported to a tracking server.
What it can expose
- IP and approximate location.
- Device and client.
- Open time and count.
The receiving side
After client opt-in, Mailshade cancels requests to known tracker-pixel domains via DNR. Those cancelled requests send no open signal. Its dashboard records local detections rather than claiming every possible tracker was blocked.
A consent-based alternative
For genuine confirmation, ask the recipient directly or use a client's read receipt that the recipient can see and decline.
FAQ
Does read-tracking work without the recipient knowing?
Yes, which is the concern. A tracking pixel reports the open silently, with the recipient's IP, device and time, and no prompt. That is why many recipients install a blocker like Mailshade.
Can the recipient stop me from seeing if they read my email?
Yes. Mailshade cancels requests to known tracker-pixel domains via declarativeNetRequest, so those requests send no read signal. Unknown tracking techniques may fall outside any static blocklist.
Is open-tracking the same as a read receipt?
No. A read receipt is requested openly and can be declined. Open-tracking uses a hidden pixel; Mailshade network-blocks requests to known tracker-pixel domains.
Does Mailshade work across multiple email clients?
Yes. It blocks open-tracking across Gmail, Outlook, Office 365, Superhuman, Yahoo Mail and ProtonMail — six web clients — rather than Gmail alone.
How much does Mailshade cost to block read-tracking?
Core protection remains free after a 14-day Pro trial. Paid Pro starts at $3.99 per month or $19 one-time for Founders Lifetime. The source is open under AGPL-3.0 so you can audit the behavior.