How to know if someone read your email
Open-tracking embeds a tiny remote image in outgoing mail and records when a recipient's client or proxy loads it. Depending on the delivery path, the resulting signal can include an IP address, device information and load time without an explicit prompt. On the receiving side, Mailshade uses declarativeNetRequest to cancel receiver-side browser requests that match its reviewed tracker-pixel endpoint catalog 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 creates a signal
A tracking image in a sent message may load when the recipient opens it or when a mail provider fetches it through a proxy. That request can be recorded by a tracking server.
What it can expose
- An address associated with the client or proxy.
- Device or client details available on the request.
- Load time and count.
The receiving side
After client opt-in, Mailshade cancels receiver-side browser requests that match reviewed tracker endpoints via DNR. Its dashboard records local detections rather than claiming every possible tracker was blocked. In Gmail, receiver-side cancellation does not establish whether Google fetched or cached an image earlier.
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?
It can. A remote tracking image may be fetched without a recipient-facing prompt, and the tracker can record request metadata such as time and the address presented by the client or proxy.
Can the recipient stop me from seeing if they read my email?
A recipient can use Mailshade to cancel receiver-side browser requests that match its reviewed tracker-endpoint catalog. Unknown techniques may fall outside a static catalog, and Gmail may have fetched or cached a remote image earlier on Google's servers.
Is open-tracking the same as a read receipt?
No. A read receipt is requested openly and can be declined. Open-tracking uses a remote image; Mailshade cancels matching receiver-side requests from its reviewed endpoint catalog.
Does Mailshade work across multiple email clients?
Yes. It can apply its reviewed receiver-side endpoint rules on Gmail, Outlook, Office 365, Superhuman, Yahoo Mail and ProtonMail after the user enables each client.
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.