Sometimes, you might get an email that looks unusual or unexpected. To understand where it came from or how it was sent, you can check its headers and source code.
These details are hidden in your email app, but you can find them in just a few steps. This article shows you how.
Before you begin
What are email headers?
Email headers show hidden details about an email, like who sent it, who received it, when it was sent, and how it got to you. They can help explain why an email looks suspicious, didn’t arrive, or wasn’t expected.
What is email source code?
Email source code is what controls how an email looks. It includes settings like the layout, links, and images. If an email looks broken, has missing content, or is not showing up correctly, viewing the source code can help spot the problem.
Finding email headers and source code
Here’s how to find headers and source code in your email app.
Steps for finding email headers:
- Open the email you want to view the headers for.
- Select the File tab at the top of the screen.
- Select Properties in the drop-down menu.
The internet headers will be displayed in the Internet headers section of the pop-up window.
Steps for finding email headers and source code:
- Open the email you want to view the headers for.
- Select the three dots at the top right corner of the email.
- Select Show original in the drop-down menu.
The email headers and source code will be displayed in a new window.
Steps for finding email headers and source code:
- Open the email you want to view the headers for.
- Select the three dots at the bottom right corner of the email.
- Select View raw message in the drop-down menu.
The email headers and source code will be displayed in a new window.
Steps for finding email headers and source code:
- Open the email you want to view the headers for.
- Select the View menu in the top menu bar.
- Select Message in the drop-down menu.
- Select Raw Source in the sub-menu.
The email headers and source code will be displayed in a new window.