New Poster
•
3 Messages
Read emails becoming Unread
I have created multiple sub-folders and have setup filters to redirect certain emails into these sub-folders. I noticed the emails in the sub-folders that were marked as "Read" automatically were set to Unread on my web browser. I sometime read these emails on my mobile device but this is also accessing the app via internet browser. How can I keep this from happening?
XfinityAirelle
Official Employee
•
3K Messages
3 days ago
We can see why that would be frustrating. When messages flip back to unread, it usually feels like the system is undoing your work.
What’s happening here is almost always a sync issue between devices and the webmail server. Even though you’re using a browser on your mobile device, the system can still treat that session differently than your desktop browser. If one session doesn’t fully sync the “read” status back to the server before closing or refreshing, the server may default the message back to unread the next time it checks.
Here are the most effective ways to prevent this from continuing.
First, make sure you are opening the email fully and letting it load for a moment before closing the tab or app. Quickly opening and backing out can sometimes register as “previewed” instead of “read,” especially in folders with filters.
Next, check your webmail settings and confirm that messages are set to be marked as read when opened, not only when previewed. If preview mode is enabled, messages can revert when the session refreshes.
It also helps to avoid having multiple browser tabs or devices logged into webmail at the same time. If one session is out of sync or refreshes late, it can overwrite the read status set by another session.
Clearing your browser cache and cookies on both desktop and mobile can also help. Old cached data can cause the server and browser to disagree on message status.
One reliable workaround if this keeps happening is to manually mark the message as read from the folder view instead of just opening it. That action sends a stronger “read” signal to the server and tends to stick.
If after trying these steps the issue continues, let us know. 🙂
0
0