Outlook app in MacOS system: Unable to remove "there are unread emails" dot from the control bar on the left

Jingzhou NaCA 20 Reputation points
2026-10-03T06:25:29.7833333+00:00

I permanently deleted some trash emails. At the time of deletion, those emails were marked as unread, and I directly clicked the delete button without open/read those emails. After that, the blue dot notation for "there are unread emails" is constantly showing up (see picture at the end). I checked my inbox, trash, and other folders (all folders I could find). There are no unread emails.

I think the problem may be related to the "unread trash email" I deleted, and the system thinks that one is still unread. However, I cannot find that email. I am not sure if this is the case.

Is there a way that I can fix this issue? I do want this feature, but only for "real" unread emails.

Thank you in advance for your help.

unread mark constantly showing up

Outlook | MacOS | New Outlook for Mac | For home
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DYARI BARHAM 37,681 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-10-03T17:47:37.8233333+00:00

You are most welcome. Glad to hear that your issue is resolved.

Please feel free to rate my answer.

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  1. Jingzhou NaCA 20 Reputation points
    2026-10-03T14:33:25.3533333+00:00

    Reinstalling the app may help. This solved the issue on my machine.

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  2. DYARI BARHAM 37,681 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-03T07:46:22.8533333+00:00

    Hi,

    Click the person-shaped profile with the blue dot > Check the accounts linked to that profile > Sign in to the same account using Outlook web > Check for unread messages, including Junk Email and Deleted Items. If none appear online, the blue dot may be stuck in Outlook for Mac.

    Quit Outlook completely using Command + Q > Reopen it and check whether the dot disappears.

    If it remains, sign in to the affected account through your email provider’s website and check for unread messages there.

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