How to remove tracking pixels in Gmail
Gmail routes remote images through Google's proxy, which hides your raw IP — but the tracking pixel still loads, so the sender still learns that you opened the message and roughly when. Gmail's image setting does not remove trackers; turning images off entirely breaks legitimate mail. To actually remove tracking pixels in Gmail you need to cancel the pixel request rather than proxy it. Mailshade uses Chrome's declarativeNetRequest to block known tracker domains at the network layer inside mail.google.com, so the open signal is never sent, while ordinary images keep loading. It also unwraps click-tracking redirect links and logs each blocked sender to a local dashboard. This guide covers why Gmail's built-in proxy is not enough and how to block pixels cleanly without disabling images.
Why Gmail's image proxy is not enough
Google's proxy fetches remote images on your behalf, masking your IP. But the fetch still happens, so the open event still fires and the sender records that the message was read. The proxy hides one detail, not the open itself.
Removing tracking pixels in Gmail
- Install Mailshade from mailshade.org.
- Open Gmail at mail.google.com; the content script activates automatically.
- Open a tracked message — the pixel request is cancelled via DNR before it fires.
- Check the red-eye overlay for the blocked tracker domain.
Keep images, drop trackers
Because Mailshade targets known tracker domains rather than all images, you do not need to disable images in Gmail settings. Newsletter graphics and logos still load; only the tracking pixel is blocked.
See who tracked you
Every blocked event is recorded in local IndexedDB and charted per sender, so you can tell which Gmail senders repeatedly embed trackers.
FAQ
Does Gmail block tracking pixels by default?
No. Gmail proxies remote images to hide your IP, but the pixel still loads, so the open still reaches the sender. Removing the tracker requires blocking the request, which Gmail does not do.
Do I have to turn off images in Gmail to stop tracking?
No. Mailshade blocks only known tracker domains via declarativeNetRequest, so legitimate images keep loading. Turning images off entirely is unnecessary and breaks normal mail.
Does this work in the Gmail mobile app?
Mailshade is a Chrome MV3 extension for the Gmail web client at mail.google.com. It does not run inside the native mobile app, which does not support browser extensions.
Will the sender know their pixel was removed?
No. The cancelled request produces no open signal, so the sender sees the same result as an unopened email. There is no notification that a pixel was blocked.
How much does Mailshade cost for Gmail?
Pricing is the same across all clients: from $3.99 per month or $19 one-time for Founders Lifetime. The source is open under AGPL-3.0 at github.com/mailshade/mailshade.