How to Set Up OR Filters in Yahoo Mail

By default, filters in Yahoo Mail are AND filters, which means they combine all specified criteria when filtering incoming messages. If you prefer to send messages that meet one of several criteria to a specified folder, learn how to set up OR filters in the web version of Yahoo Mail.

How to Create an OR Mail Rule Using Two Filters

To make an OR filter in Yahoo Mail using the workaround:

1. Select the Gear icon at the top of the Yahoo Mail window.

2. Select More Settings.

3. Select Filters.

4. Select Add new filters.

5. In the Set rules section, select the drop-down menus to specify the first criterion for the filter.

6. In the Choose a folder to move to section, select the folder you want to move the message to whenever the filter is applied.

7. Select Save.

8. Repeat the steps above to make a second filter using the second criterion. Direct the second filter to the same folder as the first filter, then save it.

Yahoo Mail AND Filters vs. OR Filters

In Yahoo Mail, it's possible to set up filters that route incoming mail to designated folders. While you can set up a single filter for messages that are from a certain sender AND have a specific subject, you can't make a filter for messages that are from a certain sender OR have a specific subject.

To create OR filters, combe two regular filters. For example, set up a filter for a certain sender, make another filter for a specific subject, then instruct both filters to move messages to the same folder. That way, messages with the specified sender or subject (or both) show up in the target folder automatically.