How to use Gmail — essential tips and tricks

The Gmail app tile on a smartphone screen, with a finger about to tap it
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

As one of the most popular email services around, it’s worth knowing how to use Gmail to its full potential. After all, there are so many features to explore – some hidden; some obvious – and many of them will make emailing so much easier which, in turn, will make you more productive.

Is your inbox drowning in emails? Then learn how to create new folders. Is Gmail maxing out your Google storage? Then discover how to empty the trash. It’s equally important to know how to log out of Gmail and to protect yourself from unwanted messages by figuring out how to block emails.

So let’s take a look at these and much more in a guide to Gmail that will continue to grow. Simply peruse the links below and start exploring. By the end, you’ll have a much better knowledge of how to use Gmail, taking your usage of the app – whether in a browser or in the app – to a whole new level.

How to create a new Gmail account

Signing up for Google's free email service isn't difficult, but there are a few pitfalls.

How to delete your Gmail account

It's not that simple to delete your Gmail account. Here's how.

How to log out of Gmail

Logging out of Gmail has a pretty widespread impact.

How to change your name in Gmail

Most people don't know this, but you can change your username in Gmail.

How to block emails in Gmail

Got people or companies flooding your inbox with unwanted messages? Here's how to block them.

How to recall email in Gmail

Believe it or not, you can recall an email after it's sent — but there's a catch.

How to mark all as read in Gmail

Sometimes you'll want to move or delete a whole bunch of messages at once. Here's how.

How to delete all emails in Gmail

Want to thoroughly clean out your inbox? This is how to do it.

How to create folders in Gmail 

This isn't the most obvious procedure, so we'll walk you through it.

How to empty trash in Gmail 

Gmail gives you plenty of storage for old emails, but you'll want to empty it once in a while.

How to change your password in Gmail

Worried your password might be too week, or compromised? Here's how to fix that.

How to archive email in Gmail

Someone you just want to file messages away for future reference.

How to activate Gmail dark mode

Believe it or not, Gmail does have a dark mode to ease your tired eyes.

How to set up Gmail two-factor authentication (2FA) on desktop and mobile

You can also greatly enhance your Gmail security from the comfort of your phone.

How to use Gmail confidential mode to encrypt private emails

You can greatly enhance your Gmail security from the comfort of your phone or computer.

How to use passkeys with your Google account

Learn how to use passkeys instead of a password to sign into your Google account

How to change side panels in Gmail

Quickly navigate between your emails, Chats, Spaces, and Meet video calls.


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Paul Wagenseil

Paul Wagenseil is a senior editor at Tom's Guide focused on security and privacy. He has also been a dishwasher, fry cook, long-haul driver, code monkey and video editor. He's been rooting around in the information-security space for more than 15 years at FoxNews.com, SecurityNewsDaily, TechNewsDaily and Tom's Guide, has presented talks at the ShmooCon, DerbyCon and BSides Las Vegas hacker conferences, shown up in random TV news spots and even moderated a panel discussion at the CEDIA home-technology conference. You can follow his rants on Twitter at @snd_wagenseil.