How to Delete Your Emails in Gmail (Desktop and Mobile)

Email Tracking
Denisa Lamaj
-
14 June 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Deleting emails in Gmail might seem tricky, especially for beginners. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, whether you're using a computer or a mobile device. 

We'll also explain why it's important to delete old emails and how to make sure you don't lose any important information in the process. 

Let's get started on making your inbox cleaner and easier to manage.

Why is it Important to Delete Your Emails?

Deleting emails might seem like a hassle, but it can make a big difference. Here’s why:

Lower risk of data breaches. Old emails often contain sensitive information like passwords and personal details. Deleting them helps keep your data safe.

Save storage space. Email services like Gmail have storage limits (15 GB for free accounts). Deleting unwanted emails helps prevent you from running out of space.

Better productivity. A cluttered inbox makes it hard to find important messages. Deleting unnecessary emails makes it easier to navigate your inbox.

Less stress. A full inbox can be overwhelming. Keeping it clean can help you feel more focused and clear-minded.

What to Do Before Deleting Your Emails?

Before you start deleting emails, make sure you don't lose important information. Here are some simple steps to prepare for cleaning your inbox:

  • Identify important emails. Look through your inbox for emails with important information, like financial records or work documents. You can sort your emails by date, sender, or subject and then flag, star, or move them to a special folder.
  • Choose a backup method. Use a backup solution to save copies of important messages outside your email account. Most email services also let you export your emails to a secure location with just one click.

How to Delete Emails in Gmail Desktop and Mobile

After backing up your important emails, it's time to clean up your inbox. Here’s a simple guide to deleting a single message in Gmail:

Desktop

  1. Sign In to Your Gmail Account: Open your web browser and go to the Gmail website. Enter your email address and password to log in.
  2. Find the Email: Navigate to your inbox and locate the email you want to delete.

select email on gmail

  1. Delete the Email: Click on the bin icon (trash can) next to the email. This will move the email to your trash folder.

Mobile

Managing your emails on a mobile device is simple and efficient. Here’s how you can delete an email using the Gmail app on your phone:

  1. Open the Gmail App: Launch the Gmail app on your mobile device by tapping on its icon.

gmail on mobile

  1. Select the Email: Navigate to your inbox and find the email you want to delete. Long press on the email to select it. You will notice a checkmark or highlight indicating that the email is selected.

delete email on gmail mobile
  1. Delete the Email: After selecting the email, look for the trash can icon, typically located at the top of the screen. Tap on the trash can icon to delete the selected email.

Easily Manage Your Emails with MailTracker

If you're a freelancer, manager, consultant, or anyone dealing with a lot of emails, managing them can be overwhelming. That's why using an email tracker tool like MailTracker can save you time and simplify your tasks.

MailTracker makes handling daily emails easier. Get notifications when your emails are read, set follow-up reminders, and enjoy advanced features for Gmail. 

Start today with our forever free plan—add MailTracker to Chrome and improve your email management.

Email tracking for Gmail

Track every emails and documents that you’ll be send. Know exactly who and when your PDF are opened and never miss an opportunity to follow up again.

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