How to use Gmail — essential tips and tricks

The Gmail logo on a computer screen under a magnifying glass.
(Image credit: dennizn/Shutterstock)

Google's free webmail service Gmail seems easy to use at first, but it's got a lot of features and abilities that might not be obvious. For example, how do you create new folders in Gmail? How do you empty the trash? How do you change the password? 

That's why we're here to help. Our guide below details how to do all these things and more, and we'll be ready to add more Gmail tips and tricks as they come up.

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 turn on Gmail's two-factor authentication on your desktop

Here's how to beef up your Gmail security with one simple trick.

How to set up Gmail two-factor authentication (2FA) on your phone

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

More Gmail tips

  1. How to create a new Gmail account
  2. How to delete your Gmail account
  3. How to log out of Gmail
  4. How to change your name in Gmail
  5. How to block emails in Gmail
  6. How to recall email in Gmail
  7. How to mark all as read in Gmail
  8. How to delete all emails in Gmail
  9. How to create folders in Gmail
  10. How to empty trash in Gmail
  11. How to change your password in Gmail
  12. How to archive email in Gmail
  13. How to activate Gmail dark mode
  14. How to turn on Gmail's two-factor authentication on your desktop 
  15. How to set up Gmail two-factor authentication (2FA) on your phone
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.