Your Gmail inbox doesn’t have to be loud, cluttered, or overwhelming. With just a few changes, you can enjoy a minimal and focused email experience. Here's how you can do it step by step.
Step 1: Turn Off Chat and Meet Tabs
Start on the left-hand side of Gmail. If you never use Google Chat or Google Meet, it's best to hide them.
- Click the gear icon.
- Choose "See all settings."
- Go to the "Chat and meet" tab.
- Turn off Chat.
- Under Meet, select "Hide the Meet section in the main menu."
- Click "Save changes."
Now, your inbox looks cleaner already.
Step 2: Hide the Google Sidebar
On the right-hand side, you might see Google Calendar, Keep, and other tools. If you don’t use them:
- Scroll to the bottom right corner.
- Click "Hide side panel."
This clears space and reduces distractions. You can always open it again when needed.
Step 3: Clean Up Your Labels
Labels help you organize emails. But you don’t need to see all of them all the time.
- Scroll down your list of labels.
- Click "More."
- Select "Manage labels."
Here, you can decide which system and custom labels to show, hide, or show only if they contain unread messages.
For example:
- Hide "Snoozed," "Important," and others you don’t check often.
- Show only your "Inbox" and "Sent" labels.
- Set folders like "Spam" to "Show if unread."
The same goes for your custom labels. Show only the ones you use daily.
Step 4: Reduce Gmail Tabs
Gmail often has multiple tabs like "Promotions," "Social," and "Updates."
- Go to "Settings."
- Click the "Inbox" tab.
- Under "Categories," uncheck all except "Primary."
- Save your changes.
Now all your emails go into one simple tab, making it easier to manage.
Step 5: Use Starred Emails
To keep your focus on important emails:
- Click the gear icon.
- Find "Inbox type."
- Select "Starred first."
This moves starred emails to the top of your inbox. You can expand or collapse other messages so you stay focused.
Other inbox types are also available, including Priority Inbox and Multiple Inboxes.
Step 6: Try SaneBox for Smarter Email Sorting
Want to take your Gmail cleanup to the next level? Try SaneBox. It filters distractions and helps you focus on what matters.
- Works with your existing Gmail account.
- Moves low-priority emails out of sight.
- Feels like having an assistant for your inbox.
Try it free at sanebox.com/simpletivity
Final Thoughts
Managing your inbox doesn't have to be hard. By hiding unused features, customizing what you see, and using tools like SaneBox, you can enjoy a simple and productive Gmail experience.
