Let’s face it, both our personal and work emails can get completely stuffed full of irrelevant emails. So much so that we miss out on new important emails that come through. Sometimes it’s just best to delete everything and start fresh (although we also recommend unsubscribing or blocking spammy emails first).
To help you start fresh, we’ve put together a guide on how to delete all emails on Gmail. In short, it’s as simple as opening Gmail on your web browser, selecting all the emails with the shortcut in the top left, and then click delete. If you need a step-by-step guide and screenshots, then keep reading to learn more.
Why Should You Delete All Emails You Don’t Need?
There are a few reasons why you might wish to delete all messages from Gmail.
The first one is that you might be overlooking something crucial. It is challenging, or sometimes impossible, to track something when your inbox is packed with emails you don’t need. It’s very easy to make a mistake and fail to notice something that could end up being important for your job or to unintentionally overlook a social function. You can stay organized and become much more efficient if you know how to erase all emails from Gmail occasionally.
Another reason would be that keeping a crowded inbox can be stressful. We can see that unopened email lists are filled with messages we never had the chance to sort, delete, and arrange for months or years. Although it is annoying, the feeling of starting again after a total cleanout is usually worth it.
How to Delete All Emails on Gmail At Once on a Web Browser
The Gmail mobile application doesn’t have instructions for how to delete all of the emails on Gmail simultaneously, but doing so through your online browser is not as difficult.
Here is how to delete all of the emails in Gmail on the web:
- Open Gmail on the website browser.
- Log in to your Gmail account.
- In your inbox, you can scroll down and click the Inbox option towards the left to see all your messages.
- Here you will see all your emails, including the Primary inbox ones.
- On the email list page, click on the checkbox towards the left side of messages.
- Selecting the first option will change the options in the main Gmail toolbar. Now, click the arrow button beside the checkbox in the main toolbar, which will open a drop-down menu.
- Select the All option if you wish to delete all the emails.
- Now click the Delete icon in the main toolbar to delete the emails.
The emails will be moved to the trash. If you don’t take further action, all emails in the trash will be deleted automatically after 30 days. If you wish to delete them manually, open the Trash tab and click the Empty Trash now button.
Related:Â How to Recall an Email in Gmail (3 Simple Steps)
How to Delete Gmail Emails Within a Certain Date Range
Gmail allows users to narrow down how to delete multiple emails in Gmail. You can use specific commands to select the dates you wish to remove the emails.
Here is how to mass delete emails in Gmail before or after a certain date:
- Open Gmail on your browser and sign in to your account.
- You will see a search bar at the top. Click on it and type Before: YYYY/MM/DD. Similarly, you can also type After YYYY/MM/DD, to see all the emails after that date. You can use both commands together to delete emails received between specific dates.
- Click the To Me option, which will be under the search option.
- On the left of the emails, you will see a Checkbox. Click on it.
- Now click the Trash option from the top of the page.
- A confirmation window will pop up. Choose the OKÂ option.
- All your emails will be moved to your Trash folder.
- You can also delete your emails from Trash, but be sure this is what you want to do as this action is irreversible. You may want to simply archive the emails and search them later.
How to Delete All of the Emails in Gmail on Phone
Unfortunately, using the Gmail application, you cannot delete all your emails simultaneously. However, you can delete multiple emails using the mobile app, which can be very useful for clearing your Gmail inbox on the go.
Here are the steps on how you can do this:
- On your phone, open the Gmail application.
- Click the icon next to an email representing the contact’s profile picture. This will tick that email and reveal all other emails you do not need.
- On the top left part of the screen, click the three horizontal bars icon. This will open a new list towards the left side of the screen.
- Click the three horizontal lines at the top left of the screen.
- Here, click the Trash option. This will open the list of deleted emails.
- Choose the Empty trash now option.
Gmail is one of the most popular messaging services, so here are the top 45 Gmail tips and tricks to make the most of your mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Way to Delete All Emails in Gmail?
You can delete all your emails in Gmail. Open Gmail on the website browser and log in your account. In your inbox, scroll down and click the All Mail option on the left to see all your messages. On the All Mail page, click on the Checkbox above the messages. A pop-up window will open with a message that reads Select all the conversations. Click it, and all your emails in your Gmail will be selected. Now simply click the Trash option and choose the OK option from the confirmation pop-up window.
Why Am I Not Able to Delete All the Emails?
The Gmail application for Android does not allow users to delete all of their emails simultaneously. To delete all your emails at once, simply open the web browser on the smartphone, log into an account, and choose the All Mail option. Click the check box right above the messages. A pop-up window will open with a message that reads Select all the conversations in All Mail. Click it, and all your emails in your Gmail account will be selected. Now simply click the Trash option and choose the OK option.
Wrapping Up How to Delete All of the Emails in Gmail
Above, we showed you how to delete all emails on Gmail on web browsers and mobile. To boil it down, you simply have to select all emails and then press delete. If you’re still having trouble with it, please let us know in the comments. Otherwise, feel free to take suggested course below to make your inbox as efficient as possible.
Improve Your Gmail Inbox with an All Inclusive Guide
Want to be a Gmail wiz? Check out this book to learn everything there is to know about optimizing your Gmail inbox.
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Chris is a spreadsheet expert and content writer for Productivity Spot and Spreadsheet Point. He has a double Bachelor's Degree in Teaching and has been working in the education industry for over 11 years. His experience makes him adept at breaking down complex topics so that everyone is able to understand.
