Removing Tabs from Gmail Inbox

by | posted in: Social Media | 11

I, along with many other disgruntled users, have been hit with Google’s latest Gmail update: the tabbed inbox. Seeking to organise your mail in a simple and convenient way, Gmail’s three new tabs – Primary, Social, Promotions – would have been great if presented to users as an option they’d like to implement, rather than rolling it out without consent.

My disapproval arises from two points: What makes Google so sure that it’s those categories I’d like to sort out my mail in? Secondly, my inbox is mine – don’t mess with it when I’m not looking. [Insert threatening look].

I did consider keeping the look. I like checking my mail as they come in while I’m busy with other tasks. When mail is received in the Social and Promotions tabs, no notification is given when the browser is minimised (the “Inbox (1)”). Which means that I’ll have to maximise the browser and go to that specific tab to check for mail. An inconvenience.

The good news is that there’s a way to get rid of the tabs. It’s so simple, I could tell you in one sentence. But I won’t. I will drag it out and make it look like an important set of instructions 😉

  • Click on the “+” sign on the far right, next to the Promotions tab.
  • Remove the tick from the Social and Promotions options.
  • Save
  • Your inbox magically appears back to normal.

Getting rid of your tabs now? Great! You can thank me later 😉

Follow Saajida Akabor:

Digital Copywriter

Freelance digital copywriter; animal-lover; reader; photography enthusiast; and a tea drinker.

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11 Responses

  4. Hodan Ibrahim
    | Reply

    Wow, Thanks! I’ve been a gmail user for years. I totally get when you say “my inbox is mine” lol it’s like my personal property I don’t want intruded on. Its annoying as a chronic email checker! Thanks a bunch! I’m going to do it right now!

    • Saajida
      | Reply

      lol exactly! it’s a little freaky when you just log on and you see your inbox in a different arrangement.

      You’re welcome 🙂

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