Gmail is one of the most widely used email services due to its user-friendly interface and powerful features. However, many users often find themselves puzzled by some of the unfamiliar symbols and icons that appear in their inboxes. Understanding these icons can help improve your Gmail experience and allow you to navigate more efficiently. In this guide, we will break down the meaning of various Gmail icons across both mobile and web platforms.
Meaning of Icons in the Gmail Mobile App
Home Screen Icons
- Arrows Before the Sender Name:
A double arrow (>>) indicates that the email has only one recipient, while a single arrow (>) means that the email has multiple recipients. - Star Icon Next to Emails:
Tapping the star icon adds the email to your “Starred” folder, helping you mark important messages that you can access quickly later. - Video Camera Icon at the Bottom:
This icon opens Google Meet within Gmail, allowing you to start video calls or schedule meetings.
Icons on the Email Screen
Icons at the Top
- Down Arrow in a Box:
Tap this icon to archive the email, which removes it from the inbox and stores it in the “All Mail” folder. - Trash Icon:
Use this to delete an email. The email will be moved to the Trash, where it will stay for 30 days before being permanently deleted.
- Envelope with Dot:
Tap this icon to mark the email as unread, giving it the appearance of a new message. - Three-Dot Menu:
This opens additional options for managing the email. - Smiley Icon:
Tap this to open the emoji panel and react to the email with an emoji. - Back Arrow:
Use this icon to reply to the email.
Icons at the Bottom
- Paper Clip:
This icon allows you to attach a file, photo, or document to your email. - Back Arrow:
Use this to forward, reply to, or change email recipients. - Forward Arrow:
Tap this to forward the email to someone else. - Smiley:
Tap this to send an emoji reaction to the email.
Icons on the Compose Screen
- Paper Clip:
Use this icon to attach a file from your phone or Google Drive. - Triangular Arrow Icon:
Tap this to send your email. - Three-Dot Menu:
This opens additional options for composing emails. - Arrow Icon Next to “From” and “To” Fields:
Tap this icon to change the sender or recipient email addresses.
Meaning of Icons in Gmail Web
Icons on the Main Screen
Icons at the Top
- Three-bar Icon:
This icon shows or hides the Gmail folders panel. - Filter Icon in the Search Bar:
Tap this to perform an advanced search, allowing you to specify criteria like sender, recipient, subject, size, and attachments. - Question Mark:
Use this icon for help regarding Gmail. - Settings Cog:
Tap this icon to open Gmail settings. - 9-Dotted Icon:
Tap this icon to view a list of other Google apps. - Star Icon:
The star icon is visible if you have a Google One subscription and want to access Gemini AI features.
Icons Above the Email List
- Box with Down Arrow:
Click this icon to select all emails or filter based on conditions like read or starred emails. - Circle with Arrow:
Click this to refresh the page. - Arrows:
Use the arrows to navigate between pages of emails. - Keyboard:
This allows you to change your input language.
Icons Before the Email Sender’s Name
- 6 Circle Icon:
Appears when you hover over a selected email, allowing you to move it to a different folder. - Square Box:
Use this icon to select the email. - Star Icon:
Click to mark an email as a favorite. The icon turns yellow once the email is starred. - Right Arrow Icon:
Indicates whether an email is marked as important by Gmail’s AI.
Icons After the Email Subject
- Box with Down Arrow:
Archive the email without deleting it from the inbox. - Trash Icon:
Delete the email from your inbox. - Closed/Opened Envelope Icon:
The closed icon marks an email as unread, while the open envelope icon indicates it has been read. - Clock Icon:
This icon lets you snooze an email to be reminded of it at a later time.
Icons Present Inside an Email
Icons in the Toolbar at the Top of an Email
- Box with Down Arrow:
Archive the email. - Exclamation Mark:
Report an email as spam. - Trash Icon:
Delete the email. - Envelope with Dot:
Mark the email as unread. - Clock Icon:
Snooze the email. - Checkmark Icon with Add:
Create a task in Google Tasks related to the email. - Folder with Right Arrow:
Move the email to another folder or label. - Label Icon:
Add or manage labels for your emails.
Gmail Icons on the Right Side
- Printer Icon:
Print a copy of the email. - Arrow Pointing Top-Right Corner:
Open the email in a new window. - Star Icon:
Star the email. - Emoji Icon:
React with an emoji. - Back Arrow:
Reply to the email.
Icons on the New Message or Compose Email Screen
- Arrow Next to Send Button:
Schedule the email to send at a later time. - A:
Open the text formatting toolbar. - Paper Clip:
Attach a file. - Link Icon:
Add or remove hyperlinks in the email. - Emoji Icon:
Insert emojis. - Google Drive Icon:
Attach files from Google Drive. - Photo Icon:
Insert an inline image or attach a photo. - Lock with Clock Icon:
Enable Confidential Mode for secure emailing. - Pen Icon:
Choose and add an email signature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I use Gmail’s filter icon?
The filter icon in the search bar helps you perform an advanced search, narrowing down emails based on specific criteria.
2. What is the purpose of the Star icon in Gmail?
The Star icon lets you mark important emails as favorites, which can be easily accessed later in the “Starred” folder.
3. How do I snooze an email in Gmail?
Click the clock icon to snooze an email, setting a reminder to come back to it later.
4. What does the right arrow next to the sender’s name mean?
The right arrow indicates Gmail’s AI marking the email as important or not.
5. How do I enable Confidential Mode in Gmail?
Click the lock with a clock icon to enable Confidential Mode, which ensures the email can’t be forwarded or downloaded.
Conclusion
Gmail’s icons can seem overwhelming at first, but with this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of what each symbol means and how to use it. Whether you’re archiving emails, adding stars, or scheduling messages, these icons are designed to make your experience smoother and more efficient.