Declutter Your Inbox: How to Filter Unread Emails in Gmail

Key Takeaways

• There is no straightforward Gmail feature for displaying only unread messages, but interesting workarounds exist.
• One of the easiest approaches is to use a query in the search field.

Method 1: Using a Query in the Search Field

Like Google Search, there are various tips and tricks for using Gmail Search to get the desired results. One such trick allows you to search for your unread emails easily. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Gmail and click on the Search box at the top.

Step 2: Type the following query into the search bar and hit Enter on your keyboard to show all your unread emails.

is:unread

Step 3: (Optional) To view only the unread emails in your Primary Inbox, type the following query.

label:unread category:primary

Method 2: Update Settings to Show Unread Messages First

By default, Gmail arranges your emails in the order you receive them. So, the most recent emails appear first, while the older ones are further down. However, you can change this setting to showcase your unread emails first while the other emails are at the bottom. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1: Open the Gmail page in a web browser and sign in with your account details.

Step 2: At the top right of your Gmail, click on the Settings (gear) icon.

Step 3: Click on See all settings.

Step 4: On the Ribbon, click on the Inbox tab.

Step 5: Click on the drop-down beside the Inbox type.

Step 6: From the drop-down options, click Unread first.

Step 7: In the Inbox sections field, click on the drop-down beside Unread.

Step 8: Select between 5 and 50 for the number of unread items you want to see in your Inbox.

Step 9: In the Inbox sections field, click on the drop-down beside Everything else.

Step 10: Select between 5 and 50 for the number of everything else you would like to see in your Inbox.

Step 11: Scroll to the bottom and click Save Changes to enable your new setting.

By following the steps above, the emails in your Gmail Inbox will be split into Unread and Everything Else.

Method 3: Set up Automatic Filters

Labels are one of the best ways to organize your Gmail Inbox. Using Labels, you can sort out your emails into different categories. Here’s how to create a label for your unread emails in Gmail.

Step 1: Open the Gmail page in a web browser and sign in with your account details.

Step 2: Click on the Search box at the top of Gmail.

Step 3: Type the following query into the search bar and hit Enter on your keyboard to show all your unread emails.

is:unread

Step 4: Click on the Show search options filter at the end of the search bar.

Step 5: Click Create filter.

Step 6: Tick the box for Apply the label.

Step 7: Click on the drop-down beside Apply the label and select New label from the options.

Step 8: In the New label dialog box, name your new label.

Step 9: Click Create to save your new label name and create your new label.

Step 10: On your Inbox, tick any unread email.

Step 11: Click the Label icon at the top of the page.

Step 12: Tick the box beside the new label created to ensure your Unread emails land there.

Step 13: To view your unread emails, click on the label name at the left of your Gmail window.