How to Enable New Gmail UI: Step-by-Step Guide

Google periodically rolls out a refreshed interface for Gmail, featuring a more integrated layout with Chat, Spaces, and Meet, plus updated design elements. This guide walks you through switching to the new Gmail UI and customizing it to your preference. You’ll need a Gmail account and access to a web browser; the steps are the same for personal and Google Workspace accounts, though some options may be limited by your administrator.

What You’ll Need

• A Gmail account (personal or Google Workspace).
• Access to Gmail in a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
• If you use a company or school account, your administrator must have enabled the new UI for your organization.

Step-by-Step

1. Open Gmail in your web browser and sign in if you haven’t already.
2. Locate the settings gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Click it to open the Quick Settings panel.
3. Look for the “Go to the new Gmail” button at the top of the Quick Settings panel. If you see it, click it. If you don’t see it, your account may already be on the new UI, or the option isn’t available yet.
4. Confirm the switch if prompted. Gmail may ask you to confirm that you want to switch; click “Get started” or “OK”.
5. Wait a few seconds for the page to reload. You’ll notice a new look: a cleaner inbox, integrated left sidebar with Mail, Chat, Spaces, and Meet, and updated icons.
6. Customize your view (optional): After switching, click the gear icon again. Under “Density”, choose “Comfortable”, “Cozy”, or “Compact” to adjust spacing. Under “Inbox type”, select from Default, Important first, Unread first, Starred first, Priority Inbox, or Multiple Inboxes.
7. Enable or disable Chat and Spaces (optional): In Quick Settings, click “Chat and Spaces” to choose whether to show or hide these features in the sidebar. You can also adjust this in “See all settings” → “Chat and Meet”.
8. Switch back to classic Gmail (if needed): Click the gear icon, then click “Go back to classic Gmail” at the top of the Quick Settings panel. This option is available for a limited time after switching.

Common Mistakes

• Clicking the wrong gear icon: Make sure you click the gear icon in the top-right corner, not a gear icon that appears elsewhere on the page.
• Expecting the new UI on mobile: The new Gmail UI is primarily for the web version. The Gmail mobile app has its own design and does not use the same toggle.
• Missing the “Go to the new Gmail” button: If you don’t see it, you might already be on the new UI, or your account hasn’t been migrated yet. Check the top of the Quick Settings panel for a message like “You’re on the new Gmail”.
• Assuming all features are identical: Some classic Gmail features like certain add-ons or custom themes may not be available or may look different in the new UI.

Tips

• Use the search bar at the top to find emails, contacts, and even files from Google Drive, making navigation easier.
• Try keyboard shortcuts (enable them in Settings → See all settings → General → Keyboard shortcuts) to move faster: press “c” to compose, “/” to search, and “e” to archive.
• Pin important chats in the Chat section to keep them at the top for quick access.
• Adjust the sidebar width by dragging the divider between the sidebar and the email list for a more comfortable layout.
• Explore the new “Hover actions”: When you hover over an email, you’ll see quick actions like Archive, Delete, Mark as read, and Snooze.

Troubleshooting

• If you don’t see the “Go to the new Gmail” option: This can happen if your Google Workspace admin has disabled the new UI, or if your account is not eligible yet. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then reload Gmail. If it still doesn’t appear, wait a few days and check again—Google rolls out changes gradually.
• If the new UI looks broken or unresponsive: Refresh the page (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R) to force a full reload. If that doesn’t help, try disabling browser extensions that might interfere with Gmail, especially ad blockers or script managers.
• If you can’t find certain settings: Some settings have moved. Use the search bar in Settings (gear icon → See all settings) to quickly find the option you need.
• If you want to revert but the “Go back to classic Gmail” button is missing: Google only shows this option for a limited time after switching. If it’s gone, you may need to wait until you’re offered the option again, or contact your administrator if you’re on a Workspace account.
• If Chat or Spaces don’t load: Make sure you’re signed into Google Chat separately if needed, and check that your organization allows Chat. Also, try toggling Chat and Spaces off and on in Quick Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if I’m on the new Gmail UI?
A: Look for a left sidebar that includes Mail, Chat, Spaces, and Meet icons. The new UI also has a more rounded design and a search bar at the top that integrates with Google Drive.

Q: Can I use the new Gmail UI on my phone?
A: The new Gmail UI is for the web version. The mobile app has a different interface, but you can access the web version in a mobile browser if you prefer.

Q: Will my email data change when I switch?
A: No, switching only changes the interface. Your emails, labels, and settings remain unchanged.

Q: Can I turn off Chat and Spaces in the new UI?
A: Yes, go to Quick Settings → Chat and Spaces and select “Hide” to remove them from the sidebar.

Q: Why don’t I have the option to switch?
A: Google rolls out the new UI gradually. If you don’t see the button, try clearing your browser cache or wait a few days. Workspace admins can also control when the new UI is available for their organization.

Q: How do I go back to classic Gmail?
A: Click the gear icon → “Go back to classic Gmail”. This option is usually available for a limited time after switching, but you may not see it later.

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