Set Gmail as Default Mail App on iPhone or iPad

This guide walks you through making Gmail the default email app on your iPhone or iPad, so links that open email and mailto: links will launch Gmail instead of the built-in Mail app. You’ll need Gmail installed and signed in, and your device must be running iOS 14 or later (or iPadOS 14 or later).

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad with iOS/iPadOS 14 or newer
• The Gmail app installed from the App Store
• You must be signed in to at least one account in the Gmail app

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. It’s the gray gear icon.
2. Scroll down and tap Gmail in the list of apps. The list is alphabetical, so it will be under the G section.
3. Tap “Default Mail App” – this option is near the top of the Gmail settings page.
4. Select Gmail from the list of available email apps. A blue checkmark will appear next to it.
5. Exit Settings – the change is saved automatically. You don’t need to restart your device.
6. Test it by tapping an email address on a webpage or in another app. The link should open Gmail’s compose screen instead of the Apple Mail app.

Common Mistakes

• Not updating iOS: The “Default Mail App” setting only appears on iOS 14 or later. If you don’t see it, update your device first.
• Looking in the wrong place: Some users search for “Mail” in Settings and expect the option there. It’s under the specific app (Gmail), not under the Mail app’s own settings.
• Not signed in: If Gmail isn’t signed in, the app may not appear in the list or the setting won’t work properly. Open Gmail and sign in first.
• Tapping the wrong toggle: There’s a separate “Allow Gmail to access” section – make sure you’re tapping “Default Mail App,” not a notification or background refresh toggle.
• Expecting it to affect all links: Some apps, especially those with built-in email composers, may still open their own compose window. The default setting only affects links that ask the system to open an email app.

Tips

• Check the checkmark: After selecting Gmail, you’ll see a blue checkmark. If you don’t, tap Gmail again to confirm.
• Use the same setting for calendar: If you also use Google Calendar, you can set it as the default calendar app in Settings → Calendar → Default Calendar App.
• Switch back easily: To revert to Apple Mail, go to Settings → Gmail → Default Mail App and select Mail.
• Multiple accounts: The default applies to Gmail as a whole – when a link opens Gmail, it will use the account you last used in the app. You can switch accounts within Gmail.
• Restart the app: If Gmail doesn’t appear in the list, force-close the Settings app and reopen it.

Troubleshooting

Gmail doesn’t appear in Settings: Make sure Gmail is installed and you’ve opened it at least once. If it still doesn’t show, restart your iPhone or iPad, then check again. If it’s still missing, uninstall and reinstall Gmail from the App Store.

The option “Default Mail App” is grayed out: This usually means your iOS version is too old. Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install the latest version.

Links still open Apple Mail: First, double-check that Gmail is selected in Settings → Gmail → Default Mail App. Then test with a standard mailto: link (like on a contact page). Some apps have their own email handling and ignore the system default – this is a limitation of the app, not your setting.

Gmail opens but shows the wrong account: The default uses the account that was last active in Gmail. Open Gmail, tap your profile picture, and switch to the account you want to use before testing the link.

After an iOS update, the setting resets: Rarely, an update can reset app defaults. Just repeat the steps above to set Gmail again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work on all iPhones and iPads?

Yes, as long as the device runs iOS 14 or later. That covers iPhone 6s and newer, and most iPads from 2015 onward.

Will this make all my email open in Gmail?

No, it only affects links that ask the system to open an email app. Apps with their own email composer (like some shopping apps) will still use their own interface.

Can I set Gmail as default for only one account?

No, the default applies to the Gmail app as a whole. When a link opens Gmail, it uses the account you last used in the app. You can switch accounts manually.

How do I change it back to Apple Mail?

Go to Settings → Gmail → Default Mail App and select Mail. The change takes effect immediately.

Will this affect my notifications?

No, notifications are controlled separately in Settings → Gmail → Notifications. The default app setting only affects which app opens for email links.

I don’t see Gmail in Settings at all. What should I do?

Make sure Gmail is installed and you’ve opened it at least once. Then restart your device. If it still doesn’t appear, uninstall and reinstall Gmail.

Related

• Exception Access Violation Fix: Windows Error Guide
• Is That Windows Cleanup Command Safe? How to Check
• Fix Twitter Not Uploading Photos and Videos