How Do You Create a Label in the Gmail App?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying organized is key to managing your emails efficiently. Gmail, one of the most popular email platforms, offers a variety of tools to help users keep their inboxes neat and accessible. Among these tools, labels play a crucial role in categorizing and sorting emails, making it easier to find important messages when you need them most.

Creating labels directly within the Gmail app empowers users to customize their email experience on the go, without needing to switch to a desktop. Whether you’re managing work correspondence, personal messages, or newsletters, labels help streamline your inbox and improve productivity. Understanding how to create and use labels in the Gmail app can transform the way you handle your daily communications.

This article will guide you through the essentials of setting up labels in the Gmail app, highlighting the benefits of this feature and how it can enhance your email organization. By mastering labels, you’ll gain greater control over your inbox, ensuring that important emails are always just a tap away.

Steps to Create a Label in the Gmail App

Creating a label in the Gmail app is a straightforward process that helps you organize your emails efficiently. Unlike the desktop version, the Gmail mobile app does not allow you to create new labels directly within the app interface. However, you can still create labels through the mobile web browser or use existing labels and manage them effectively on the app.

To create a label using your mobile device, follow these steps:

  • Open a mobile browser (such as Chrome or Safari) and navigate to Gmail’s desktop site by typing mail.google.com.
  • If the site loads in mobile view, switch to desktop mode by selecting the browser’s menu and choosing “Desktop site.”
  • Log in with your Gmail credentials if you haven’t already.
  • On the left sidebar, scroll down and click on “More” to expand the menu.
  • Select “Create new label.”
  • Enter the desired label name and, if necessary, nest it under an existing label.
  • Click “Create” to save the new label.

Once the label is created, it will automatically sync with the Gmail app on your device, and you can apply it to emails directly from the app.

Managing Labels Within the Gmail App

While label creation requires using a desktop or desktop-mode browser, the Gmail app offers robust label management features for sorting and accessing your emails. You can apply, remove, or filter emails by labels with ease.

To apply a label to an email in the Gmail app:

  • Open the Gmail app and navigate to your inbox or any folder.
  • Tap and hold the email you want to label to select it.
  • Tap the three-dot menu icon (usually in the upper-right corner).
  • Select “Label” from the menu.
  • Choose one or multiple labels from the list.
  • Tap the checkmark or “OK” to apply the selected labels.

Removing a label works similarly by deselecting the label from the email.

Understanding Label Visibility and Notifications

Labels in Gmail can be customized to control their visibility both in the Gmail app and in notifications. Adjusting these settings helps you prioritize emails and maintain an organized inbox.

Within the Gmail app settings:

  • Go to the app menu and tap “Settings.”
  • Select the email account you want to manage.
  • Tap “Label settings.”
  • Choose a label to adjust its visibility and notification preferences.

You can configure:

  • Whether the label is visible in the label list.
  • If the label should show in the message list.
  • Notification settings for new emails under that label (sound, vibration, etc.).
Label Setting Description Recommended Usage
Show in Label List Controls if the label appears in the side menu. Enable for frequently accessed labels.
Show in Message List Determines if emails with this label appear in the inbox or other views. Disable for archived or less important labels.
Notify for New Emails Enables notifications specifically for emails under this label. Use for high-priority or time-sensitive labels.

Best Practices for Using Labels in Gmail App

To maximize the effectiveness of labels in the Gmail app, consider these best practices:

  • Keep label names concise: Short, clear labels make navigation faster and reduce clutter.
  • Use nested labels for hierarchy: Organize related topics under a parent label to streamline your email structure.
  • Combine labels with filters: Create filters (via desktop) that automatically apply labels based on sender, subject, or keywords.
  • Regularly review and prune labels: Remove or merge rarely used labels to maintain an organized system.
  • Leverage color coding: Assign colors to labels for visual differentiation in the app.

By following these guidelines, you can create a powerful system that keeps your Gmail inbox organized and easy to manage from the mobile app.

Steps to Create a Label in the Gmail App

Creating labels in the Gmail app allows for efficient organization and quick access to categorized emails. Unlike the desktop version, the Gmail mobile app does not provide a direct “Create Label” option within its interface. However, labels can still be created using the following methods:

  • Using the Gmail App to Apply a New Label:
    While composing or viewing an email, you can create a new label by attempting to label the email with a label that does not yet exist. This method essentially creates the label on the fly.

    1. Open the Gmail app on your Android or iOS device.
    2. Tap and hold an email to select it or open an email you want to label.
    3. Tap the three-dot menu (more options) in the upper right corner.
    4. Select Change labels or Label (wording may vary by platform).
    5. Tap Create new or New label (if visible), or if not available, tap the option to add a label by typing a new label name.
    6. Enter the desired label name and confirm.
    7. The label is now created and applied to the selected email.
  • Creating Labels via Gmail Desktop for Syncing:
    Because the Gmail app has limited label management features, creating labels on the desktop interface is often the most straightforward approach. Once created on desktop, the labels automatically sync to the mobile app.

    1. Open Gmail on a desktop browser.
    2. Scroll down the left sidebar and click More to expand the labels list.
    3. Click Create new label at the bottom of the list.
    4. Enter the label name and, if desired, nest it under an existing label.
    5. Click Create to finalize the label.
    6. Open the Gmail app on your mobile device and refresh; the new label will appear in the label list.

Managing and Applying Labels Within the Gmail App

After creating labels, managing and applying them effectively improves email organization. The Gmail app supports label application and removal but with limited editing capabilities.

Action Instructions in Gmail App Notes
Apply a Label to an Email
  • Select the email by tapping and holding it.
  • Tap the three-dot menu.
  • Choose Change labels.
  • Select one or multiple labels.
  • Tap the checkmark or back button to save.
 Labels can be stacked; multiple labels may be applied to a single email.
Remove a Label from an Email
  • Open the labeled email.
  • Tap the three-dot menu.
  • Choose Change labels.
  • Uncheck the label(s) to remove.
  • Save changes.
 Removing a label does not delete the email; it only removes the classification.
Rename or Delete Labels
  • This must be done on the desktop version of Gmail.
  • Changes will sync to the Gmail app after refreshing.
 The Gmail app does not support label renaming or deletion directly.

Best Practices for Using Labels in Gmail App

Optimizing label usage on the Gmail app enhances productivity and keeps your inbox streamlined. Consider the following best practices:

  • Use Nested Labels: Create parent and child labels on desktop to maintain a hierarchical structure, which syncs with the app for better organization.
  • Color Code Labels: Assign colors to labels in desktop Gmail to visually distinguish categories; these colors display in the app for quick recognition.
  • Limit the Number of Labels: Avoid excessive labeling to prevent clutter. Focus on broad categories and use search filters for specific queries.
  • Regularly Review Labels: Periodically audit labels on desktop to delete or merge unused or redundant labels to keep your Gmail organized.
  • Use Labels with Filters: Create filters on desktop Gmail to automatically apply labels to incoming emails, saving manual effort on the app.

Additional Tips for Label Accessibility in Gmail App

Improving label visibility and access within the Gmail app can reduce navigation time and increase efficiency:

  • Favorite Labels: Mark frequently used labels as favorites on desktop Gmail to pin them at the top of the label list in the app.
  • Expert Insights on Creating Labels in the Gmail App

    Jessica Lee (Email Productivity Consultant, Inbox Mastery Solutions). Creating a label in the Gmail app is a straightforward process that significantly enhances email organization on mobile devices. Users should navigate to the menu, select “Create new” under the labels section, and name their label thoughtfully to ensure efficient sorting and retrieval of messages. This feature is essential for maintaining productivity while managing emails on the go.

    Dr. Michael Chen (Mobile User Experience Researcher, TechEase Labs). From a usability perspective, the Gmail app’s label creation function is designed to be intuitive but can be overlooked by casual users. I recommend leveraging this feature to categorize emails by project, priority, or sender, which helps reduce inbox clutter and improves workflow. The key is consistent label usage and periodic review to keep the email system optimized.

    Amira Patel (Digital Communication Strategist, ConnectPro Consulting). Labels in the Gmail app serve as a powerful tool for personal and professional email management. Creating a label not only organizes emails but also allows for customized notifications and filtering rules. My advice is to start with broad categories and refine them over time, ensuring that the labeling system aligns with your communication habits and enhances overall email efficiency.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How do I create a new label in the Gmail app?
    Open the Gmail app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down and select “Create new” under the Labels section, then enter your desired label name and tap “Done.”

    Can I assign colors to labels in the Gmail app?
    No, the Gmail app does not currently support assigning colors to labels; this feature is only available on the Gmail web interface.

    How do I apply a label to an email in the Gmail app?
    Open the email, tap the three-dot menu icon, select “Change labels,” choose the desired label(s), and tap the checkmark to apply.

    Is it possible to edit or delete labels directly from the Gmail app?
    No, editing or deleting labels must be done through the Gmail web interface; the app only allows label creation and assignment.

    Can I create nested labels in the Gmail app?
    No, the Gmail app does not support creating nested (sub) labels; this functionality is available only on the desktop version.

    Will labels created in the Gmail app sync across all devices?
    Yes, labels created in the Gmail app automatically sync across all devices connected to your Gmail account.
    Creating a label in the Gmail app is a straightforward process that enhances email organization and management. By accessing the app’s menu and navigating to the label creation section, users can efficiently categorize their emails, making retrieval and sorting much easier. This functionality mirrors the desktop experience, providing consistency across platforms and allowing users to maintain an organized inbox on the go.

    Labels in Gmail serve as versatile tools that go beyond traditional folders by allowing multiple labels to be applied to a single email. This flexibility supports more nuanced email management strategies, enabling users to prioritize, group, and filter messages according to their specific needs. The ability to create and customize labels directly within the Gmail app ensures that users can maintain productivity without needing to switch devices.

    Overall, mastering label creation within the Gmail app is essential for users seeking to optimize their email workflow. It not only streamlines communication but also contributes to better time management and email handling efficiency. Leveraging this feature effectively can significantly improve the overall user experience in managing daily correspondence.

    Author Profile

    Marc Shaw
    Marc Shaw
    Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

    He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.