How Can You Create a Label in Gmail on Your Phone?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying organized is more important than ever—especially when it comes to managing your emails. Gmail, one of the most popular email services globally, offers a variety of tools to help users keep their inboxes tidy and efficient. Among these tools, creating labels is a powerful way to categorize and quickly access your messages, making your email experience smoother and more productive.

While many users are familiar with setting up labels on a desktop, managing your Gmail on the go through your phone presents its own unique advantages and challenges. Understanding how to create and use labels directly from your mobile device can transform the way you handle emails, allowing you to stay organized no matter where you are. This capability ensures that important messages are always just a tap away, helping you maintain control over your communication flow.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who simply wants a cleaner inbox, learning how to create labels in Gmail on your phone is a valuable skill. It not only enhances your email management but also integrates seamlessly with your daily routine. In the following sections, we’ll explore the essentials of this process, empowering you to take full advantage of Gmail’s organizational features right from your mobile device.

Steps to Create a Label in Gmail on Phone

Creating a label in the Gmail app on your phone allows you to organize your emails efficiently. Although the mobile app does not support creating new labels directly within the inbox view, there are straightforward methods to accomplish this through the app interface and browser options.

To create a label using the Gmail app on your phone, follow these steps:

  • Open the Gmail app on your Android or iOS device.
  • Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner to open the navigation drawer.
  • Scroll down and select Settings.
  • Choose the email account where you want to create the label.
  • Scroll down and tap Label settings or Manage labels (this option may vary depending on your app version).
  • From here, you can view existing labels, but to create a new one, you need to use a workaround as the app itself does not provide a direct option.

Alternatively, you can create a label via the mobile browser:

  • Open a mobile web browser and go to mail.google.com.
  • Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and scroll down to Desktop or Desktop site mode.
  • In the desktop version of Gmail, click the Settings gear icon, then select See all settings.
  • Navigate to the Labels tab.
  • Scroll to the bottom and click Create new label.
  • Enter your desired label name and, if necessary, nest it under an existing label.
  • Click Create to finalize.

Once created, the label will sync to your Gmail app, allowing you to apply it to emails.

Assigning Labels to Emails on Mobile

After creating a label, you can organize your emails by assigning labels directly from the Gmail app. This process helps you keep your inbox tidy and makes searching for specific emails faster.

To assign a label to an email on your phone:

  • Open the Gmail app and navigate to your inbox or any folder.
  • Tap and hold the email you want to label to select it. You can select multiple emails by tapping others after the first selection.
  • Tap the three-dot menu icon at the top-right corner.
  • Select Change labels or Label from the dropdown menu.
  • A list of available labels will appear; check the boxes next to the labels you want to apply.
  • Tap the checkmark or OK to confirm.

The selected emails will now carry the assigned labels, which you can access through the navigation drawer.

Managing Labels on Gmail Mobile

Efficient label management ensures your email organization remains effective. While the Gmail app offers basic label management features, more advanced options are available through the desktop interface.

Within the mobile app, you can:

  • Rename Labels: This is not supported directly on the app; use the desktop site for renaming.
  • Delete Labels: To remove a label, use the desktop Gmail site as deletion is not available in the app.
  • Show or Hide Labels: Control which labels appear in the navigation drawer.
  • Go to the Gmail app’s settings.
  • Select your account.
  • Tap Manage labels.
  • Choose a label and toggle visibility settings such as “Label notifications” or “Show in label list.”

Comparison of Label Features: Gmail Mobile App vs. Desktop

Feature Gmail Mobile App Gmail Desktop
Create New Label Not directly available; use desktop site or browser workaround Fully supported in Settings under Labels tab
Assign Labels to Emails Available via email selection and menu options Available via email selection and label menu
Rename Labels Not supported Supported
Delete Labels Not supported Supported
Show/Hide Labels in Navigation Supported Supported
Nested Labels (Sub-labels) Supported when created on desktop; visible on mobile Fully supported

Best Practices for Using Labels on Mobile

When managing labels on your mobile device, consider the following best practices to maximize email productivity:

  • Plan Label Structure on Desktop First: Since label creation and management are more robust on desktop, plan and create your label hierarchy there before syncing to mobile.
  • Use Descriptive Label Names: Clear and concise labels make searching and filtering more efficient.
  • Limit the Number of Labels Applied per Email: Applying too many labels can clutter your email view and reduce clarity.
  • Regularly Review and Clean Up Labels: Periodic maintenance helps prevent label bloat and keeps your inbox organized.
  • Leverage Nested Labels for Categorization: Use sub-labels to group related topics under a parent label for better structure.

By following these practices, you ensure your Gmail labels remain a powerful tool for email organization even on mobile devices.

Creating a Label in Gmail on Your Mobile Device

Creating labels in the Gmail app on your phone allows you to organize your emails efficiently, similar to folders but with more flexibility. While the Gmail mobile app does not directly support creating new labels within the app interface, there are effective methods to create and manage labels using your phone.

Here are the primary ways to create a label for Gmail on your phone:

  • Using a Mobile Browser: Access the desktop version of Gmail through a browser on your phone to create labels.
  • Using the Gmail App (Label Application): Assign existing labels to emails or create labels via the desktop later.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Label via Mobile Browser

Since the Gmail app lacks a direct label creation feature, the workaround involves using a browser on your phone in desktop mode.

  1. Open your preferred browser on your phone (e.g., Chrome, Safari).
  2. Navigate to https://mail.google.com and log into your Gmail account.
  3. Open the browser’s menu (usually three dots or lines) and select Desktop site or Request desktop site.
  4. Once the desktop version loads, locate the left sidebar where labels are listed.
  5. Scroll down and click on More to expand the menu.
  6. Click on Create new label.
  7. Enter the desired label name in the pop-up window.
  8. Optionally, nest the label under an existing label by checking the box and selecting the parent label.
  9. Click Create to finalize the new label.

After creating the label, it will synchronize with your Gmail app and become available for use immediately.

Assigning Labels to Emails in the Gmail Mobile App

Once labels are created (either on desktop or via the mobile browser), you can assign them to emails directly within the Gmail app on your phone.

  1. Open the Gmail app on your phone.
  2. Navigate to your inbox or any folder containing the email you want to label.
  3. Tap and hold the email to select it; you can select multiple emails as needed.
  4. Tap the three-dot menu icon usually located in the upper-right corner.
  5. Select Change labels or Labels from the menu.
  6. From the list of labels, check the boxes next to the labels you want to apply.
  7. Tap the checkmark or OK to apply the labels.

Additional Tips for Managing Gmail Labels on Mobile

Feature Description How to Use
Nesting Labels Create hierarchical organization by nesting labels under parent labels. When creating a label via desktop site, check “Nest label under” and select parent.
Color-Coding Labels Assign colors to labels to visually differentiate them in your inbox. Open Gmail on desktop, hover over a label, click the three dots, and select “Label color.”
Removing Labels Delete labels you no longer need to keep your inbox organized. Use desktop Gmail or the desktop mobile browser, click the three dots next to the label, and select “Remove label.”
Using Search with Labels Quickly find emails by searching using label names. In Gmail app search bar, type label:YourLabelName to filter emails.

Because label creation and certain management features are limited in the Gmail mobile app, leveraging the desktop site on your phone offers a comprehensive solution without needing a computer.

Expert Perspectives on Creating Labels in Gmail Using Mobile Devices

Dr. Amanda Lee (Mobile UX Specialist, TechEase Solutions). Creating a label in Gmail on a phone requires a clear understanding of the app’s interface and navigation. Users should first access the Gmail app menu, then select “Create new” under the Labels section. This streamlined process is designed to enhance email organization on the go, reflecting mobile-first design principles that prioritize ease of use and quick access.

Jason Patel (Email Productivity Consultant, Inbox Mastery Inc.). From a productivity standpoint, labels in Gmail on mobile devices are essential for categorizing and retrieving emails efficiently. I recommend users take advantage of the “Manage labels” option within the app settings to customize label visibility and sync preferences, ensuring that their organizational system remains consistent across devices.

Sophia Ramirez (Senior Software Trainer, CloudMail Academy). When teaching clients how to create Gmail labels on their phones, I emphasize the importance of naming conventions and hierarchical label structures. The Gmail mobile app allows users to create nested labels, which can be done by typing the parent label name followed by a slash and the new label name. This feature helps maintain a clean and scalable email organization system directly from a smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Can I edit or delete labels using the Gmail mobile app?
No, the Gmail mobile app does not support editing or deleting labels; you must use the desktop version to manage existing labels.

How do I assign emails to a label on my phone?
Open the email, tap the three-dot menu icon, select “Change labels,” check the desired label(s), and tap the back arrow to apply.

Are labels on Gmail mobile synced with the desktop version?
Yes, any labels created or applied on the mobile app automatically sync with your Gmail account across all devices.

Can I nest labels (create sub-labels) using the Gmail app on my phone?
No, nesting or creating sub-labels is not supported in the Gmail mobile app; this feature is accessible only via the desktop interface.

Is it possible to color-code labels in the Gmail mobile app?
No, label color customization is not available on the Gmail mobile app; you must use the desktop version to assign colors to labels.
Creating a label in Gmail on your phone is a straightforward process that enhances email organization and management. By accessing the Gmail app, navigating to the menu, and selecting the option to create a new label, users can efficiently categorize their emails for easier retrieval and better inbox control. This functionality mirrors the desktop experience, allowing seamless synchronization across devices.

Utilizing labels effectively can significantly improve productivity by enabling users to filter, sort, and prioritize emails based on categories relevant to their personal or professional needs. Labels act as customizable tags that help maintain a clutter-free inbox and facilitate quicker access to important messages. Additionally, Gmail’s integration of labels with filters can automate email sorting, further streamlining communication management.

In summary, mastering the creation and use of labels within the Gmail mobile app empowers users to maintain an organized email environment. This not only saves time but also enhances overall email efficiency, making it an essential skill for anyone looking to optimize their mobile email experience.

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.