How Can You Rename a Label in Gmail Quickly and Easily?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying organized is key to managing your email effectively. Gmail, one of the most popular email services globally, offers a powerful labeling system that helps users categorize and prioritize their messages. However, as your needs evolve, you might find that some labels no longer fit their purpose or require a fresh, clearer name to keep your inbox streamlined.

Renaming a label in Gmail is a simple yet valuable way to maintain order and improve your email workflow. Whether you’re tidying up after a busy project, adjusting your categorization strategy, or just looking to personalize your inbox, updating label names can make a significant difference. This process ensures that your labels remain intuitive and relevant, helping you locate important emails quickly and efficiently.

In the following sections, we’ll explore how you can easily rename your Gmail labels, discuss the benefits of keeping your labels well-organized, and offer tips to optimize your email management. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to customize your Gmail labels to better suit your communication style and productivity goals.

Renaming Labels in Gmail on Desktop

To rename a label in Gmail using the desktop interface, start by accessing the Gmail web app through your preferred browser. Once logged in, locate the list of labels on the left-hand side of the screen. If your label list is collapsed, click on “More” to expand it and reveal all existing labels.

Right-click on the label you wish to rename. This action opens a context menu with several options, including “Edit.” Select “Edit” to open a dialog box where you can change the label’s name. Enter the new name carefully, as it will immediately update across all your devices connected to that Gmail account. After typing the new label name, click “Save” to confirm the changes.

Alternatively, you can rename labels via the Settings menu:

  • Click the gear icon in the top right corner and choose “See all settings.”
  • Navigate to the “Labels” tab.
  • Scroll through the list of labels to find the one you want to rename.
  • Click on the “edit” link beside the label name.
  • Input the new name and click “Save.”

This method is particularly useful if the label does not appear in your sidebar or if you prefer using the settings interface.

Renaming Labels in Gmail Mobile App

The Gmail mobile app allows you to rename labels, but the process differs slightly depending on whether you use iOS or Android devices.

For Android users:

  • Open the Gmail app and tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the upper left corner.
  • Scroll down to “Labels” and tap “Manage labels.”
  • Select the label you wish to rename.
  • Tap the pencil icon or “Edit” option.
  • Enter the new label name and tap “OK” or “Save.”

For iOS users:

  • Open the Gmail app.
  • Tap the hamburger menu to open the sidebar.
  • Scroll to the bottom and tap “Settings.”
  • Choose your email account.
  • Tap “Label settings.”
  • Select the label you want to rename.
  • Tap “Edit” and input the new name.
  • Tap “Done” to save changes.

Note that label changes made on the mobile app will sync with your Gmail account and reflect on all devices.

Important Considerations When Renaming Labels

Renaming labels in Gmail is a straightforward process, but it is important to keep in mind the following points:

  • Renaming a label does not affect the emails categorized under it; all emails will automatically update to reflect the new label name.
  • If you use filters that apply labels automatically, these will continue to work with the renamed label without needing adjustments.
  • Label names can include spaces and special characters, but keep names clear and concise for easier navigation.
  • Gmail does not allow duplicate label names; attempting to rename a label to an existing label’s name will prompt an error.
  • Changes to label names sync across all devices connected to your Google account, ensuring consistency.
Action Desktop (Web) Android App iOS App
Access Label List Left sidebar, expand “More” Hamburger menu > Manage labels Hamburger menu > Settings > Label settings
Initiate Rename Right-click label > Edit or Settings > Labels > Edit Select label > Edit (pencil icon) Select label > Edit
Save Changes Click “Save” Tap “OK” or “Save” Tap “Done”

Steps to Rename a Label in Gmail

Renaming a label in Gmail is a straightforward process that allows you to better organize your inbox according to your preferences. Follow the steps below to modify the name of an existing label:

  • Access Gmail Settings: Open your Gmail account and locate the list of labels on the left-hand side of the screen.
  • Find the Label to Rename: Scroll through the label list to identify the one you wish to rename.
  • Open Label Settings: Hover over the label name; three vertical dots (more options) will appear next to it. Click on these dots to access the label options menu.
  • Select “Edit”: From the dropdown menu, choose the Edit option. This action opens a dialog box allowing you to change label properties.
  • Rename the Label: In the dialog box, enter the new label name in the text field provided.
  • Save Changes: Click the Save button to apply the new label name.

Once saved, the label name will update immediately across your Gmail interface, and all emails previously assigned to this label will reflect the new name.

Considerations When Renaming Labels

Renaming labels can impact how you manage and search for emails. Keep the following points in mind:

Aspect Details
Label Hierarchy If the label is a nested (sub) label, renaming it does not affect its parent or sibling labels.
Search Functionality Emails tagged with the old label name will automatically be associated with the new label name, ensuring seamless search results.
Synchronization Label changes sync across all devices where your Gmail account is configured.
Third-Party Integrations Some email clients or services integrated with Gmail may take time to reflect label name changes.

Renaming Labels Using Gmail Mobile App

The process for renaming a label on mobile devices slightly differs from the desktop experience. Follow these instructions for Android or iOS:

  • Open the Gmail App: Launch the app and tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
  • Access Label Settings: Scroll down and tap on Settings, then select your email account.
  • Manage Labels: Tap on Label settings or Labels to view your current labels.
  • Select the Label: Choose the label you want to rename.
  • Rename the Label: Tap on Edit or the pencil icon next to the label name, enter the new name.
  • Save: Confirm the change by tapping OK or Save.

Note that the availability of label renaming features may vary slightly depending on the Gmail app version and your operating system.

Expert Advice on Renaming Labels in Gmail

Jessica Lin (Email Productivity Consultant, Inbox Mastery Solutions). Renaming a label in Gmail is a straightforward process that enhances email organization. Users should navigate to the left sidebar, hover over the label they wish to rename, click the three-dot menu, and select “Edit.” This allows for quick updates without disrupting existing email categorization, maintaining workflow efficiency.

Dr. Marcus Bennett (Cybersecurity Analyst and IT Trainer). From a security perspective, renaming labels in Gmail does not affect the underlying data or email metadata, which is crucial for maintaining audit trails. It is important for users to understand that label names are purely for organizational purposes and can be modified freely to reflect changing priorities or projects without risk.

Elena Rodriguez (Senior UX Designer, Email Client Interfaces). The user interface design of Gmail’s label management is intuitive, allowing users to rename labels seamlessly. The inline editing feature minimizes clicks and cognitive load, encouraging better email management habits. Ensuring label names are clear and current helps users quickly locate and prioritize messages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I rename a label in Gmail?
Open Gmail, locate the label in the left sidebar, click the three-dot menu next to it, select “Edit,” enter the new label name, and save the changes.

Can I rename system labels like Inbox or Sent in Gmail?
No, Gmail does not allow renaming of default system labels such as Inbox, Sent, Drafts, or Spam.

Will renaming a label affect the emails already categorized under it?
No, renaming a label only changes its name; all emails tagged with the label remain categorized under the new name.

Is it possible to rename multiple labels at once in Gmail?
No, Gmail requires you to rename labels individually; bulk renaming is not supported.

Does renaming a label sync across devices and apps?
Yes, label name changes sync automatically across all devices and Gmail apps connected to the same account.

Can I undo a label rename if I make a mistake?
Gmail does not have an undo feature for renaming labels; you must manually rename the label back to the original name.
Renaming a label in Gmail is a straightforward process that enhances the organization and management of your email inbox. By accessing the label settings through the Gmail interface, users can easily update the names of existing labels to better reflect their content or purpose. This feature allows for greater customization, making it simpler to categorize and locate emails efficiently.

It is important to note that renaming a label does not affect the emails associated with it; all messages remain intact under the newly named label. This ensures continuity and prevents any disruption in email sorting or filtering. Additionally, the changes are synchronized across devices, providing a consistent experience whether accessing Gmail via desktop or mobile platforms.

Overall, the ability to rename labels in Gmail contributes significantly to maintaining an organized and productive email environment. Users are encouraged to regularly review and update their labels to keep their inbox structured and aligned with their evolving needs. Mastering this simple yet effective tool can lead to improved email management and a more streamlined workflow.

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.