Want to move, archive, or delete more than one message at a time? Find out here how to select multiple emails in Gmail on the web and desktop as well as in the Gmail apps.
First, Throw-Away Building
When the Romans threw broken oil vessels onto a heap south of their city in ancient times, they threw and broke in order. Each (norm-sized) amphora was broken along its middle and placed on top of another half-pitcher, a bit like building wall next to wall.
Today, of course, part of Monte Testaccio is used a wall—of one wine cellar next to the other. Because the shards let air circulate, they render the temperature just right for storing wine year-round.
Now, among all the emails thrown on the heaps that are the Gmail wine cellar surely are many fine vintages. Want to select more than one at the same time? Here you go:
How to Select Multiple Emails in Gmail
In Gmail on the Desktop
Time needed: 2 minutes
To highlight and work on multiple email in one go with a desktop browser accessing Gmail:
- Open the folder, label, or search result in Gmail.
- Click the checkbox in front of any email to select it.
- Now click any other message’s checkbox to add it to the selection.
Select a range: Hold the Shift key to select all messages between (and including) the first and the current one.
Select all: Click the checkbox in the header to select all emails on the current page; click the downward-pointing triangle next to it to select all unread, read, starred, or unstarred messages.
Remove from selection: Click a checkbox again to remove its email from your selection
Only the current page: Gmail will remember your selection for each page of the folder or search result, but you can always act only on the current page’s emails in bulk; you can also set up Gmail to display more emails on any page.
Select all? How to Select All Unread Emails in Gmail
Select Multiple Emails Using Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts
To use the keyboard to select multiple emails fast in Gmail on the desktop:
- Use J (down) and K (up) to move the message highlighter to the message you want to add to your selection.
- Press X to add to the selection (or remove from it).
Select all: Use the following Gmail keyboard shortcuts to select all messages of a certain kind fast:
* followed by A: Select all on the current page.
* followed by U: Select all unread.
* followed by R: Select all read
* followed by S: Select all starred messages.
* followed by T: Select all unstarred emails.
* followed by N: Deselect all emails.
How to Select Multiple Emails in the Gmail App
To select and act on more than one message in the Gmail apps for iOS and Android:
- Open the folder or, of course, search result in the Gmail app.
- Tap the initials, avatar, or picture for the first email you want to select.
Long-tap alternative: You can also tap and hold anywhere on the message. - Tap anywhere on additional emails to add them to the selection.
Remove from selection: Tap highlighted emails to remove them from the selection.
How to Select Multiple Emails in Gmail: FAQ
Can I select all (or a range) in Gmail for iPhone or Android?
No.
The Gmail apps only let you select individual messages. There is no easy way to select a range or all messages in a folder.
How do I select multiple emails in Basic HTML Gmail?
In Basic HTML Gmail, to select multiple emails for action:
- Click the checkbox for each message you want to select.
You can then act on the messages using the toolbar.
(How to select multiple emails in Gmail tested on the desktop and Gmail for iOS 6.0; updated December 2023)