To turn on tabs in Gmail, click Settings (the gear icon) at the top right and, under Inbox type, select Default. Then click Customize, check the tabs you want, such as Social, Promotions and Updates, and click Save. To show unread emails first instead, choose Unread first under Inbox type.
This guide covers Gmail on a computer and the Gmail app on iPhone and iPad. It shows how to turn on tabs, pick which ones appear, move emails between tabs, switch to Unread first or another inbox type, and fix common problems. The steps come from Google’s Organize your emails into categories and Change your Gmail inbox layout help articles, checked in October 2026.
What Gmail Tabs Are
Gmail calls tabs categories. When you use the Default inbox type, Gmail sorts incoming mail into these tabs automatically:
- Primary: emails from people you know and anything that doesn’t fit another tab.
- Social: messages from social networks and media-sharing sites.
- Promotions: deals, offers and other marketing emails.
- Updates: automated confirmations, notifications, statements and reminders.
- Forums: messages from online groups, discussion boards and mailing lists.
How to Enable Tabs in Gmail on a Computer
- Open Gmail on your computer. Result: your inbox appears.
- Click Settings (the gear icon) at the top right. Result: the Quick settings panel opens.
- Under Inbox type, select Default. Result: your inbox switches to the tabbed layout.
- Click Customize. Result: a list of categories appears.
- Check the categories you want as tabs: Social, Promotions, Updates and Forums. Primary is always on. Result: your choices are selected.
- Click Save. Result: the tabs appear above your inbox.
Google notes a few limits: you can’t create your own categories, and if your inbox has more than 250,000 emails, you can’t use the Default inbox type until you delete or archive some. In the same Customize window, you can also check Include starred in Primary to show starred emails in your Primary tab.
How to Turn On Tabs in the Gmail App on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Gmail app. Result: your inbox appears.
- Tap Menu at the top left, then tap Settings. Result: your Gmail settings open.
- Under Inbox, tap Inbox type, then choose Default Inbox. Result: the app uses tabs.
- Tap Settings at the top left to go back, then tap Inbox customizations > Inbox categories. Result: the category list appears.
- Turn each category on or off. Result: your inbox shows the categories you chose.
How to Show Unread Emails First in Gmail
Google’s inbox layout article says that with Unread first, your inbox is split into two sections: Unread at the top and Everything else below.
- Click Settings at the top right. Result: Quick settings opens.
- Under Inbox type, select Unread first. Result: unread emails move to the top of your inbox.
You can only use one inbox type at a time, so Unread first replaces your tabs. Switch back to Default whenever you want tabs again. If you use the reading pane, you can also keep previewed Gmail emails unread so they stay in the unread section until you deal with them.
Other Gmail Inbox Types
- Important first: emails Gmail marks as important go on top, and everything else goes below.
- Starred first: starred emails go on top.
- Priority Inbox: several sections you choose, such as Important and unread, Starred, Everything else, or one of your labels.
- Multiple Inboxes: extra sections built from labels or search operators.
How to Move an Email to a Different Tab
If an email lands in the wrong tab, move it. Google says this helps Gmail learn your preferences over time.
- On a computer: drag the email onto the correct tab. A confirmation appears at the bottom left, with an Undo option.
- On iPhone or iPad: open the email, tap More > Move to, and choose a category.
For senders you always want in one place, Google suggests a filter that sends their emails to a specific category or marks them as important. Starred emails also show in Primary as well as their own tab.
Tips and Common Problems
- Only getting notifications for some emails? Google says new-mail notifications only cover the Primary category.
- Can’t find an archived email? Archived emails don’t appear in categories. Open the All mail label instead.
- Want to search one tab? Type category: before the name, such as category:social party.
- Want your own tab? You can’t create custom categories, but you can use labels to organize email.
- Want to turn tabs off? Change your inbox type to anything other than Default.
To tidy up the rest of your Gmail screen, see how to hide the Meet section in Gmail, how to switch to compact view in Gmail, or how to delete an email filter in Gmail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have tabs and Unread first at the same time?
No. Each is its own inbox type, and Gmail only uses one at a time.
Why can’t I select the Default inbox?
If your inbox has more than 250,000 emails, Google says you need to delete or archive some first.
Can I rename or add tabs?
No. You can only choose from Gmail’s existing categories. Use labels for anything else.
Want to see new mail without switching to Gmail? Learn how to enable the unread message icon in Gmail so the count shows on your browser tab.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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