View source for Gmail

{{Short description|Email service provided by Google}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Gmail
| logo = Gmail icon (2020).svg
| logo_size = 100
| screenshot = Gmail screenshot.png
| screenshot_size = 300
| caption = A screenshot of a Gmail inbox and compose box on Gmail's own [[webmail]] interface
| collapsetext = Screenshot
| url = {{Official URL}}
| commercial = Yes
| type = [[Webmail]]
| registration = Required
| language = [[#Language support|133 languages]]
| num_users = 1.8 billion<ref name=warns>{{Cite news | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/gmail-warns-1-8-billion-users-of-new-sophisticated-cyberattack-how-to-detect-the-scam-101745369940646.html | title=Gmail warns 1.8 billion users of new 'sophisticated' cyberattack: How to detect the scam | first=Tuhin | last=Das Mahapatra | work=[[Hindustan Times]] | date=April 23, 2025}}</ref>
| content_license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]
| programming_language = [[Java (programming language)|Java]], [[C++]] (back-end), [[JavaScript]] (UI)<ref>{{cite web |first=MG |last=Siegler |title=The Key To Gmail: Sh*t Umbrellas |url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/03/14/key-to-gmail/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=March 14, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022023828/https://techcrunch.com/2010/03/14/key-to-gmail/ |archive-date=October 22, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
| owner = [[Google]]
| author = [[Paul Buchheit]]
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|2004|4|1}}
| current_status = Active
}}

'''Gmail''' is a [[mailbox provider]] by [[Google]]. It is the largest email service worldwide, with 1.8 billion [[user (computing)|users]].<ref name=warns/> It is accessible via a [[web browser]] ([[webmail]]), [[mobile app]], or through third-party [[email client]]s via the [[Post Office Protocol|POP]] and [[Internet Message Access Protocol|IMAP]] protocols. Users can also connect non-Gmail e-mail accounts to their Gmail inbox. The service was launched as '''Google Mail''' in a [[beta version]] in 2004. It came out of beta in 2009.

The service includes 15 [[gigabyte]]s of storage for free for individual users, which includes any use by other Google services such as [[Google Drive]] and [[Google Photos]]; the limit can be increased via a paid subscription to [[Google One]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manage files in your Google Drive storage - Gmail Help |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6374270?hl=en |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=support.google.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Buy more Google storage - Computer - Google Drive Help |url=https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2375123 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=support.google.com}}</ref> Users can receive emails up to 50 megabytes in size, including attachments, and can send emails up to 25 megabytes in size. Gmail supports integration with [[Google Drive]], allowing for larger attachments. The [[Gmail interface]] has a [[search engine]] and supports a [[Gmail interface#Conversation view|"conversation view"]] similar to an [[Internet forum]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Group emails into conversations - Computer - Gmail Help |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/5900 |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=support.google.com}}</ref> The service is notable among website developers for its early adoption of [[Ajax (programming)|Ajax]].

Google's mail servers automatically scan emails to filter [[Spamming|spam]] and [[malware]]. 

==Features==

===Storage===
[[File:Gmail 2004.png|thumb|The Gmail webmail interface as it originally appeared]]

On April 1, 2004, Gmail was launched with one [[gigabyte]] (GB) of storage space, a significantly higher amount than competitors offered at the time.<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Singer |title=Google Testing Free Webmail |url=http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3334201 |website=Internet News |date=March 31, 2004 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223143809/http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3334201 |archive-date=December 23, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
The limit was doubled to two gigabytes of storage on April 1, 2005, the first anniversary of Gmail. Georges Harik, the product management director for Gmail, stated that Google would "keep giving people more space forever."<ref>{{cite web |first=Susan |last=Kuchinskas |title=Endless Gmail Storage |url=http://www.internetnews.com/xSP/article.php/3494491 |website=Internet News |date=April 1, 2005 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428212424/http://www.internetnews.com/xSP/article.php/3494491 |archive-date=April 28, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In October 2007, Gmail increased storage to 4 gigabytes, after recent changes from competitors Yahoo and Microsoft.<ref name="Moltzen 2007">{{cite web | last=Moltzen | first=Edward F. | title=Google Ups GMail to 4 GB of Storage | website=CRN | date=2007-10-21 | url=https://www.crn.com/blogs-op-ed/the-chart/202405296/google-ups-gmail-to-4-gb-of-storage.htm | access-date=2022-10-27}}</ref>
On April 24, 2012, Google announced the increase of storage included in Gmail from 7.5 to 10 gigabytes ("and counting") as part of the launch of [[Google Drive]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Nicholas |last=Behrens |title=Gmail, now with 10 GB of storage (and counting) |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2012/04/gmail-now-with-10-gb-of-storage-and.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=April 24, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031152851/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2012/04/gmail-now-with-10-gb-of-storage-and.html |archive-date=October 31, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
On May 13, 2013, Google announced the overall merge of storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google+ Photos, allowing users 15 gigabytes of included storage among three services.<ref>{{cite web |first=Clay |last=Bavor |title=Bringing it all together: 15 GB now shared between Drive, Gmail, and Google+ Photos |url=https://drive.googleblog.com/2013/05/bringing-it-all-together-15-gb-now.html |work=Google Drive Blog |date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171230135847/https://drive.googleblog.com/2013/05/bringing-it-all-together-15-gb-now.html |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jason |last=Petkov |title=15GB of Free Storage, Thanks Google! |url=https://www.w3reports.com/2013/05/13/15gb-free-google-storage/ |website=W3Reports |date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027185923/https://www.w3reports.com/2013/05/13/15gb-free-google-storage/ |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On August 15, 2018, Google launched [[Google One]], a service where users can pay for additional storage, shared among Gmail, [[Google Drive]] and [[Google Photos]], through a monthly subscription plan. {{as of|2021}}, storage of up to 15 gigabytes is included, and paid plans are available for up to 2 [[terabyte]]s for personal use.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pricing guide |url=https://www.google.com/intl/en-GB_ALL/drive/pricing/ |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916084012/https://www.google.com/intl/en-GB_ALL/drive/pricing/ |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

There are also storage limits to individual Gmail messages. Initially, one message, including all attachments, could not be larger than 25 [[megabyte]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Send attachments with your Gmail message |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6584 |work=Gmail Help |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916230519/https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6584 |archive-date=September 16, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> This was changed in March 2017 to allow receiving an email of up to 50 megabytes, while the limit for sending an email stayed at 25 megabytes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Receive emails of up to 50 MB in Gmail |url=https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2017/03/receive-emails-of-up-to-50mb-in-gmail.html |website=G Suite Updates |date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302193618/https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2017/03/receive-emails-of-up-to-50mb-in-gmail.html |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Devin |last=Coldewey |title=Huzzah! Gmail now accepts attachments up to 50 MB |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/01/huzzah-gmail-now-accepts-attachments-up-to-50-mb/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302013116/https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/01/huzzah-gmail-now-accepts-attachments-up-to-50-mb/ |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In order to send larger files, users can insert files from [[Google Drive]] into the message.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/2487407 |title=Send Google Drive attachments in Gmail |work=Gmail Help |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231165812/https://support.google.com/mail/answer/2487407 |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Interface===
{{Main|Gmail interface}}

The Gmail [[user interface]] initially differed from other web-mail systems with its focus on [[Search engine|search]] and [[conversation threading]] of emails, grouping several messages between two or more people onto a single page, an approach that was later copied by its competitors. Gmail's user interface designer, [[Kevin Fox (designer)|Kevin Fox]], intended users to feel as if they were always on one page and just changing things on that page, rather than having to navigate to other places.<ref>{{cite web |first=Philipp |last=Lenssen |title=Kevin Fox of Gmail & FriendFeed on User Experience Design |url=http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2008-06-02-n56.html |website=Google Blogoscoped |date=June 2, 2008 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906110445/http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2008-06-02-n56.html |archive-date=September 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Gmail's interface also makes use of 'labels' (tags) – that replace the conventional folders and provide a more flexible method of organizing emails; filters for automatically organizing, deleting or forwarding incoming emails to other addresses; and importance markers for automatically marking messages as 'important'.

In November 2011, Google began rolling out a redesign of its interface that "simplified" the look of Gmail into a more [[Minimalism (computing)|minimalist]] design to provide a more consistent look throughout its products and services as part of an overall Google design change. Substantially redesigned elements included a streamlined conversation view, configurable density of information, new higher-quality themes, a resizable navigation bar with always-visible labels and contacts, and better search.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jason |last=Cornwell |title=Gmail's new look |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/11/gmails-new-look.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=November 1, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064019/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/11/gmails-new-look.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Thomas |last=Houston |title=Gmail redesign adds enhanced search box, profile pictures, conversations, and more |url=https://www.theverge.com/2011/11/1/2530090/gmail-redesign- |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=November 1, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064317/http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/1/2530090/gmail-redesign- |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Users were able to preview the new interface design for months prior to the official release, as well as revert to the old interface, until March 2012, when Google discontinued the ability to revert and completed the transition to the new design for all users.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gmail New Look will be released to all users starting March 27th |url=https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2012/03/gmail-new-look-will-be-released-to-all.html |work=G Suite Updates |date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064101/https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2012/03/gmail-new-look-will-be-released-to-all.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In May 2013, Google updated the Gmail inbox with tabs which allow the application to categorize the user's emails. The five tabs are: Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates, and Forums. In addition to customization options, the entire update can be disabled, allowing users to return to the traditional inbox structure.<ref>{{cite web |first=Itamar |last=Gilad |title=A new inbox that puts you back in control |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/05/a-new-inbox-that-puts-you-back-in.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126003151/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/05/a-new-inbox-that-puts-you-back-in.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Christina |last=Bonnington |title=Gmail's New Inbox Sorts Emails Into Tabbed Categories |url=https://www.wired.com/2013/05/gmail-update/ |magazine=Wired |date=May 29, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126003302/https://www.wired.com/2013/05/gmail-update/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In April 2018, Google introduced a new web UI for Gmail. The new redesign follows Google's [[Material Design]], and changes in the user interface include the use of Google's [[Product Sans]] font. Other updates include a ''Confidential mode'', which allows the sender to set an expiration date for a sensitive message or to revoke it entirely, [[Information rights management|integrated rights management]] and [[Multi-factor authentication|two-factor authentication]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/25/17277360/gmail-redesign-live-features-google-update |title=Gmail's biggest redesign is now live |first=Vlad |last=Savov |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425093303/https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/25/17277360/gmail-redesign-live-features-google-update |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

On 16 November 2020, [[Google]] announced new settings for smart features and personalization in Gmail. Under the new settings users were given control of their data in Gmail, Chat, and Meet, offering smart features like Smart Compose and Smart Reply.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/16/21569599/google-gmail-meet-chat-personal-data-toggle-privacy|title=Google will soon let you opt out of Gmail's data-hungry smart features entirely|access-date=16 November 2020|website=The Verge|date=November 16, 2020}}
</ref>

On 6 April 2021, Google rolled out Google Chat and Room (early access) feature to all Gmail users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-05 |title=Google begins rolling out Chat and Rooms tabs in Gmail for all accounts |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/google-begins-rolling-out-chat-and-rooms-tabs-gmail-all-accounts |access-date=2021-04-06 |website=Android Central}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-05 |title=Google made chats in Gmail available to all users of the service |url=https://www.gizchina.com/2021/04/05/google-made-chats-in-gmail-available-to-all-users-of-the-service/ |access-date=2021-04-06 |website=Gizchina.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 28 July 2022, Google rolled out [[Material You]] to all Gmail users.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gmail rolls out its latest Material You redesign and search improvements to all users|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/07/28/gmail-rolls-out-its-latest-material-you-redesign-and-search-improvements-to-all-users/|website=TechCrunch|last=Mehta|first=Ivan|date=28 July 2022|access-date=4 August 2022}}</ref>

===Spam filter===

Gmail's [[Email filtering|spam filtering]] features a community-driven system: when any user marks an email as [[Email spam|spam]], this provides information to help the system identify similar future messages for all Gmail users.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mark or unmark Spam in Gmail |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1366858? |work=Gmail Help |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815161904/https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1366858 |archive-date=August 15, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In the April 2018 update, the spam filtering banners got a redesign, with bigger and bolder lettering.

===Gmail Labs===

The Gmail Labs feature, introduced on June 5, 2008, allows users to test new or experimental features of Gmail. Users can enable or disable Labs features selectively and provide feedback about each of them. This allows Gmail engineers to obtain user input about new features to improve them and also to assess their popularity.<ref>{{cite news |first=Keith |last=Coleman |title=Introducing Gmail Labs |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2008/06/introducing-gmail-labs.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=June 5, 2008 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126002835/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2008/06/introducing-gmail-labs.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Popular features, like the "Undo Send" option, often "graduate" from Gmail Labs to become a formal setting in Gmail.<ref>{{cite web |first=Owen |last=Williams |title=Gmail's 'Undo Send' feature finally graduates out of labs after six years |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/06/23/gmails-undo-send-feature-finally-graduates-out-of-labs-after-six-years/ |website=The Next Web |date=June 23, 2015 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925213525/https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/06/23/gmails-undo-send-feature-finally-graduates-out-of-labs-after-six-years/ |archive-date=September 25, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

All Labs features are experimental and are subject to termination at any time.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Google Labs |url=https://support.google.com/a/answer/112081 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501050106/https://support.google.com/a/answer/112081 |archive-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Search===

Gmail incorporates a search bar for searching emails. The search bar can also search contacts, files stored in [[Google Drive]], events from [[Google Calendar]], and [[Google Sites]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Bram |last=Moolenaar |title=Find your stuff faster in Gmail and Search |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2012/10/find-your-stuff-faster-in-gmail-and.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=October 15, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710144344/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2012/10/find-your-stuff-faster-in-gmail-and.html |archive-date=July 10, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Balazs |last=Racz |title=Search emails, Google Drive, Calendar and more as you type |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/05/search-emails-google-drive-calendar-and.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=May 23, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064832/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/05/search-emails-google-drive-calendar-and.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Google adds Google Drive files and Calendar events to Gmail's search for US users |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2013/05/23/google-adds-google-drive-files-and-calendar-events-to-gmails-search-for-us-users/ |website=The Next Web |date=May 23, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195528/https://thenextweb.com/google/2013/05/23/google-adds-google-drive-files-and-calendar-events-to-gmails-search-for-us-users/ |archive-date=September 6, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In May 2012, Gmail improved the search functionality to include auto-complete predictions from the user's emails.<ref name="workarounds">{{cite web |title=Gmail workarounds for sub-string (partial word) search |url=https://commons.lbl.gov/display/google/Gmail+workarounds+for+sub-string+%28partial+word%29+search |website=Confluence |access-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117110725/https://commons.lbl.gov/display/google/Gmail+workarounds+for+sub-string+%28partial+word%29+search |archive-date=January 17, 2017}}</ref>

Gmail's search functionality does not support searching for word fragments (also known as 'substring search' or partial word search). Workarounds exist.<ref name="workarounds" />

===Language support===

[[File:Gmail inbox in Japanese.png|thumb|right|Gmail supports multiple languages, including the Japanese interface shown here.]]

{{as of|2015|March|}}, the Gmail interface supports 72 languages, including: [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Basque language|Basque]], [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]], [[Catalan language|Catalan]], [[Simplified Chinese character|Chinese (simplified)]], [[Traditional Chinese characters|Chinese (traditional)]], [[Croatian language|Croatian]], [[Czech language|Czech]], [[Danish language|Danish]], [[Dutch language|Dutch]], [[British English|English (UK)]], [[American English|English (US)]], [[Estonian language|Estonian]], [[Finnish language|Finnish]], [[French language|French]], [[German language|German]], [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Hungarian language|Hungarian]], [[Icelandic language|Icelandic]], [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]], [[Italian language|Italian]], [[Japanese language|Japanese]], [[Kannada language|Kannada]], [[Korean language|Korean]], [[Latvian language|Latvian]], [[Lithuanian language|Lithuanian]], [[Malay language|Malay]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Bokmål|Norwegian (Bokmål)]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Polish language|Polish]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Brazilian Portuguese|Portuguese (Brazil)]], [[Portuguese language|Portuguese (Portugal)]], [[Romanian language|Romanian]], [[Russian language|Russian]], [[Serbian language|Serbian]], [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]], [[Slovak language|Slovak]], [[Slovene language|Slovenian]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[Swedish language|Swedish]], [[Filipino language|Tagalog (Filipino)]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Thai language|Thai]], [[Turkish language|Turkish]], [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]], [[Welsh language|Welsh]] and [[Zulu language|Zulu]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Change your Gmail language settings |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/17091? |work=Gmail Help |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527181030/https://support.google.com/mail/answer/17091 |archive-date=May 27, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

====Language input styles====

In October 2012, Google added over 100 virtual keyboards, [[transliteration]]s, and [[input method]] editors to Gmail, enabling users different types of input styles for different languages in an effort to help users write in languages that are not "limited by the language of your keyboard."<ref>{{cite web |first=C. Andrew |last=Warren |title=Communicate more easily across languages in Gmail |url=https://www.blog.google/products/gmail/communicate-more-easily-across/ |work=The Keyword |date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027185925/https://www.blog.google/products/gmail/communicate-more-easily-across/ |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |title=Google Brings More Than 100 Virtual Keyboards, Transliterations And IMEs To Gmail |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/10/09/google-brings-more-than-100-virtual-keyboards-transliterations-and-imes-to-gmail/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064215/https://techcrunch.com/2012/10/09/google-brings-more-than-100-virtual-keyboards-transliterations-and-imes-to-gmail/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In October 2013, Google added handwriting input support to Gmail.<ref>{{cite web |first=Xiangye |last=Xiao |title=Handwriting input comes to Gmail and Google Docs |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/10/handwriting-input-comes-to-gmail-and.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209175300/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/10/handwriting-input-comes-to-gmail-and.html |archive-date=February 9, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In August 2014, Gmail became the first major email provider to let users send and receive emails from addresses with accent marks and letters from outside the [[Latin alphabet]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Pedro Chaparro |last=Monferrer |title=A first step toward more global email |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2014/08/a-first-step-toward-more-global-email.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=August 5, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064844/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2014/08/a-first-step-toward-more-global-email.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=Dino |last=Grandoni |title=Google To Recognize Emails That Use Special Characters |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/05/gmail-languages-spanish-chinese_n_5651797.html |newspaper=Huffington Post |date=August 5, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108025553/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/05/gmail-languages-spanish-chinese_n_5651797.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

==Platforms==

===Web browsers===

The modern AJAX version is officially supported in the current and previous major releases of [[Google Chrome]], [[Firefox]], [[Microsoft Edge]] and [[Safari (web browser)|Safari]] web browsers on a rolling basis.<ref>{{cite web |first=Venkat |last=Panchapakesan |title=Our plans to support modern browsers across Google Apps |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/06/our-plans-to-support-modern-browsers.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=June 1, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002043026/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/06/our-plans-to-support-modern-browsers.html |archive-date=October 2, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Supported browsers |url=https://support.google.com/chat/answer/6557 |website=Chat Help |access-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319200008/https://support.google.com/chat/answer/6557 |archive-date=March 19, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Supported browsers |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6557 |website=Gmail Help |access-date=2023-09-24}}</ref>

Gmail's "basic HTML" version works on almost all browsers. This version of Gmail has been discontinued from January 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Use the latest version of Gmail in your browser |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/15049 |website=Gmail Help |access-date=2023-09-24}}</ref>

In August 2011, Google introduced Gmail Offline, an [[HTML5]]-powered app for providing access to the service while offline. Gmail Offline runs on the [[Google Chrome]] browser and can be downloaded from the [[Chrome Web Store]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Benoît |last=Boursetty |title=Using Gmail, Calendar and Docs without an Internet connection |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/08/using-gmail-calendar-and-docs-without.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=August 31, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114002643/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/08/using-gmail-calendar-and-docs-without.html |archive-date=November 14, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Erez |last=Zukerman |title=Review: Give Gmail an extreme makeover with Gmail Offline |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2037011/review-give-gmail-an-extreme-makeover-with-gmail-offline.html |website=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |date=May 10, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507155631/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2037011/review-give-gmail-an-extreme-makeover-with-gmail-offline.html |archive-date=May 7, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=MG |last=Siegler |title=Coming This Summer: Fully Offline Gmail, Google Calendar, And Google Docs |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/05/11/offline-gmail/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 11, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064419/https://techcrunch.com/2011/05/11/offline-gmail/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In addition to the native apps on iOS and Android, users can access Gmail through the web browser on a mobile device.<ref>{{cite web |first=Rob |last=Kroeger |title=A new mobile Gmail experience for iPhone and Android |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2009/04/new-mobile-gmail-experience-for-iphone.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=April 7, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064229/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2009/04/new-mobile-gmail-experience-for-iphone.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Mobile===

{{Infobox software
| title = Gmail
| logo = Gmail icon (2020).svg
| screenshot = File:Gmail for Android screenshot.png
| collapsible = yes
| caption = Gmail running on Android
| developer = Google
| released = {{sda|2010|09|21|df=y}}
| ver layout = stacked
| platform = [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]]
| size = ~10 MB
| genre = [[Email client]]
}}

Gmail has native applications for [[iOS]] devices<ref name="Gmail on iOS">{{cite web |title=Gmail - Email by Google on the iOS App Store |url=https://apps.apple.com/no/app/gmail-email-by-google/id422689480 |work=[[iTunes]] |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126003423/https://itunes.apple.com/no/app/gmail-email-by-google-secure/id422689480 |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> (including [[iPhone]], [[iPad]], and [[iPod Touch]]) and for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices.<ref name="Gmail on Android">{{cite web |title=Gmail on the Google Play Store |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gm |work=[[Google Play]] |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125053704/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gm |archive-date=November 25, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In November 2014, Google introduced functionality in the Gmail Android app that enabled sending and receiving emails from non-Gmail addresses (such as [[Yahoo! Mail]] and [[Outlook.com]]) through POP or IMAP.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Izatt |title=A more modern Gmail app for Android |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2014/11/a-more-modern-gmail-app-for-android.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=November 3, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126003226/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2014/11/a-more-modern-gmail-app-for-android.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In November 2016, Google redesigned the Gmail app for the iOS platform, bringing the first complete visual overhaul in "nearly four years". The update added much more use of colors, sleeker transitions, and the addition of several "highly-requested" features, including Undo Send, faster search with instant results and spelling suggestions, and Swipe to Archive/Delete.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Izatt |title=Gmail and Google Calendar get a whole lot better on iOS |url=https://blog.google/products/gmail/gmail-and-google-calendar-get-a-whole-lot-better-on-ios/ |work=The Keyword Google Blog |date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119140727/https://blog.google/products/gmail/gmail-and-google-calendar-get-a-whole-lot-better-on-ios/ |archive-date=November 19, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Google just redesigned Gmail for iPhone and made it way faster |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/7/13549844/google-gmail-iphone-app-update-faster |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126194639/http://www.theverge.com/2016/11/7/13549844/google-gmail-iphone-app-update-faster |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In May 2017, Google updated Gmail on Android to feature protection from [[phishing]] attacks.<ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Lawler |title=Now the Android Gmail app keeps an eye out for phishing links |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/04/gmail-android-phishing/ |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 4, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504061544/https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/04/gmail-android-phishing/ |archive-date=May 4, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="zdnet-phishing">{{cite web |first=Liam |last=Tung |title=Google gives Android Gmail users new shady link warnings amid fake Docs attack |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-gives-android-gmail-users-new-shady-link-warnings-amid-fake-docs-attack/ |website=[[ZDNet]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=May 4, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327203642/https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-gives-android-gmail-users-new-shady-link-warnings-amid-fake-docs-attack/ |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="tc-phishing">{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Google adds phishing protection to Gmail on Android |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/04/google-adds-phishing-protection-to-gmail-on-android/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 4, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504181503/https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/04/google-adds-phishing-protection-to-gmail-on-android/ |archive-date=May 4, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Media outlets noticed that the new protection was announced amid a [[Google Docs#2017 phishing incident|widespread phishing attack on a combination of Gmail and Google's Docs document service]] that occurred on the same day.<ref name="zdnet-phishing" /><ref name="tc-phishing" />

Later in May, Google announced the addition of "Smart Reply" to Gmail on Android and iOS. "Smart Reply", a feature originally launched for Google's [[Inbox by Gmail]] service, scans a message for information and uses [[machine intelligence]] to offer three responses the user can optionally edit and send. The feature is limited to the English language at launch, with additional support for Spanish, followed by other languages arriving later.<ref>{{cite web |first=James |last=Vincent |title=Smart Reply is coming to Gmail for Android and iOS |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15651712/google-smart-reply-feature-gmail-android-iphone-io-2017 |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=May 17, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517190806/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15651712/google-smart-reply-feature-gmail-android-iphone-io-2017 |archive-date=May 17, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Nathan |last=Ingraham |title=Google's impersonal-but-handy Smart Replies come to the Gmail app |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/17/google-smart-replies-gmail-app/ |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 17, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517193238/https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/17/google-smart-replies-gmail-app/ |archive-date=May 17, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Inbox by Gmail, another app from the Gmail team, was also available for iOS<ref>{{cite web |title=Inbox by Gmail on the iOS App Store |url=https://itunes.apple.com/no/app/inbox-by-gmail/id905060486 |work=[[iTunes]] |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126004317/https://itunes.apple.com/no/app/inbox-by-gmail/id905060486 |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> and Android<ref>{{cite web |title=Inbox by Gmail on the Google Play Store |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.inbox |work=[[Google Play]] |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212185526/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.inbox |archive-date=December 12, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> devices. It was discontinued in April 2019.

Third-party programs can be used to access Gmail, using the [[Post Office Protocol|POP]] or [[Internet Message Access Protocol|IMAP]] protocols.<ref>{{cite web |title=Read Gmail messages on other email clients using POP |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7104828 |work=Gmail Support |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126001419/https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7104828 |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In 2019, [[Google]] rolled out dark mode for its mobile apps in [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2019/10/10/google-maps-gmail-dark-mode/|title=Google is rolling out dark mode for Gmail and Maps|last=Mix|date=October 10, 2019|website=The Next Web|language=en-us|access-date=October 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010125453/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2019/10/10/google-maps-gmail-dark-mode/|archive-date=October 10, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Inbox by Gmail==
{{Main|Inbox by Gmail}}

In October 2014, Google introduced '''Inbox by Gmail''' on an invitation-only basis. Developed by the Gmail team, but serving as a "completely different type of inbox", the service is made to help users deal with the challenges of an active email. Citing issues such as distractions, difficulty in finding important information buried in messages, and receiving more emails than ever, Inbox by Gmail has several important differences from Gmail, including bundles that automatically sort emails of the same topic together, highlights that surface key information from messages, and reminders, assists, and snooze, that help the user in handling incoming emails at appropriate times.<ref name="Inbox by Gmail">{{cite web |first=Sundar |last=Pichai |title=An inbox that works for you |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2014/10/an-inbox-that-works-for-you.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=October 22, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024152246/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2014/10/an-inbox-that-works-for-you.html |archive-date=October 24, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dieter |last=Bohn |title=Inbox is a total reinvention of email from Google |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/10/22/7039391/google-inbox |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=October 22, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905194523/http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/22/7039391/google-inbox |archive-date=September 5, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Darrell |last=Etherington |title=Google's Inbox is A New Email App From The Gmail Team Designed Not To Be Gmail |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/22/google-inbox/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=October 22, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209182143/https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/22/google-inbox/ |archive-date=February 9, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Inbox by Gmail became publicly available in May 2015.<ref>{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Gawley |title=Thanks to you, Inbox by Gmail is now open to everyone |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2015/05/thanks-to-you-inbox-by-gmail-is-now.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=May 28, 2015 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106222848/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2015/05/thanks-to-you-inbox-by-gmail-is-now.html |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In September 2018, Google announced it would end the service at the end of March 2019, most of its key features having been incorporated into the standard Gmail service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.blog.google/products/gmail/inbox-signing-find-your-favorite-features-new-gmail/ |title=Inbox is signing off. Find your favorite features in the new Gmail |last1=Izatt |first1=Matthew |website=The Keyword |date=September 12, 2018 |access-date=September 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912195912/https://www.blog.google/products/gmail/inbox-signing-find-your-favorite-features-new-gmail/ |archive-date=September 12, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The service was discontinued on April 2, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5google.com/2019/03/18/inbox-by-gmail-shutdown-date/|title=Inbox by Gmail officially shuts down on April 2nd, 2019|last=Schoon|first=Ben|date=March 19, 2019|website=[[9to5Google]]|language=en-US|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320153239/https://9to5google.com/2019/03/18/inbox-by-gmail-shutdown-date/|archive-date=March 20, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Integration with Google products==

In August 2010, Google released a plugin that provides integrated telephone service within Gmail's [[Google Talk|Google Chat]] interface. The feature initially lacked an official name, with Google referring to it as both "Google Voice in Gmail chat" and "Call Phones in Gmail".<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Michael |last=Calore |title=Gmail Gets Dialed Up a Notch With New Calling Feature |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/08/gmail-gets-dialed-up-a-notch-with-new-calling-feature/ |magazine=Wired |date=August 25, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222101734/https://www.wired.com/2010/08/gmail-gets-dialed-up-a-notch-with-new-calling-feature/ |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Nowak |title=Google launches free voice calls from Gmail |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/google-launches-free-voice-calls-from-gmail-1.874927 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=August 25, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209175312/http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/google-launches-free-voice-calls-from-gmail-1.874927 |archive-date=February 9, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="1 million calls">{{cite web |first=Anjali |last=Mullany |title=Google announces via Twitter: 1,000,000 Gmail calls in 24 Hours |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/google-announces-twitter-1-000-000-gmail-calls-24-hours-article-1.202962 |website=[[New York Daily News]] |publisher=[[Mortimer Zuckerman]] |date=August 27, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027232014/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/google-announces-twitter-1-000-000-gmail-calls-24-hours-article-1.202962 |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The service logged over one million calls in 24 hours.<ref name="1 million calls" /><ref>{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Shankland |title=Google: 1 million Gmail calls on first day |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/08/26/google.gmail.phone.calls/index.html |website=[[CNN]] |date=August 26, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102020442/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/08/26/google.gmail.phone.calls/index.html |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In March 2014, Google Voice was discontinued, and replaced with functionality from [[Google Hangouts]], another communication platform from Google.<ref>{{cite web |first=Seth |last=Weintraub |title=Google plans to kill Google Voice in coming months, integrate features into Hangouts |url=https://9to5google.com/2014/03/18/google-plans-kill-google-voice-in-months-integrate-features-into-hangouts/ |website=[[9to5Google]] |date=March 18, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064946/https://9to5google.com/2014/03/18/google-plans-kill-google-voice-in-months-integrate-features-into-hangouts/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Brandon |last=Russell |title=Google Planning To Discontinue Google Voice In Favor of Hangouts |url=https://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/03/18/google-planning-to-discontinue-google-voice-in-favor-of-hangouts/ |website=TechnoBuffalo |date=March 18, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105222314/https://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/03/18/google-planning-to-discontinue-google-voice-in-favor-of-hangouts/ |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On February 9, 2010, Google commenced its new social networking tool, [[Google Buzz]], which integrated with Gmail, allowing users to share links and media, as well as status updates.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jessica |last=Guynn |title=Google aims to take on Facebook with new social feature called 'Buzz' |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/02/google-facebook-social-networking.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=February 9, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027190005/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2010/02/google-facebook-social-networking.html |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Google Buzz was discontinued in October 2011, replaced with new functionality in [[Google+]], Google's then-new social networking platform.<ref>{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Cheredar |title=Google says Google+ integration for Gmail is coming; users sound off |url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/07/11/google-plus-gmail-integration/ |website=[[VentureBeat]] |date=July 11, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126005328/http://venturebeat.com/2011/07/11/google-plus-gmail-integration/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Bradley |last=Horowitz |title=A fall sweep |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-sweep.html |work=Official Google Blog |date=October 14, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021074737/https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-sweep.html |archive-date=October 21, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Gmail was integrated with Google+ in December 2011, as part of an effort to have all Google information across one Google account, with a centralized Google+ user profile.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Striebeck |title=Gmail and Contacts get better with Google+ |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/12/gmail-and-contacts-get-better-with.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209175310/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/12/gmail-and-contacts-get-better-with.html |archive-date=February 9, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Backlash from the move caused Google to step back and remove the requirement of a Google+ user account, keeping only a private Google account without a public-facing profile, starting in July 2015.<ref>{{cite web |first=Bradley |last=Horowitz |title=Everything in its right place |url=https://www.blog.google/products/google-plus/everything-in-its-right-place/ |work=The Keyword |date=July 27, 2015 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412190540/https://www.blog.google/products/google-plus/everything-in-its-right-place/ |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In May 2013, Google announced the integration between [[Google Wallet]] and Gmail, which would allow Gmail users to send money as email attachments. Although the sender must use a Gmail account, the recipient does not need to be using a Gmail address.<ref>{{cite web |first=Travis |last=Green |title=Send money to friends with Gmail and Google Wallet |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/05/send-money-to-friends-with-gmail-and.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=May 15, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022103/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/05/send-money-to-friends-with-gmail-and.html |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Zach |last=Honig |title=Google Wallet will soon let you send payments as a Gmail attachment |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/15/google-wallet-gmail/ |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 15, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022039/https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/15/google-wallet-gmail/ |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The feature has no transaction fees, but there are limits to the amount of money that can be sent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Send money or pay a request |url=https://support.google.com/pay/answer/7643913 |work=Google Wallet Help |access-date=October 27, 2018}}</ref> Initially only available on the web, the feature was expanded to the Android app in March 2017, for people living in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Gmail for Android now lets you send people money right in the app |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/14/14922408/gmail-android-send-money-payment-app-update |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=March 14, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314181446/http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/14/14922408/gmail-android-send-money-payment-app-update |archive-date=March 14, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Napier |last=Lopez |title=Google now lets you send money via Gmail on Android |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2017/03/14/google-now-lets-send-money-via-gmail-android/ |website=The Next Web |date=March 14, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315085625/https://thenextweb.com/google/2017/03/14/google-now-lets-send-money-via-gmail-android/ |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In September 2016, Google released '''Google Trips''', an app that, based on information from a user's Gmail messages, automatically generates travel cards. A travel card contains itinerary details, such as plane tickets and car rentals, and recommends activities, food and drinks, and attractions based on location, time, and interests. The app also has offline functionality.<ref>{{cite web |first=Stefan |last=Frank |title=See more, plan less – try Google Trips |url=https://blog.google/topics/travel/see-more-plan-less-try-google-trips/ |work=The Keyword Google Blog |date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206072414/https://blog.google/topics/travel/see-more-plan-less-try-google-trips/ |archive-date=December 6, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Casey |last=Newton |title=Google Trips is a killer travel app for the modern tourist |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/19/12943054/google-trips-travel-app-android-ios |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130035704/http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/19/12943054/google-trips-travel-app-android-ios |archive-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In April 2017, Google Trips received an update adding several significant features. The app now also scans Gmail for bus and train tickets, and allows users to manually input trip reservations. Users can send trip details to other users' email, and if the recipient also has Google Trips, the information will be automatically available in their apps as well.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Personalized travel planner Google Trips gets better at handling your reservations |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/26/personalized-travel-planner-google-trips-gets-better-at-handling-your-reservations/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427023331/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/26/personalized-travel-planner-google-trips-gets-better-at-handling-your-reservations/ |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jacob |last=Kastrenakes |title=Google's Trips app is becoming an even better travel companion |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/26/15437334/google-trips-bus-train-reservation-tracking-sharing |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426230956/http://www.theverge.com/2017/4/26/15437334/google-trips-bus-train-reservation-tracking-sharing |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

==Security==

===History===

Google has supported the secure [[HTTPS]] since the day it launched. In the beginning, it was only default on the login page, a reason that Google engineer Ariel Rideout stated was because HTTPS made "your mail slower". However, users could manually switch to secure HTTPS mode inside the inbox after logging in. In July 2008, Google simplified the ability to manually enable secure mode, with a toggle in the settings menu.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ariel |last=Rideout |title=Making security easier |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2008/07/making-security-easier.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126064305/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2008/07/making-security-easier.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In 2007, Google fixed a [[cross-site scripting]] security issue that could let attackers collect information from Gmail contact lists.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jeremy |last=Kirk |title=Google closes Gmail cross-site scripting vulnerability |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2659825/security/google-closes-gmail-cross-site-scripting-vulnerability.html |website=[[InfoWorld]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |date=January 2, 2007 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027185809/https://www.infoworld.com/article/2659825/security/google-closes-gmail-cross-site-scripting-vulnerability.html |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In January 2010, Google began rolling out HTTPS as the default for all users.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sam |last=Schillace |title=Default https access for Gmail |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2010/01/default-https-access-for-gmail.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=January 12, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126003352/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2010/01/default-https-access-for-gmail.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In June 2012, a new security feature was introduced to protect users from state-sponsored attacks. A banner will appear at the top of the page that warns users of an unauthorized account compromise.<ref>{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Grosse |title=Security warnings for suspected state-sponsored attacks |url=https://security.googleblog.com/2012/06/security-warnings-for-suspected-state.html |work=Google Security Blog |date=June 5, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208155921/https://security.googleblog.com/2012/06/security-warnings-for-suspected-state.html |archive-date=December 8, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Google to warn users of 'state-sponsored attacks' |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/google-to-warn-users-of-state-sponsored-attacks-1.1164945 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=June 6, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231165126/http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/google-to-warn-users-of-state-sponsored-attacks-1.1164945 |archive-date=December 31, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In March 2014, Google announced that an encrypted HTTPS connection would be used for the sending and receiving of all Gmail emails, and "every single email message you send or receive —100% of them —is encrypted while moving internally" through the company's systems.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nicolas |last=Lidzborski |title=Staying at the forefront of email security and reliability: HTTPS-only and 99.978% availability |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2014/03/staying-at-forefront-of-email-security.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=March 20, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202053813/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2014/03/staying-at-forefront-of-email-security.html |archive-date=December 2, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Whenever possible, Gmail uses [[transport layer security]] (TLS) to automatically encrypt emails sent and received. On the web and on Android devices, users can check if a message is encrypted by checking if the message has a closed or open red padlock.<ref>{{cite web |title=Check the security of your emails |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7039474 |work=Gmail Help |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126004248/https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7039474 |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Gmail automatically scans all incoming and outgoing e-mails for viruses in email attachments. For security reasons, some file types, including executables, are not allowed to be sent in emails.<ref>{{cite web |title=File types blocked in Gmail |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6590 |work=Gmail Help |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126003507/https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6590 |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

At the end of May 2017, Google announced that it had applied [[machine learning]] technology to identify emails with phishing and spam, having a 99.9% detection accuracy. The company also announced that Gmail would selectively delay some messages, approximately 0.05% of all, to perform more detailed analysis and aggregate details to improve its algorithms.<ref>{{cite web |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |title=Google says its machine learning tech now blocks 99.9% of Gmail spam and phishing messages |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/31/google-says-its-machine-learning-tech-now-blocks-99-9-of-gmail-spam-and-phishing-messages/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 31, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531203533/https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/31/google-says-its-machine-learning-tech-now-blocks-99-9-of-gmail-spam-and-phishing-messages/ |archive-date=May 31, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Mallory |last=Locklear |title=Google beefs up Gmail security to fight phishing attempts |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/31/google-gmail-security-fight-phishing/ |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 31, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531231854/https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/31/google-gmail-security-fight-phishing/ |archive-date=May 31, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In November 2020, Google started adding click-time link protection by redirecting clicked links to Google in official Gmail clients.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Workspace security updates—November 2020 |url=https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/identity-security/google-workspace-security-updates-november-2020 |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=Google Cloud Blog |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Third-party encryption in transit===

[[File:Gmail-transport-encryption.png|thumb|alt=Gmail Transport Encryption by Country|Gmail transport encryption by country]]

In Google's Transparency Report under the Safer email section, it provides information on the percentage of emails encrypted in transit between Gmail and third-party email providers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Email encryption in transit |url=https://transparencyreport.google.com/safer-email/overview |work=Google Transparency Report |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031035112/https://transparencyreport.google.com/safer-email/overview |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Two-step verification===

Gmail supports [[multi-factor authentication|two-step verification]], an optional additional measure for users to protect their accounts when logging in.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google 2-Step Verification |url=https://www.google.com/landing/2step/ |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125034321/https://www.google.com/landing/2step/ |archive-date=November 25, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Once enabled, users are required to verify their identity using a second method after entering their username and password when logging in on a new device. Common methods include entering a code sent to a user's mobile phone through a text message, entering a code using the [[Google Authenticator]] smartphone app, responding to a prompt on an Android/iOS device <ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7026266?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid|title=Sign in with Google Prompts|access-date=December 30, 2021}}</ref> or by inserting a physical security key into the computer's USB port.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google 2-Step Verification |url=https://www.google.com/landing/2step/features.html |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204144350/http://www.google.com/landing/2step/features.html |archive-date=December 4, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Using a security key for two-step verification was made available as an option in October 2014.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nishit |last=Shah |title=Strengthening 2-Step Verification with Security Key |url=https://security.googleblog.com/2014/10/strengthening-2-step-verification-with.html |work=Google Security Blog |date=October 21, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215033307/https://security.googleblog.com/2014/10/strengthening-2-step-verification-with.html |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Adam |last=Turner |title=Google security keys may offer extra layer of online protection |url=https://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/google-security-keys-may-offer-extra-layer-of-online-protection-20141029-11dmca |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Media]] |date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026083520/http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/google-security-keys-may-offer-extra-layer-of-online-protection-20141029-11dmca |archive-date=October 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===24-hour lockdowns===

If an algorithm detects what Google calls "abnormal usage that may indicate that your account has been compromised", the account can be automatically locked down for between one minute and 24 hours, depending on the type of activity detected. Listed reasons for a lock-down include:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/2402620 |title=Can't sign in to your Google Account |access-date=October 27, 2018 |work=Google Account Help |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007110402/https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/2402620 |archive-date=October 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Receiving, deleting, or downloading large amounts of mail from POP/IMAP client within a short period of time.
* Sending a large number of messages which fail to deliver.
* Using software which automatically logs into one's account.
* Leaving multiple instances of Gmail open.

===Anti-child pornography policy===
Google combats [[child pornography]] through Gmail's servers in conjunction with the [[National Center for Missing & Exploited Children]] (NCMEC) to find children suffering abuse around the world. In collaboration with the NCMEC, Google creates a database of child pornography pictures. Each one of the images is given a unique numerical number known as a [[checksum|hash]]. Google then scans Gmail looking for the unique hashes. When suspicious images are located Google reports the incident to the appropriate national authorities.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Why The Gmail Scan That Led To A Man's Arrest For Child Porn Was Not A Privacy Violation |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/08/06/why-the-gmail-scan-that-led-to-a-mans-arrest-for-child-porn-was-not-a-privacy-violation/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323052900/https://techcrunch.com/2014/08/06/why-the-gmail-scan-that-led-to-a-mans-arrest-for-child-porn-was-not-a-privacy-violation/ |archive-date=March 23, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Gmail}}
[[File:Gmail Icon (2013-2020).svg|thumb|Gmail logo used until 2020]]
The idea for Gmail was developed by [[Paul Buchheit]] several years before it was announced to the public. The project was known by the code name ''Caribou''. During early development, the project was kept secret from most of Google's own engineers. This changed once the project improved, and by early 2004, most employees were using it to access the company's internal email system.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Harry |last=McCracken |title=How Gmail Happened: The Inside Story of Its Launch 10 Years Ago |url=https://time.com/43263/gmail-10th-anniversary/ |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |date=April 1, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122092230/http://time.com/43263/gmail-10th-anniversary/ |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Gmail was announced to the public by Google on April 1, 2004, as a limited [[Software release life cycle|beta release]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Google Gets the Message, Launches Gmail |url=https://googlepress.blogspot.com/2004/04/google-gets-message-launches-gmail.html |work=Google News from Google |date=April 1, 2004 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110104736/http://googlepress.blogspot.com/2004/04/google-gets-message-launches-gmail.html |archive-date=November 10, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In November 2006, Google began offering a [[Java (programming language)|Java]]-based application of Gmail for mobile phones.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ed |last=Oswald |title=Google Offers Java-based Mobile Gmail |url=https://betanews.com/2006/11/02/google-offers-java-based-mobile-gmail/ |website=BetaNews |date=November 2, 2006 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105215650/https://betanews.com/2006/11/02/google-offers-java-based-mobile-gmail/ |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In October 2007, Google began a process of rewriting parts of the code that Gmail used, which would make the service faster and add new features, such as custom keyboard shortcuts and the ability to bookmark specific messages and email searches.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Pupius |title=Code changes to prepare Gmail for the future |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2007/10/code-changes-to-prepare-gmail-for.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=October 29, 2007 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126003417/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2007/10/code-changes-to-prepare-gmail-for.html |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Gmail also added IMAP support in October 2007.<ref>{{cite web |first=K.C. |last=Jones |title=Gmail Now Has IMAP Support |url=https://www.informationweek.com/gmail-now-has-imap-support/d/d-id/1060707 |website=[[InformationWeek]] |publisher=[[UBM Tech]] |date=October 24, 2007 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027190140/https://www.informationweek.com/gmail-now-has-imap-support/d/d-id/1060707 |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

An update around January 2008 changed elements of Gmail's use of [[JavaScript]], and resulted in the failure of a third-party script some users had been using. Google acknowledged the issue and helped users with workarounds.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Pupius |title=Gmail/Greasemonkey API issue |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2008/01/gmailgreasemonkey-api-issue.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=January 29, 2008 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002032357/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2008/01/gmailgreasemonkey-api-issue.html |archive-date=October 2, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Gmail exited the beta status on July 7, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Glotzbach |title=Google Apps is out of beta (yes, really) |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/google-apps-is-out-of-beta-yes-really.html |work=Official Google Blog |date=July 7, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105231918/https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/google-apps-is-out-of-beta-yes-really.html |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Prior to December 2013, users had to approve to see images in emails, which acted as a security measure. This changed in December 2013, when Google, citing improved image handling, enabled images to be visible without user approval. Images are now routed through Google's secure proxy servers rather than the original external host servers.<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Rae-Grant |title=Images Now Showing |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/12/images-now-showing.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170117091228/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2013/12/images-now-showing.html |archive-date=January 17, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> ''MarketingLand'' noted that the change to image handling means email marketers will no longer be able to track the recipient's [[IP address]] or information about what kind of device the recipient is using.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google: Gmail Image Change May Improve Open Rate Data, But Will Strip Other User Data |first=Matt |last=McGee |url=https://marketingland.com/google-gmail-image-change-may-improve-open-rate-data-but-will-strip-other-user-data-68028 |publisher=MarketingLand |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105230613/https://marketingland.com/google-gmail-image-change-may-improve-open-rate-data-but-will-strip-other-user-data-68028 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> However, ''[[Wired (website)|Wired]]'' stated that the new change means senders can track the time when an email is first opened, as the initial loading of the images requires the system to make a "callback" to the original server.<ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Ryan |last=Tate |title=With the New Gmail, People Will Know When You Open That Message |url=https://www.wired.com/2013/12/gmail-spying-explained/ |magazine=Wired |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127151818/https://www.wired.com/2013/12/gmail-spying-explained/ |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Growth===

In June 2012, Google announced that Gmail had 425 million active users globally.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sundar |last=Pichai |title=Chrome & Apps @ Google I/O: Your web, everywhere |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/chrome-apps-google-io-your-web.html |work=Official Google Blog |date=June 28, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105232350/https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/chrome-apps-google-io-your-web.html |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In May 2015, Google announced that Gmail had 900 million active users, 75% of whom were using the service on mobile devices.<ref>{{cite web |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |title=Gmail Now Has 900M Active Users, 75% On Mobile |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/05/28/gmail-now-has-900m-active-users-75-on-mobile/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 28, 2015 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126235311/https://techcrunch.com/2015/05/28/gmail-now-has-900m-active-users-75-on-mobile/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In February 2016, Google announced that Gmail had passed 1 billion active users.<ref name="1BMonthly">{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/02/01/gmail-now-has-more-than-1b-monthly-active-users/ |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |date=February 1, 2016 |title=Gmail Now Has More Than 1B Monthly Active Users |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204144302/https://techcrunch.com/2016/02/01/gmail-now-has-more-than-1b-monthly-active-users/ |archive-date=February 4, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ross |last=Miller |title=Gmail now has 1 billion monthly active users |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/1/10889492/gmail-1-billion-google-alphabet |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=February 1, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220122715/http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/1/10889492/gmail-1-billion-google-alphabet |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In July 2017, Google announced that Gmail had passed 1.2 billion active users.<ref name="users">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Craig |title=18 Amazing Gmail Facts and Statistics |url=https://expandedramblings.com/index.php/gmail-statistics/ |website=expandedramblings.com |publisher=DMR |access-date=October 27, 2018 |date=April 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914025820/https://expandedramblings.com/index.php/gmail-statistics/ |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mathews |first=Lee |title=90% Of Gmail Users Don't Use This Simple Trick To Protect Their Accounts |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2018/01/19/90-of-gmail-users-dont-use-this-simple-trick-to-protect-their-accounts/ |access-date=October 27, 2018 |work=Forbes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030164709/https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2018/01/19/90-of-gmail-users-dont-use-this-simple-trick-to-protect-their-accounts/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In the business sector, ''[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]]'' reported in August 2014 that, among 150 companies checked in three major categories in the United States ([[Fortune 500|Fortune 50]] largest companies, mid-size tech and media companies, and [[Startup company|startup companies]] from the last [[Y Combinator]] incubator class), only one Fortune 50 company used Gmail – Google itself – while 60% of mid-sized companies and 92% of startup companies were using Gmail.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Frommer |title=Google is stealing away Microsoft's future corporate customers |url=http://qz.com/243321/google-is-stealing-away-microsofts-future-corporate-customers/ |website=[[Quartz (publication)|Quartz]] |publisher=[[Atlantic Media]] |date=August 1, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128160147/http://qz.com/243321/google-is-stealing-away-microsofts-future-corporate-customers/ |archive-date=November 28, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In May 2014, Gmail became the first app on the [[Google Play]] Store to hit one billion installations on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Samuel |last=Gibbs |title=Gmail Android app is first to hit one billion installations |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/16/gmail-android-app-one-billion-installations-google-milestone |newspaper=The Guardian |date=May 16, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924235846/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/16/gmail-android-app-one-billion-installations-google-milestone |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

=== Gamil Design company and misspellings ===<!-- NOTE: Please do not change this to "Gmail", read the section first, "Gamil" is correct in this context. -->
Before the introduction of Gmail, the website of product and graphic design from Gamil Design in [[Raleigh, North Carolina]], received 3,000 hits per month. In May 2004, a Google engineer who had accidentally gone to the Gamil site a number of times contacted the company and asked if the site had experienced an increase in traffic. In fact, the site's activity had doubled. Two years later, with 600,000 hits per month, the [[Internet service provider]] wanted to charge more, and Gamil posted the message on its site "You may have arrived here by misspelling Gmail. We understand. Typing fast is not our strongest skill. But since you've typed your way here, let's share."<ref name=typo>{{cite news| author=Ryan Teague Beckwith | title=Typo is Web page's windfall: Traffic looking for e-mail service Gmail winds up at Gamil | magazine = [[News & Observer]] | date=December 16, 2006 | url = http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/522096.html | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110225000/http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/522096.html | archive-date=January 10, 2007 }}</ref>

==Google Workspace==
{{Main|Google Workspace}}

As part of Google Workspace (formerly ''G Suite''), Google's business-focused offering, Gmail comes with additional features, including:<ref>{{cite web |title=G Suite by Google Cloud |url=https://gsuite.google.com/products/gmail/ |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219230910/https://gsuite.google.com/products/gmail/ |archive-date=December 19, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
* Email addresses with the customer's domain name (@yourcompany.com)
* 99.9% guaranteed uptime with zero scheduled downtime for maintenance<ref>{{cite web |first=Venkat |last=Panchapakesan |title=Pure and Proven Cloud: Gmail Availability in 2012 |url=https://cloud.googleblog.com/2013/04/pure-and-proven-cloud-gmail.html |work=Google Cloud Official Blog |date=April 3, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020110709/https://cloud.googleblog.com/2013/04/pure-and-proven-cloud-gmail.html |archive-date=October 20, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>
* Either 30&nbsp;GB or unlimited storage shared with Google Drive, depending on the plan
* 24/7 phone and email support
* Synchronization compatibility with [[Microsoft Outlook]] and other email providers
* Support for add-ons that integrate third-party apps purchased from the Google Workspace Marketplace with Gmail<ref>{{cite web |first=Thijs van |last=As |title=Bring the power of your apps into Gmail with Add-ons |url=https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/application-development/bring-power-of-your-apps-into-gmail_9 |date=March 9, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dieter |last=Bohn |title=Native Gmail add-ons are coming — but they'll be business focused to start |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/9/14864106/google-gmail-add-ons-update-third-party-salesforce-enterprise |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=March 9, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309231655/http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/9/14864106/google-gmail-add-ons-update-third-party-salesforce-enterprise |archive-date=March 9, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |title=Google adds add-on support to Gmail |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/09/google-adds-add-on-support-to-gmail/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=March 9, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309201110/https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/09/google-adds-add-on-support-to-gmail/ |archive-date=March 9, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Expand section|date=June 2014}}

Gmail is noted by web developers for its early adoption of [[Ajax (programming)|Ajax]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Coach K. |last=Wei |title=AJAX: Asynchronous Java + XML? |url=https://www.developer.com/design/article.php/3526681 |website=Developer.com |date=August 11, 2005 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213120242/https://www.developer.com/design/article.php/3526681 |archive-date=December 13, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Awards===

Gmail was ranked second in ''[[PC World]]'''s "100 Best Products of 2005", behind [[Firefox]]. Gmail also won 'Honorable Mention' in the Bottom Line Design Awards 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/120763/article.html |work=PCWorld.com |title=The 100 Best Products of 2005 |date=June 1, 2005 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107081757/https://www.pcworld.com/article/120763/article.html |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bottomlinedesignawards.com/gmail.html |title=Bottom Line Design Awards |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070330005708/http://www.bottomlinedesignawards.com/gmail.html |archive-date=March 30, 2007 |access-date=October 27, 2018}}</ref> In September 2006, ''[[Forbes]]'' declared Gmail to be the best [[webmail]] application for small businesses.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/09/07/web-based-resources-cx_bn_0907smallbizresource.html |title=The Best Web-Based Computer Applications For Small Business |date=September 7, 2006 |work=Forbes |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315212204/http://www.forbes.com/2006/09/07/web-based-resources-cx_bn_0907smallbizresource.html |archive-date=March 15, 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In November 2006, Gmail received PC World's 4-star rating.<ref name="Gmail Award">{{cite web |title=Industry Awards and Accolades for Google |url=https://www.google.com/press/awards.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514124744/https://www.google.com/press/awards.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Criticism==
{{see also|Criticism of Google}}

===Privacy===
{{main|Google privacy}}
Google has one [[privacy policy]] that covers all of its services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google Privacy Policy |url=https://policies.google.com/privacy |work=Google Privacy & Terms |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026175516/https://policies.google.com/privacy |archive-date=October 26, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Google claims that they "will not [[ad targeting|target ad]]s based on [[sensitive information]], such as race, religion, sexual orientation, health, or sensitive financial categories."<ref>{{cite web |title=How Gmail ads work |url=https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6603? |work=Gmail Help |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024042920/https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6603 |archive-date=October 24, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Automated scanning of email content===

Google's mail servers automatically scan emails for multiple purposes, including [[spam filter|filtering spam]] and malware, and (until 2017) adding context-sensitive advertisements next to emails.<ref name="Privacy – EPIC" /><ref name="Privacy – The Guardian" /><ref name="Privacy – Privacy Rights Clearinghouse" />

Privacy advocates raised concerns about this practice; concerns included that allowing email content to be read by a machine (as opposed to a person) can allow Google to keep unlimited amounts of information forever; the automated background scanning of data raises the risk that the [[expectation of privacy]] in email usage will be reduced or eroded; information collected from emails could be retained by Google for years after its current relevancy to build complete profiles on users; emails sent by users from other email providers get scanned despite never having agreed to Google's privacy policy or terms of service; Google can change its privacy policy unilaterally, and for minor changes to the policy it can do so without informing users; in court cases, governments and organizations can potentially find it easier to legally monitor email communications; at any time, Google can change its current company policies to allow combining information from emails with data gathered from use of its other services; and any internal security problem on Google's systems can potentially expose many – or all – of its users.<ref name="Privacy – EPIC">{{cite web |title=Gmail Privacy FAQ |url=https://epic.org/privacy/gmail/faq.html |website=[[Electronic Privacy Information Center]] |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318122852/https://www.epic.org/privacy/gmail/faq.html |archive-date=March 18, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="Privacy – Privacy Rights Clearinghouse" /><ref name="Privacy – The Guardian" /><ref name="Privacy – The Register">{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Rasch |title=Google's Gmail: spook heaven? |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/06/15/gmail_spook_heaven |website=[[The Register]] |publisher=Situation Publishing |date=June 15, 2004 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022510/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/06/15/gmail_spook_heaven |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="Privacy – Computerworld">{{cite web |first=Robert |last=McMillan |title=Google attack part of widespread spying effort |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2522519/government-it/google-attack-part-of-widespread-spying-effort.html |website=[[Computerworld]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |date=January 13, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124064329/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2522519/government-it/google-attack-part-of-widespread-spying-effort.html |archive-date=November 24, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In 2004, thirty-one privacy and civil liberties organizations wrote a letter calling upon Google to suspend its Gmail service until the privacy issues were adequately addressed. The letter also called upon Google to clarify its written information policies regarding data retention and data sharing among its business units. The organizations also voiced their concerns about Google's plan to scan the text of all incoming messages for the purposes of ad placement, noting that the scanning of confidential email for inserting third-party ad content violates the implicit trust of an email service provider.<ref name="Privacy – Privacy Rights Clearinghouse">{{cite web |first1=Beth |last1=Givens |first2=Pam |last2=Dixon |title=Thirty-One Privacy And Civil Liberties Organizations Urge Google To Suspend Gmail |url=https://www.privacyrights.org/blog/thirty-one-privacy-and-civil-liberties-organizations-urge-google-suspend-gmail |website=[[Privacy Rights Clearinghouse]] |date=April 6, 2004 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127024111/https://www.privacyrights.org/blog/thirty-one-privacy-and-civil-liberties-organizations-urge-google-suspend-gmail |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

On June 23, 2017, Google announced that, later in 2017, it would phase out the scanning of email content to generate [[contextual advertising]], relying on [[personal data]] collected through other Google services instead. The company stated that this change was meant to clarify its practices and quell concerns among enterprise [[G Suite]] (now Google Workspace) customers who felt an ambiguous distinction between the free consumer and paid professional variants, the latter being advertising-free.<ref name="No contextual ads">{{cite news |first=Mark |last=Bergen |title=Google Will Stop Reading Your Emails for Gmail Ads |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-23/google-will-stop-reading-your-emails-for-gmail-ads |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.]] |date=June 23, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623170153/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-23/google-will-stop-reading-your-emails-for-gmail-ads |archive-date=June 23, 2017 |url-status=live  }}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Frederic |last=Lardinois |title=Google now has all the data it needs, will stop scanning Gmail inboxes for ad personalization |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/23/google-has-all-the-data-it-needs-will-stop-scanning-gmail-inboxes/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=June 23, 2017 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623180310/https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/23/google-has-all-the-data-it-needs-will-stop-scanning-gmail-inboxes/ |archive-date=June 23, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Lawsuits===

In March 2011, a former Gmail user in Texas sued Google, claiming that its Gmail service violates users' privacy by scanning e-mail messages to serve relevant ads.<ref>{{cite web |first=Thomas |last=Claburn |title=Google Again Sued Over Gmail Content Scanning |url=https://www.darkreading.com/risk-management/google-again-sued-over-gmail-content-scanning/d/d-id/1096540 |website=[[InformationWeek]] |publisher=[[UBM Tech]] |date=March 9, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018082717/https://www.darkreading.com/risk-management/google-again-sued-over-gmail-content-scanning/d/d-id/1096540 |archive-date=October 18, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In July 2012, some California residents filed two class action lawsuits against Google and [[Yahoo!]], claiming that they illegally intercept emails sent by individual non-Gmail or non-Yahoo! email users to Gmail and Yahoo! recipients without the senders' knowledge, consent or permission.<ref>{{cite web |author=Abellin |title=Lawsuit: Gmail, Yahoo Email Invade Privacy, Even Non-Users' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/lawsuit-gmail-yahoo-invade-privacy-email-account/story?id=16680463 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=July 2, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106095351/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/lawsuit-gmail-yahoo-invade-privacy-email-account/story?id=16680463 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> A motion filed by Google's attorneys in the case concedes that Gmail users have "no expectation of privacy".<ref name="No expectation of privacy">{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Morisy |title=GMail a little too open? Google says users should have no 'expectation of privacy' |url=https://www.boston.com/news/innovation/2013/08/13/gmail-a-little-too-open-google-says-users-should-have-no-expectation-of-privacy |website=[[Boston.com]] |date=August 13, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027185838/https://www.boston.com/news/innovation/2013/08/13/gmail-a-little-too-open-google-says-users-should-have-no-expectation-of-privacy |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

A court filing uncovered by advocacy group Consumer Watchdog in August 2013 revealed that Google stated in a court filing that no "reasonable expectation" exists among Gmail users in regard to the assured confidentiality of their emails.<ref name="August 2013 quote" /> In response to a lawsuit filed in May 2013, Google explained:<blockquote>"... all users of email must necessarily expect that their emails will be subject to automated processing ...  Just as a sender of a letter to a business colleague cannot be surprised that the recipient's assistant opens the letter, people who use web-based email today cannot be surprised if their communications are processed by the recipient's ECS [electronic communications service] provider in the course of delivery.<ref name="August 2013 quote" /></blockquote>A Google spokesperson stated to the media on August 15, 2013, that the corporation takes the privacy and security concerns of Gmail users "very seriously".<ref name="August 2013 quote">{{Cite news |first=Dominic |last=Rushe |title=Google: don't expect privacy when sending to Gmail |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/aug/14/google-gmail-users-privacy-email-lawsuit |newspaper=The Guardian |date=August 15, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127025224/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/aug/14/google-gmail-users-privacy-email-lawsuit |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===April 2014 Terms of service update===
Google updated its terms of service for Gmail in April 2014 to create full transparency for its users in regard to the scanning of email content. The relevant revision states: "Our automated systems analyze your content (including emails) to provide you personally relevant product features, such as customized search results, tailored advertising, and spam and malware detection. This analysis occurs as the content is sent, received, and when it is stored." A Google spokesperson explained that the corporation wishes for its policies "to be simple and easy for users to understand."

In response to the update, Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group, stated: "The really dangerous things that Google is doing are things like the information held in Analytics, cookies in advertising and the profiling that it is able to do on individual accounts".<ref name="Privacy – The Guardian">{{Cite news |first=Samuel |last=Gibbs |title=Gmail does scan all emails, new Google terms clarify |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/apr/15/gmail-scans-all-emails-new-google-terms-clarify |newspaper=The Guardian |date=April 15, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127025127/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/apr/15/gmail-scans-all-emails-new-google-terms-clarify |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Microsoft ad campaign against Google===
In 2013, Microsoft launched an advertising campaign to attack Google for scanning email messages, arguing that most consumers are not aware that Google monitors their personal messages to deliver targeted ads. Microsoft claims that its email service Outlook does not scan the contents of messages and a Microsoft spokesperson called the issue of privacy "Google's kryptonite". In response, Google stated; "We work hard to make sure that ads are safe, unobtrusive and relevant ... No humans read your e-mail or Google Account information in order to show you advertisements or related information. An automated algorithm — similar to that used for features like Priority Inbox or spam filtering — determines which ads are shown." ''[[The New York Times]]'' cites "Google supporters", who say that "Microsoft's ads are distasteful, the last resort of a company that has been unsuccessful at competing against Google on the more noble battleground of products".<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Wingfield |title=Microsoft Attacks Google on Gmail Privacy |url=https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/06/microsoft-attacks-google-on-gmail-privacy/ |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=February 6, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907032655/https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/06/microsoft-attacks-google-on-gmail-privacy/ |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Other privacy issues===

====2010 attack from China====
In January 2010, Google detected a "highly sophisticated" cyberattack on its infrastructure that originated from China. The targets of the attack were Chinese human rights activists, but Google discovered that accounts belonging to European, American and Chinese activists for [[human rights in China]] had been "routinely accessed by third parties". Additionally, Google stated that their investigation revealed that "at least" 20 other large companies from a "wide range of businesses" - including the Internet, finance, technology, media and chemical sectors – had been similarly targeted. Google was in the process of notifying those companies and it had also worked with relevant US authorities. In light of the attacks, Google enhanced the security and architecture of its infrastructure, and advised individual users to install anti-virus and anti-spyware on their computers, update their operating systems and web browsers, and be cautious when clicking on Internet links or when sharing personal information in instant messages and emails.<ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Drummond |title=A new approach to China |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-approach-to-china.html |work=Official Google Blog |date=January 12, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016143129/https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-approach-to-china.html |archive-date=October 16, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Kim |last=Zetter |title=Google Hack Attack Was Ultra Sophisticated, New Details Show |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/01/operation-aurora |magazine=Wired |date=January 14, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127024313/https://www.wired.com/2010/01/operation-aurora |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

====Social network integration====
The February 2010 launch of [[Google Buzz]], a now defunct social network linked to Gmail, immediately drew criticism for publicly sharing details of users' contacts unless the default settings were changed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google Buzz Has Serious Privacy Flaws |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/google-buzz-has-serious-privacy-flaws |website=[[Fox News]] |date=February 12, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027185933/https://www.foxnews.com/tech/google-buzz-has-serious-privacy-flaws |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Todd |last=Jackson |title=Millions of Buzz users, and improvements based on your feedback |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2010/02/millions-of-buzz-users-and-improvements.html |work=Official Gmail Blog |date=February 11, 2010 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227090712/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2010/02/millions-of-buzz-users-and-improvements.html |archive-date=December 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> A new Gmail feature was launched in January 2014, whereby users could email people with Google+ accounts even though they do not know the email address of the recipient. [[Marc Rotenberg]], President of the [[Electronic Privacy Information Center]], called the feature "troubling", and compared it to the initial privacy flaw of Google Buzz's launch.<ref>{{Cite news |title=New Gmail messaging feature causes privacy concerns |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-25680010 |newspaper=BBC News |date=January 10, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213213646/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-25680010 |archive-date=December 13, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

====Update to DoubleClick privacy policy====
In June 2016, [[Julia Angwin]] of [[ProPublica]] wrote about Google's updated privacy policy, which deleted a clause that had stated Google would not combine DoubleClick web browsing cookie information with [[personally identifiable information]] from its other services. This change has allowed Google to merge users' personally identifiable information from different Google services to create one unified ad profile for each user. After publication of the article, Google reached out to ProPublica to say that the merge would not include Gmail keywords in ad targeting.<ref>{{cite news |first=Julia |last=Angwin |title=Google Has Quietly Dropped Ban on Personally Identifiable Web Tracking |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/google-has-quietly-dropped-ban-on-personally-identifiable-web-tracking |publisher=[[ProPublica]] |date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127094249/https://www.propublica.org/article/google-has-quietly-dropped-ban-on-personally-identifiable-web-tracking |archive-date=November 27, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

===Outages===
Gmail suffered at least seven outages in 2009, causing doubts about the reliability of its service.<ref>{{cite web |first=Tony |last=Bradley |title=Google Outages Damage Cloud Credibility |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/172614/google_outages_damage_cloud_credibility.html |website=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |date=September 24, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804154341/http://www.pcworld.com/article/172614/google_outages_damage_cloud_credibility.html |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=MG |last=Siegler |title=Where were you during the great Gmail outage of February 2009? |url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/02/24/where-were-you-during-the-great-gmail-outage-of-february-2009/ |website=[[VentureBeat]] |date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213202443/http://venturebeat.com/2009/02/24/where-were-you-during-the-great-gmail-outage-of-february-2009/ |archive-date=February 13, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> It suffered a new outage on February 28, 2011, in which a bug caused Gmail accounts to seem empty. Google stated in a blog post that "email was never lost" and restoration was in progress.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Treynor |title=Gmail back soon for everyone |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/02/gmail-back-soon-for-everyone.html |website=Official Gmail Blog |date=February 28, 2011 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213120026/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2011/02/gmail-back-soon-for-everyone.html |archive-date=February 13, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Other outages occurred on April 17, 2012,<ref>{{cite web |first=Rafe |last=Needleman |title=Gmail users experience outage |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/gmail-users-experience-outage/ |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=April 17, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223211734/https://www.cnet.com/news/gmail-users-experience-outage/ |archive-date=February 23, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> September 24, 2013,<ref>{{cite web |first=Dante |last=D'Orazio |title=Yesterday's Gmail outage delayed millions of messages by over two hours |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/24/4765880/gmail-outage-delayed-some-messages-by-over-two-hours |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=September 24, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223212717/http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/24/4765880/gmail-outage-delayed-some-messages-by-over-two-hours |archive-date=February 23, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> January 24, 2014,<ref>{{cite web |first=Darrell |last=Etherington |title=Gmail And Google+ Go Down Across The World, Service Returns After Roughly 50 Minutes |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/01/24/gmail-goes-down-across-the-world/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=January 24, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223212956/https://techcrunch.com/2014/01/24/gmail-goes-down-across-the-world/ |archive-date=February 23, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> January 29, 2019 <ref>{{cite web|access-date=December 10, 2019|title=Gmail appears to be down in India, parts of Europe; users get 404 error|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/gmail-appears-to-be-down-in-india-parts-of-europe-users-get-404-error-5559753/|date=January 29, 2019|website=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210225759/https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/gmail-appears-to-be-down-in-india-parts-of-europe-users-get-404-error-5559753/|archive-date=December 10, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and August 20, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-21|title=Gmail, other Google services restored after global outage|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/gmail-down-india-users-complain-6562380/|access-date=2020-08-24|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

Google has stated that "Gmail remains more than 99.9% available to all users, and we're committed to keeping events like [the 2009 outage] notable for their rarity."<ref>{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Treynor |title=More on today's Gmail issue |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2009/09/more-on-todays-gmail-issue.html |website=Official Gmail Blog |date=September 1, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323113312/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2009/09/more-on-todays-gmail-issue.html |archive-date=March 23, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

==="On behalf of" tag===
In May 2009, [[Farhad Manjoo]] wrote on ''[[The New York Times]]'' blog about Gmail's "on behalf of" tag. Manjoo explained: "The problems ''[sic]'' is, when you try to send outbound mail from your Gmail universal inbox, Gmail adds a tag telling your recipients that you're actually using Gmail and not your office e-mail. If your recipient is using [[Microsoft Outlook]], he'll see a message like, 'From youroffice@domain.com on behalf of yourgmail@gmail.com.{{' "}} Manjoo further wrote that "Google explains that it adds the tag in order to prevent your e-mail from being considered spam by your recipient; the theory is that if the e-mail is honest about its origins, it shouldn't arouse suspicion by spam checking software".<ref>{{cite web |first=Farhad |last=Manjoo |title=Maintaining A True Universal Inbox on Gmail Remains Elusive |url=https://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/04/maintaining-a-true-universal-inbox-on-gmail-remains-elusive/ |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 4, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304130037/https://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/04/maintaining-a-true-universal-inbox-on-gmail-remains-elusive/ |archive-date=March 4, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The following July, Google announced a new option that would remove the "On behalf of" tag, by sending the email from the server of the other email address instead of using Gmail's servers.<ref>{{cite web |first=Emmanuel |last=Pellereau |title=Send mail from another address without "on behalf of" |url=https://gmail.googleblog.com/2009/07/send-mail-from-another-address-without.html |website=Official Gmail Blog |date=July 30, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052249/https://gmail.googleblog.com/2009/07/send-mail-from-another-address-without.html |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Internet}}
* [[Comparison of mail servers]]
* [[Comparison of webmail providers]]
* [[List of Google products]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Gmail |b=Gmail |n=no |q=Gmail |s=no |v=no |voy=no |d=no |species=no |display=Gmail}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://gsuite.google.com/products/gmail/ Official Website for Gmail for Work]
* [https://m.gmail.com/ Gmail official mobile site] (multi-language)
{{Google LLC}}
{{android}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Gmail| ]]
[[Category:2004 software]]
<!--beta-->
<!--public-->
[[Category:Cross-platform software]]
[[Category:Google services]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2004]]
[[Category:Webmail]]