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PRIVACY
Lifestyle

Gmail trick to delete all unread messages in just 30 seconds

It's easy to let unread emails quickly overwhelm you. But whether you've got 500 or 50,000 unopened messages it's easy to delete them all at once thanks to a nifty Gmail tool.

The Google Gmail seen displayed on a smartphone screen and a Google Gmail websit(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The task of managing a deluge of unread emails can be a daunting one. If, like many others, your inbox has reached the point of no return, fear not.

Gmail offers a practical solution through a built-in tool that can swiftly help you achieve the coveted 'Inbox Zero' state.

The tips below will guide you through the process of streamlining your inbox, providing you with a practical method to achieve a clutter-free email environment in seconds.

Delete all your unread emails on Gmail at once

It's easy to clean all your unread emails from Gmail in one go and it only takes a couple of seconds.

  1. Open Gmail and click the Search options icon in the search bar at the top. It looks like three horizontal lines with small cuts in them.
  2. Then, go to the dropdown list at the bottom where it says 'Search' and select 'Unread Mail'. Tap the big blue Search button. This will initiate a refined search that exclusively displays your unread emails.
  3. After selecting 'Unread Mail,' activate the search by clicking the prominent blue Search button.

Bulk delete unread emails

Now that you have filtered your inbox to display only the unread emails, it is time to remove them in one fell swoop.

  1. In the top left corner of the screen, you will observe a checkbox. Select this checkbox to mark all emails visible on the current page.
  2. Upon selecting the emails, a prompt will appear, seeking confirmation to select all conversations matching your search criteria. Proceed by clicking on the option 'Select all conversations that match this search.'
  3. Finally, click on the 'Trash' icon, and within a matter of seconds, all your unread emails will be irrevocably eradicated.

Exercise caution

Prior to embarking on the deletion process, it is imperative to exercise caution and peruse the subject lines of your unread emails, Daily Star reports. This review will help mitigate the risk of inadvertently deleting crucial messages.

Safety net

In the event that you accidentally discard an email or later realize its significance, Gmail provides a safety net known as the 'Bin.' When an email is deleted, it is relocated to the Bin, where it remains for a duration of 30 days before permanent erasure. Therefore, if you discover the need to retrieve a deleted email, you have a 30-day window to restore it from the Bin.

The advantages of an uncluttered inbox

Beyond the gratification of an organised inbox, clearing out unread emails offers several advantages: