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How to Mark Gmail Messages Read or Unread

Change whether Gmail displays a message as already read.

Quick Answer

Select the message and use the Mark read/unread envelope control.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant email account or application.
  2. Select the message and use the Mark read/unread envelope control.
  3. Review the result carefully before making any permanent deletion, forwarding, or account change.
  4. Confirm the change worked from the mailbox or settings page.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Menu names can differ between web, desktop, mobile, classic, and newer versions of an email application.
  • For business or managed accounts, administrator policies can restrict some settings.