A crowded Gmail inbox can quickly become frustrating, with important emails often buried under newsletters, promotions, and unwanted updates. Thankfully, Gmail offers built-in filter tools that allow users to automatically organize incoming messages with just a few simple rules. Whether you want to sort emails into labels, archive unnecessary messages, or delete spam automatically, setting up Gmail filters can save time and keep your inbox clutter-free.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create Gmail rules on desktop and mobile devices.

  • Log into your Gmail account on a web browser.
  • Click the “Show search options” icon (the slider-shaped icon) located on the right side of the Gmail search bar.
  • Fill in the fields to specify which emails you want to filter. You can use options such as the following: From, To, Subject, ‘’Has the words’’
  • After entering your criteria, click “Create filter.”
  • Select the action Gmail should automatically perform for matching emails. Options include: Skip the inbox, apply a label, Mark as read, Delete it
  • Click “Create filter” again to activate the rule.

Steps to create Gmail Rules from a specific email

  • Log into Gmail through your browser.
  • Check the box next to the email you want to use for creating a rule.
  • Click the three vertical dots (“More”) in the toolbar at the top.
  • Select “Filter messages like these” from the dropdown menu.
  • Adjust the filter details in the pop-up window if needed.
  • Click “Create filter,” choose the action Gmail should take, and save the filter.

Steps to create Gmail Rules on iPhone or Android

  • Open Chrome, Safari, or another browser and visit mail.google.com.
  • Log into your Gmail account if prompted.
  • Open the browser menu and tap “Request desktop site” or “Desktop site.”
  • Click the slider-shaped “Show search options” icon in the Gmail search bar.
  • Use fields such as "From," "To," and "Subject" or Has the words to target specific emails.
  • Tap “Create filter.”
  • Choose what Gmail should do with matching emails, such as: Archive them, Apply labels, Mark as read, Delete them
  • Click “Create filter” again to save and activate the rule.