How to Retrieve Archived Emails in Gmail GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Email, Messaging, & Video Calls > Email 243 243 people found this article helpful

How to Retrieve Archived Emails in Gmail

Did you lose an important message? It might be archived

By Scott Orgera Scott Orgera Writer Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 6, 2022 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Email Gmail Yahoo! Mail

What to Know

Select the All Mail label to see all mail, including what's been archived.Select any message you want to recover, and then select Move to Inbox.In the Gmail app, find and open the message, then tap the three-dot menu and select Move to Inbox. This article explains how to find archived emails in Gmail and move them back to your Inbox. Instructions apply to Gmail in all web browsers and the Gmail mobile app.

How to Retrieve Archived Emails in a Browser

Although archived messages are removed from your inbox, these messages are still stored in your Gmail account and can be retrieved in a few steps. These messages also remain indexed and appear when you search for Gmail messages. You can view emails while they're archived, but if you plan to continue the conversation, move the messages in the conversation to the Inbox. Select All Mail on the left side of Gmail. Select the emails you want to return to the Inbox. The emails that are in the Inbox are labeled Inbox in front of the subject line. Use Gmail search tools to find your archived messages. In the main toolbar above the emails, select Move to Inbox. A confirmation appears that verifies the emails have been moved to the Inbox. Select Undo to reverse the process.

Retrieve Archived Emails Using the Mobile App

Here's how to move archived messages back to your Inbox using the mobile Gmail app: Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top of the screen. Tap All Mail in the panel that opens. Tap the email you want to retrieve. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the message. Tap Move to Inbox.

Tips to Avoid Accidental Archiving

It can be easy to archive a message accidentally. Avoid this by taking the following precautions: On a smartphone or tablet, take your time when scrolling through messages and don't make any sudden swiping motions from right to left. The archive swipe motion can be changed in the app settings. Go to General settings > Swipe actions. Watch for any confirmation messages stating that a conversation has been archived. This message is usually paired with an Undo button that you can use if necessary. FAQ How do I delete an archived email in Gmail? Select All Mail, then locate the archived email you want to delete. Select the check box next to the email, then select the Trash icon to delete it. How long does Gmail hold onto archived emails? Archived emails are kept in your Gmail account indefinitely. They won't disappear unless you delete them. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Recover Missing Emails in Gmail How to Manage Your Focused Inbox in Outlook for iOS How to Postpone an Email in Outlook for iOS How to Recover Deleted Facebook Posts How to Recover Deleted Messages on Facebook Messenger How to Use Gmail's Confidential Mode How to Schedule an Email in Gmail How to View the Source of a Message in Gmail How to Snooze Emails in Gmail Set Up an Out-of-Office Vacation Response in Gmail How to Mute or Unmute a Conversation in Gmail How to Delete Gmail Emails Faster on Android How to Archive Emails in Outlook How to Send a Reply and Archive With One Click in Gmail How to Report Spam in Gmail How to Go to the Next or Previous Message in Gmail Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies