In Gmail, search for is:unread and press Enter to display messages currently marked unread. If you mean unread messages still in your Inbox, use in:inbox is:unread. Gmail’s Unread first layout is different: it puts unread mail above read mail but does not hide the read messages.
Display only unread email on a computer
- Open Gmail in your web browser.
- Click the search field at the top of the page.
- Enter
is:unreadand press Enter. - Review or manage the matching messages.
is:unread is a temporary search, not a permanent change to your Inbox. Clear the search box or return to your Inbox when you want to remove the filter. Google documents this operator and other combinable search criteria in Gmail’s search-operator reference.
Show only unread messages in the Inbox
For unread mail that is currently in the Inbox, search for:
in:inbox is:unread
This excludes messages that have been archived or moved to another location. It is usually the best query when “only unread email” means messages still requiring Inbox attention.
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Find unread messages in the Gmail app
Google’s current Android and iPhone/iPad instructions use the Search in mail field. Menu placement and icons can vary slightly by app version, device and language.
Android
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap Search in mail.
- Type
is:unread, then run the search. - To limit the results to the Inbox, add
in:inbox, making the full queryin:inbox is:unread.
You can also choose the Is unread search chip when it appears. See Google’s Android search instructions.
iPhone and iPad
- Open Gmail and tap Search in mail.
- Enter
is:unreadand run the search. - Optionally add
in:inboxfor Inbox-only results.
The app may also offer an Is unread chip. Google’s iPhone and iPad help page describes this workflow.
Search every Gmail location, including Spam and Trash
If an unread message is missing from the Inbox, search:
in:anywhere is:unread
Google defines in:anywhere as searching across Gmail, including archived mail, Spam and Trash. This is useful when the unread count does not match what you can see in the Inbox or when a message may have been moved by an earlier action.
Keep unread mail at the top with “Unread first”
Use Unread first when you want an ongoing Inbox arrangement rather than a temporary, unread-only result list. It changes the layout and keeps read messages available in another section.
Computer
- Open Gmail and click Settings.
- Under Inbox type, select Unread first.
On desktop, Gmail shows an Unread section followed by Everything else. Read messages therefore remain visible. Google lists the layout options in its computer Inbox settings guide.
Android
- Tap Menu, then Settings.
- Choose the relevant account.
- Under Inbox, tap Inbox type.
- Select Unread first.
iPhone and iPad
- Tap Menu, then Settings.
- Under Inbox, tap Inbox type.
- Select Unread first.
Google’s mobile layout documentation describes separate Inbox and Unread sections; it is still not an unread-only filter. See the Android and iPhone/iPad instructions.
Combine unread status with other criteria
Gmail search operators can be combined, so you can narrow the unread list without changing Inbox settings.
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is:unread from:[email protected]— unread messages from one sender.in:inbox is:unread subject:invoice— unread Inbox messages with “invoice” in the subject.is:unread newer_than:7d— unread messages from the last seven days.is:unread has:attachment— unread messages with attachments.category:promotions is:unread— unread messages in Promotions.
These operators and their combinations are listed in Google’s Gmail search reference.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a result is missing or looks unexpected
The search returns nothing
There may be no unread messages in the selected scope, the message may already be read, or an extra term may contain a typo. Try this recovery sequence:
- Run
is:unreadwith no other terms. - Run
in:anywhere is:unreadto include Spam, Trash and archived mail. - Check that the intended Gmail account is active.
- Clear additional search terms and inspect Spam and Trash if needed.
A conversation appears to contain read and unread messages
Gmail commonly groups related messages into conversations. A result row can therefore represent a thread whose individual messages have different read states. Open the conversation, expand collapsed messages and identify the bold or otherwise unread message. You can then mark that message, or the whole conversation, as read.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute“Unread first” still shows read mail
That is expected: Unread first is a sorting and section layout, not a filter. Return to is:unread for a results list containing unread matches only.
What to do after finding unread messages
- Open messages you are ready to read.
- Select several and choose Mark as read.
- Apply a label such as “To process” if you want to organize them without opening them.
- Archive processed mail, delete unwanted messages or report spam.
- Snooze messages that need attention later.
Labels and archiving are available from Gmail’s message toolbar; archived mail remains accessible in All Mail. Google explains these actions in Organize and archive email.
Quick Recap
Quick reference
| Goal | Use | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Temporarily view unread messages | is:unread |
Returns messages matching Gmail’s unread status search. |
| View unread Inbox messages only | in:inbox is:unread |
Limits results to messages currently in the Inbox. |
| Search all locations | in:anywhere is:unread |
Includes archived mail, Spam and Trash. |
| Keep unread mail above read mail | Inbox type: Unread first | Creates unread and read sections; read messages remain visible. |
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