By default, Gmail stacks every reply to an email into one conversation (a thread), with the newest message at the bottom. That's handy for long back-and-forths, but some people would rather see each email as its own line in the inbox, the way Outlook and most desktop mail apps do. This guide shows how to turn conversation view off (or back on) in Gmail on the web, with real screenshots, plus the steps for the Gmail app on Android and iPhone.
Quick answer
Click the Settings gear at the top right of Gmail, scroll the Quick settings panel to Email threading, and uncheck Conversation view. Or go to See all settings > General, pick Conversation view off, and click Save Changes.
Conversation view at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Where (computer, fastest) | Settings gear > Quick settings > Email threading > Conversation view checkbox |
| Where (computer, full settings) | Settings gear > See all settings > General > Conversation View > Save Changes |
| Android app | Menu > Settings > your account > under General, uncheck Conversation view |
| iPhone / iPad app | Menu > Settings > Inbox customizations > turn Conversation view off |
| Default | On (replies are grouped) |
| When a thread splits anyway | The subject line changes, or the conversation passes 100 emails |
Method 1: Turn it off from Quick settings
- Open Gmail on your computer and click the Settings gear at the top right. The Quick settings panel slides open on the right.
- Scroll the panel down to Email threading.
- Uncheck Conversation view. Gmail reloads the inbox and every email now appears on its own line. To group them again, check the box.
Method 2: Turn it off in See all settings
If you'd rather use the full settings page (or Quick settings doesn't show the option), do this instead.
- Click the Settings gear, then click See all settings at the top of the Quick settings panel.
- Stay on the General tab and scroll to the Conversation View row.
- Select Conversation view off (or Conversation view on to group emails again).
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save Changes. Gmail takes you back to your inbox with the new view.
On the Gmail app (Android and iPhone)
The app setting is separate from the website, so change it on each device where you want it.
- Android: open the Gmail app, tap Menu (three lines) > Settings, tap your account address, and under General uncheck Conversation view. For non-Gmail accounts added to the app, go to Settings > General settings and uncheck Email conversation view.
- iPhone and iPad: open the Gmail app, tap Menu > Settings, under Inbox tap Inbox customizations, and switch Conversation view off.
What changes when conversation view is off
- Each reply shows up as a separate email in your inbox and in search results, sorted by date.
- Opening an email shows only that message, not the whole back-and-forth. Earlier messages are still in your inbox or Sent folder.
- Labels, archiving and deleting apply to the single email you select, not the whole thread.
- Gmail's "nudges" (suggestions to reply or follow up shown at the top of your inbox) are hidden, according to Google's help page.
Tips
- Want threads but fewer surprises? Keep conversation view on and change the subject line when a topic changes. Gmail starts a new conversation when the subject changes.
- Automated alerts piling into one thread? Gmail groups automated emails with the same senders, recipients or subject sent within a week. If you send them, give each a unique subject.
- Try density too. In Quick settings, the Density section (Default, Comfortable, Compact) makes a long, ungrouped inbox easier to scan.
Frequently asked questions
Does turning off conversation view delete any emails?
No. It only changes how your inbox is displayed. Every message stays where it was, and you can switch back at any time.
Why are my emails still grouped after I turned it off?
Check that you changed the setting for the right account (each Gmail account has its own setting), and remember the Gmail app on your phone has a separate switch. Refresh the browser tab if the inbox didn't reload.
Can I turn off conversation view for just one label or sender?
No. Conversation view is all or nothing for an account. Changing the subject line is the only way to start a separate thread with the same person.
How many emails can be in one Gmail conversation?
Up to 100. After that, Gmail starts a new conversation.
Where did the Conversation view option go in Quick settings?
It's in the Email threading section, below Density, Inbox type and Reading pane. Scroll down inside the Quick settings panel to see it, or use See all settings > General instead.
Sources
- Gmail Help: Group emails into conversations — turning conversation view on or off on a computer, Android and iPhone; the 100-email and subject-change rules; nudges; how automated emails are grouped; and density options.
- Screenshots captured November 11, 2026 in Gmail on the web, cropped to remove account and mailbox details. No settings were changed while capturing them.
Last checked November 11, 2026.
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