How do I see only unread emails in Gmail?

Last reviewed: October 7, 2026 · Markdown version

Type is:unread into the Gmail search bar. That works the same on a computer, on Android and on iPhone, and it is the quickest way to get a list of nothing but unread mail. Google's operator list files it under is:, which will "Search for emails by their status", with Unread as one of the four statuses (Refine searches in Gmail, read 7 October 2026). Two other routes do the same job with fewer keystrokes or more permanence.

The Is unread chip

Gmail puts a row of filter buttons, which Google calls search chips, under the search box. On a computer, type something into the search box and press Enter, then pick Is unread from the chips below; Google describes it as "Search for anything that’s currently marked as "Unread."" (Search in Gmail, read 7 October 2026). In the Android and iPhone apps, tap Search in mail, enter something, and the same Is unread chip sits under the box (Search in Gmail (Android), read 7 October 2026). Searching for a sender and then tapping the chip gives you that sender's unread mail and nothing else.

Narrowing the list

The operator combines with the others on Google's list, which is where it beats the chip:

is:unread category:primary for unread mail in the Primary tab only. Google's category: operator works "If you use inbox categories".
is:unread label:work for one label (label: will "Find emails under one of your labels").
is:unread older_than:1y for the mail you have left unopened for over a year, usually the pile worth deleting rather than reading.
is:unread has:attachment for unread mail with files attached.

All four operators come from the Refine searches in Gmail page above. More combinations are on using Gmail search operators.

Keeping unread mail on top for good

A search lasts until you clear it. To make unread mail the first thing you see every time, change the inbox type to Unread first. On a computer it splits the inbox "into two sections: "Unread" at the top and "Everything else" at the bottom." (Change your Gmail inbox layout, read 7 October 2026). On Android the same choice is under Menu, Settings, your account, Inbox type, and the app labels the two sections "Inbox" and "Unread" (Change your Gmail inbox layout (Android), read 7 October 2026).

Inbox type is a single setting, so choosing Unread first replaces the Default tabs. If you want both, Priority Inbox lets you choose an "Important and unread" section among others. The full comparison, and which types the phone apps offer, is on changing your Gmail inbox type.

What the unread search will not show

Spam and Trash. "By default, emails in Spam and Trash aren’t included in a standard search." (the Search in Gmail page above). An unread message in Spam will not appear unless you search with in:anywhere.
Mail the phone has not synced. In the apps, "If you don’t have an internet connection, you can only search for emails synced with your device." (the Search in Gmail (Android) page above).

Once you can see them

A list of unread mail tends to prompt one of three follow-ups. To clear the count in one go: marking all Gmail as read. To know how many there are: counting the emails in Gmail. And if the number you are chasing is the red badge on an iPhone rather than Gmail's own count, clearing unread emails on iPhone explains why the two often disagree.