How to Disable Gmail Inbox Sorting and Return to the Old Inbox Style

Gmail recently revised the default inbox to automatically sort inbound emails into several categories that are represented by tabs across the top of the inbox: Primary, Social, Promotions, and Updates. Though this may help to manage some inboxes, it can also be frustrating as some emails are improperly sorted. Additionally, many users prefer to have all new messages in a single inbox without having to click on additional tabs just to see more of their emails, old or new.

With that in mind, let’s walk through disabling the new Gmail inbox automatic sorting and get back to the standard single primary inbox instead.

• Log into your Gmail account as usual and click the Gear icon in the upper right corner, then choose “Configure Inbox” from the pulldown menu


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• Uncheck all boxes except for “Primary”, then click “Save”

Return to the Gmail inbox and refresh, it will now be back to normal with all messages contained within a single inbox, just like it has always been up until this recent change.

Some users may appreciate the recent Gmail change, but it has also caused a fair amount of confusion for others who use the web mail client. Fortunately, it is very easy to adjust to suit your specific preferences, regardless of the inbox type that you prefer.

Note that inbox sorting has no effect on useful search operators and inbox types, and it also does not impact Gmail accounts that are configured with other mail clients. The sorting feature is only visible to users who access Gmail through the web.