Change Gmail Buttons from Icons to Text

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Change Gmail Buttons from Icons to Text

Change Gmail Buttons from Icons to Text

Stop guessing what the tiny Gmail icons do. With a setting tweak you can switch to text buttons for cleaner, clearer email action control

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 29, 2025

Ever clicked an icon at the top of Gmail and thought, “What does that do again?”

That ambiguity frustrates lots of productivity-minded users.

There’s a simple fix buried in Gmail’s settings: swap those minimalistic icons for descriptive text labels.

It’s not flashy, but it immediately clarifies actions, reduces misclicks, and speeds up your workflow.

That’s exactly the kind of tweak that One Cool Tip readers love.

What This Feature Is and Why It Matters

Under Gmail Settings, you can change from showing icon-only toolbar buttons (like archive, delete, spam) to full-text labels such as “Archive,” “Delete,” or “Mark as spam.”

Why it matters:

Clarity over style: eliminate guesswork on icon meaning.
Accessibility: text is easier to read for vision-impaired or cognitively-challenged users.
Efficiency: fewer misclicks and faster confirmation of action intent.

What You’ll Gain

Instant clarity: never wonder what a button does.
Fewer mistakes: Take action confidently without hesitation or mistakes.
Accessibility boost: better usability for all users.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On the Web (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Open Gmail, mail.google.com, in a browser and sign in.
Click the Settings icon (top right), then See all settings.
Scroll to the Button labels section under the General tab.
Select Text instead of Icon.
Scroll down and click Save Changes.

fig. 1 - Change Gmail Icons for Clearer Email Actions

On iOS

The Gmail app does not support changing toolbar icons to text labels.
Button labels remain icon‑based.

On Android

Similar limitation: toolbar buttons are fixed to icons; no built‑in text toggle in the app.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Clear, unambiguous labels reduce misclicks.
Supports accessibility and visual clarity.
Quick one‑click toggle on the web.
Great for training users or visually scanning options.

Cons

Icons offer a cleaner, more compact look for advanced users.
App versions (iOS/Android) don’t support text labels.
Text takes up more toolbar space, which may reduce the number of visible buttons on smaller screens.

Feature Access

This feature is available to all Gmail users using the desktop web version. It is not currently supported on mobile apps.

Score

Criterion Score Justification

Value (8/10):
Solves a common usability pain point—especially helpful for users who aren’t familiar with all Gmail icons.

Usability (9/10):
Extremely simple toggle; no training required.

Wow Factor (5/10):
Not flashy, but delightfully practical once discovered.

Total: 22/30 👍 Good. Worth adopting for most users.

Key Takeaways

Switching Gmail toolbar buttons to text labels brings clarity, reduces misclicks, and offers a more accessible interface.

It’s a simple, reversible setting that benefits a wide range of users without complexity.

The limitation: mobile apps currently don’t support the change.

Try It Yourself

Give it a shot now.

Log into Gmail, head to Settings, and switch your toolbar buttons to text.

Share what you think below, subscribe to our newsletter, and pass this tip along to your team.

It’ll save clicks and confusion.

READ MORE

Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!

Subscribe to the FREE OneCoolTip Newsletter.

Please Support OneCoolTip with TIPJAR !

Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip

X: https://x.com/OneCoolTip Threads: https://www.threads.net/@onecooltip

Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.