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How to set Gmail to delete instead of archive in the Mail app on iPhone and iPad

Have you noticed when you try to delete messages in Gmail on iOS you only get an archive option? Read on for how to delete Gmail on iPhone instead of archive in the Mail app.

The setting to change the default option of archiving Gmail emails with the Mail app on iPhone and iPad is quite buried in settings, but it’s quick to change once you know where to go.

Keep in mind, this tutorial is for those who use Gmail through Apple’s Mail app on iPhone and iPad.

Another option is using the Gmail app on iPhone/iPad. You can even set third-party email services like Gmail as your default (with iOS 14 and later).

If you use the Gmail iOS app, you can also change the default settings. Tap the three-line icon in the top left corner > swipe down and tap Settings > Mail swipe actions.

How to delete Gmail on iPhone instead of archive in the Mail app

  1. Open Settings
  2. Swipe down and tap Mail
  3. Tap Accounts, then your Gmail account
  4. Select Account
  5. Tap Advanced at the bottom
  6. Now below Move Discarded Messages Into: tap Deleted Mailbox
  7. Tap Account in the top left corner, then Done in the top right

Here’s how the process looks:

How to set Mail app to delete Gmail on iPhone instead of archive walkthrough 1

Now tap Advanced, under Move Discarded Messages Into: tap Deleted Mailbox.

How to set Mail app to delete Gmail on iPhone instead of archive walkthrough 2

For more help getting the most out of your Apple devices, check out our how-to guide as well as the following articles:

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Avatar for Michael Potuck Michael Potuck

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.