Gmail Enhances Android App with Label Management Features Like iOS

Gmail users on Android can now create and delete labels directly from their phones, a feature that was previously limited to desktop and missing compared to iOS. This update removes a major limitation and gives Android app users more control over inbox organization without needing a computer.

Rollout Begins After Months of Testing

Google started testing this feature in December, and it began rolling out widely this week. The option appears inside the navigation drawer menu, where users will see a Create label button placed between subscription management and their existing labels. Some accounts also show a small badge or a New tag indicating access.

Label Management Now Fully Mobile

The update is not limited to creating labels. Android users can also delete labels within the app. To remove one, users open Settings, select their email account, go to Notifications, then tap Manage labels. This new workflow means routine inbox cleanup can now be done entirely on mobile.

Availability Depends on Account

The feature is being released gradually, so not every account will receive it at the same time. Some users may see it on one Gmail account but not another on the same device. Reports suggest the update is appearing in Gmail version 2026.01.26.x, although Google has not yet issued a formal announcement.

Missing Feature Still Remains

While label creation and deletion are now supported, Android users still cannot change label colors from the app. That option remains exclusive to the web version for now. This limitation stands out because iOS gained mobile label creation years ago, making Android’s delay noticeable for users who rely on labels for productivity.

Part of Ongoing Gmail Improvements

This update is part of Google’s recent effort to refine the Gmail mobile experience. Another recent addition introduced a select all option for emails, solving another long standing request from users.

What Users Should Do

Anyone who does not yet see the new feature should update the Gmail app to the latest version and wait for the staged rollout. Once available, the improvement brings Android closer to feature parity with email apps like Outlook and Spark, which already allow label management on mobile.

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