Gmail Notifications On Android Get ‘Mark As Read’ Shortcut: How It Works And What’s New

Google is continuing to refine the Gmail experience on Android with small but meaningful updates. The latest one brings a feature many users have been waiting for – the ability to mark emails as read directly from the notification panel, Android Police mentioned in a report. Also Read: Gmail Introduces New 'Purchases' Tab Ahead Of Amazon Great Indian Festival And Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale: What Is It?

So far, Gmail notifications on Android have only used to offer two quick actions – Delete and Reply. While these features have been helpful, but they weren’t always the most effective for handling incoming messages. The new update introduces a “Mark as read” option right in the middle of these two actions.  Also Read: Gmail Users At Risk: Google Warns 2.5 Billion Of Users To Update Passwords Now

This means you no longer have to open the Gmail app just to dismiss an email you’ve already glanced at. One tap in the notification shade does the job, making inbox management faster and easier. And in case you hit it by mistake, Gmail also gives you an Undo option for quick recovery. Also Read: This AI Browser Might Replace Two Common Office Jobs, Says Perplexity CEO

Gmail Material 3 Expressive Redesign

This new option isn’t coming alone, it’s part of Gmail’s Material 3 Expressive redesign that Google has been slowly pushing out over the past few months. Earlier rounds brought small tweaks like container-style message lists, pill-shaped email layouts, and a slimmer search bar with icons moved around.

The catch? Like most Google updates, it’s rolling out in phases. Some people may already see the refreshed design and the new notification shortcut, while others might have to wait a little longer before it shows up on their devices.

As for availability, the “Mark as read” button is showing up on Gmail version 2025.08.04.x and above. If you’ve updated but still don’t see it, try force-closing both the Gmail and Google app — that usually helps.

It may look like a small change, but for anyone who gets dozens of emails a day, the shortcut really cuts down on extra taps. It’s another one of those quiet Gmail upgrades that doesn’t make headlines, but definitely makes life a bit easier.