Gmail doesn’t offer a desktop app to install like other programs. But there is an easy way to get Gmail running on your computer like a desktop app.
This article explains how to set up Gmail as a desktop app and use it effectively. Let’s get started!
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How to Use Gmail Like a Desktop App Easily
Follow this guide to use Gmail as a desktop app on Windows and Mac.
You’ll need Chrome installed on your computer to use Gmail as a desktop app. With Chrome’s “Create Shortcut” feature, you can turn any web page into a standalone desktop app with its own icon. Use this method to make Gmail a desktop app.
Let’s see the steps you need to follow:
Step 1
Open Chrome and go to Gmail.com. After logging in, click on the three dots in the browser’s top-right corner, then select “More Tools” and “Create Shortcut.”
Step 2
A pop-up window will ask you to confirm the shortcut. You can stick with the default name or change it. Mark the box for “Open as window” and then click “Create.”
Step 3
A new icon with the Gmail logo will appear on your desktop. Double-click it to open Gmail in a separate window, outside of Chrome!
Bonus Tip: Turn on notifications for real-time alerts for new emails in your app. Open Gmail.com and go to Settings > See all settings > General. Scroll to Desktop notifications and check “New mail notifications on”. Scroll further and save the settings.
Gmail users should set it up as a desktop app. This keeps your inbox organized and separate from other browsing. Try it out and share your thoughts!
How to Make the Gmail App Offline
Now that you know how to set up Gmail as a desktop app, let’s talk about making it work offline. This is a great feature if you want to check your email without an internet connection.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1
Open Chrome and head to Gmail.com. After logging in, click the gear icon to access Settings. Then, click “See all Settings.”
Step 2
Open the “Offline” section and check the box next to “Enable offline mail.”
Step 3
Scroll down, check the box for “Keep offline data on my computer,” and click “Save Changes.”
You’ve now enabled offline mode for Gmail! To access your offline mailbox, double-click the desktop app icon. You’ll see a cached version of your inbox.
Note: This cached version isn’t updated in real-time. To see the most recent emails, connect to the internet.