How to quickly look back the old Gmail

Not a fan of Gmail’s new look for the web? I understand you. While the changes rolled out were minor, that side panel of apps like Mail, Chat, Spaces, and Meet cluttered things up, making checking emails in the morning more overwhelming.

Sure, you can make things a little easier by hiding the Gmail category and label panel with a few quick tweaks. But if you’re not a fan of other changes either, like the new light blue background of the Compose button which I found distracting, it’s actually quite easy to revert to the previous interface. (Well, right now at least. We’re not sure how long Gmail will let users revert to the old design — so let’s enjoy the luxury while we still can.)

How to get the old Gmail layout back

• go to gmail.com in your browser and log in to your account.
• In the far right corner you can see the Gear icon Quick settings near your Gmail account icon or your company name. Click here.

Image: Sheena Vasani

• Once you do that, you’ll see a small rectangular menu appear on the side that says: “You’re using the new Gmail view.” Click below on Return to the original view.

Image: Sheena Vasani

• A dialog box will appear asking why you are returning. There you can vent about how much you hate the design – or just get on with your life, ignore it and click Reload.

Image: Sheena Vasani

Voila! You’re done and everything should be back to normal. However, if you suddenly change your mind after reverting to the old interface, you can switch back to the new one just as easily.

Switch back to the new Gmail design

After logging in to your gmail account in a browser, click the . again Gear icon Quick settings in the upper right corner.

Again, you’ll see a small, rectangular menu – but this time with text that reads: “You’re using the original Gmail view.” click on Try the new Gmail view.

Image: Sheena Vasani

Another box will appear, but this time it won’t ask for your feedback. Just click Reloadand you should be good to go.

Image: Sheena Vasani