Add a Gmail delegate through the supported access controls, not by sharing the account password. Before inviting someone, confirm that they are authorized to read, send, and delete mail in the mailbox.
Add the delegate on a computer
Open the owner’s Gmail account, then Settings, See all settings, and Accounts and Import or Accounts. In Grant access to your account, choose Add another account and enter the delegate’s verified email address.
Follow the verification and invitation prompts. Google requires identity verification for this sensitive change. You cannot add delegates from the Gmail mobile app. Work and school organizations must enable delegation, and their eligible delegates are within the organization.
Complete and verify acceptance
The delegate receives an invitation and must accept it within one week. Google says access can take up to 24 hours to become available. An invitation sent is therefore not the same as a working delegated inbox.
Have the delegate sign in to their own Gmail account on a computer and use the profile menu to find the entry marked Delegated. Check the mailbox address at the top of the new tab. Do not send the owner’s password if the entry has not appeared yet.
Remove access when it is no longer needed
In the owner’s Grant access to your account section, use Delete beside the intended delegate. Read the address carefully so another person’s authorized access is not removed accidentally. An administrator may manage some Workspace delegation, so coordinate with them where appropriate.
Confirm removal through the account’s access list and a fresh access check. Do not rely solely on changing a contact card or deleting the invitation email. Keep a record of the authorized change, especially for shared business mail. Google’s shared-inbox administration can have additional management options; identify the mailbox type rather than assuming all shared-account controls are identical.
Browse Gmail & Google Account help
References
- Delegate & collaborate on email
- Delegate a user’s email address | User management | Google Workspace Help
Reviewed against the linked product guidance, standards, and identified vendor or public-authority guidance on October 29, 2026. Available options and screen labels can vary by account, device, region, and organization policy.