You can make Gmail the default email app on an iPhone or iPad where the feature is available. This setting chooses the app used when you open supported links to send email. It does not transfer your mailbox, change your Google Account, or make every website’s contact form use Gmail.
Choose Gmail in Default Apps
- Install Gmail from the App Store if necessary, open it, and complete the supported sign-in process for the account you intend to use.
- Open the device’s Settings app, then Apps and Default Apps.
- Choose Email, select Gmail, and complete any additional onscreen steps.
These are Apple’s current Default Apps instructions. Google notes that you may need the latest iOS or iPadOS version to find the settings. If your device uses a different layout, check the official instructions for that software version rather than assuming an Android-style app-default screen exists.
Test a compose link and check the sender
Use a harmless email link on a trusted page. Gmail should open a compose window when the link uses the supported email-opening route. Check the recipient and From address, then cancel the test without sending.
A website may use its own contact form or an app may provide its own composer. Those actions need not behave like an ordinary email link. Choosing Gmail as the default also does not decide which app opens general website links; the browser default is separate.
If Gmail is missing from the list
Confirm that Gmail is installed and updated and that the device software supports the setting. Apple advises contacting the app developer if the desired app is not offered for a feature. Organization-managed devices may need an administrator’s help with allowed settings.
Do not switch countries, remove account security, or delete other mail accounts to force the option. Adding Gmail to the Dock only makes it easier to launch; it is not the default-email setting. If Apple Mail remains configured, review its notifications separately to avoid mistaking two clients’ alerts for duplicate delivery.
Browse Gmail & Google Account help
References
- Make Gmail your default mail app on iPhone & iPad
- Change your default apps for features on iPhone and iPad
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.