Gmail’s keyboard shortcuts can move between messages, open folders, and perform actions without the mouse. Some commands work only after you enable Gmail shortcuts, and the commands differ from your browser’s own shortcuts.
Enable shortcuts for the correct account
On a computer, open Gmail and confirm the account address. Go to Settings, See all settings, and the Keyboard shortcuts section in General. Select Keyboard shortcuts on, then save changes at the bottom of the page.
This is different from enabling a physical keyboard on a phone or changing the operating system’s keyboard language. Google cautions that Gmail shortcuts are not supported by every language or keyboard layout.
Open the built-in shortcut list
With Gmail focused outside a text-entry field, type a question mark to open keyboard help. On a typical US keyboard that is Shift plus slash. Use the actual question-mark key combination for your layout.
The dialog lists commands and identifies those requiring shortcuts to be enabled. Google’s guide also describes an Enable or Disable link in that dialog. If you use a screen reader, make sure its navigation mode allows the keystroke to reach Gmail.
Learn navigation before message actions
Start with non-destructive operations. For example, j and k move through older and newer conversations, and Enter opens the focused conversation. Multi-key commands such as g followed by i go to a particular view; they are sequences rather than necessarily simultaneous key presses.
Selection is separate from focus: x toggles conversation selection. Confirm selected items before learning Archive, Delete, or Report spam. When composing, be especially careful with Ctrl or Command plus Enter, which sends a message. If you enable custom keyboard shortcuts, review the resulting assignments too. Keep a short personal list of the commands you actually need rather than testing every shortcut against important mail.
Browse Gmail & Google Account help
References
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.