How to Hide Folders and Labels in Gmail IMAP

Gmail labels are treated as folders by email programs using IMAP

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on November 7, 2021

What to Know

  • To hide a Gmail folder or label from IMAP access, open Gmail and tap Settings (gear icon) > See All Settings > Labels.
  • Remove the check marks from the Show in IMAP option for each label you wish to suppress within your IMAP-based email client.
  • The list organizes into three sections: System labels, Categories, and Labels. (The last section is where your custom labels appear).

This article explains how to hide folders and labels in Gmail, even if your email program or mobile device doesn't allow you to unsubscribe from IMAP folders.

How to Hide Folders and Labels in Gmail IMAP

To hide a Gmail folder or label from IMAP access:

  1. Select the Settings gear in the upper-right corner.

    The Settings gear in Gmail

  2. Select See all Settings in the drop-down menu.

    The "See All Settings" button in Gmail

  3. In the Settings window, select Labels.

    Gmail settings with the Labels tab highlighted

  4. Remove the check marks from the Show in IMAP option for each label you wish to suppress within your IMAP-based email client. The list organizes into three sections: System labels, Categories, and Labels. The last section is the spot where your custom labels appear.

    Gmail Labels settings with 'Show in IMAP' highlighted

  5. Close the Settings window when you're finished. Because your changes are saved in real time, there's no Save, Exit, or equivalent button to select.

Gmail Labels in IMAP Programs

Some email programs support the selective subscription of IMAP folders. That functionality does not interface with the Gmail Show in IMAP feature. The email client only displays in its subscription window those folders whose labels are actively shown in IMAP. If you change the list in your email program, those modifications do not sync back to Gmail.

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