How to Make the Gmail Unread Count More Visible in Tabs

Always know how many unread emails you have

Gmail unread count in tab screenshot
by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated July 05, 2019

Gmail supports a tweak to display an unread-message count overlaying the Gmail icon in your Chrome tab. This setting is most useful If you keep your Inbox open in a smaller, pinned window or if you regularly have too many tabs open to see the number in the title.

Here's how to do it.

Make the Gmail Unread Count More Visible in Tabs

To move the unread count forward in the Gmail page title and make it visible in background tabs or collapsed and minimized windows:

  1. Click the Gear icon in Gmail.

    Turn off Gmail conversation view screenshot

  2. Click Settings.

    Turn off Gmail Conversation View screenshot

  3. Go to the Advanced tab.

    Visible Gmail unread count on tab screenshot

  4. In the Unread message icon section, click Enable.

    Gmail unread count on browser tab screenshot

  5. Click Save Changes.

Now, the Gmail logo in the tab you have the inbox open in will include a small number in the lower-right corner. It will stay visible if you pin the tab.

Gmail unread count in tab screenshot