How to Turn Off Your Automatic Email Signature in Gmail

Gmail : Illustration
Chesnot / Getty Images
by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated September 23, 2018

Ever receive an email with a signature that's way too long, comes in ghastly fonts and colors, or includes the strangest images?

To avoid being one of "those people" whose email signature is more of a hindrance than a help, simply turn off the automatic signature feature in Gmail.

Remove the Email Signature From Gmail

To stop Gmail from automatically adding a signature to every email you compose, take the following steps:

  1. Click the Settings gear icon (⚙) in Gmail's navigation bar.

  2. Select Settings from the menu that has appeared.

  3. Go to the General tab.

  4. Make sure No Signature is selected under Signature. Gmail will save any signatures you have set up for your accounts; you do not have to re-enter them when you turn on email signatures again.

  5. Click Save Changes.

Signature Best Practices

When you do turn your email signature back on, ensure that it follows best-practice guidelines:

  • Keep it simple — aim for just a few sentences.
  • Remember that embedded images may get lost in forwards and replies, so don't put essential information in visual format.
  • Think carefully about what personal information you include, because you never know to whom a message will be forwarded.
  • Traditionally, signatures consist of three or fewer lines separated from the body by a line consisting of just three hyphens.
  • Quotes about hot-button social or political issues might not be well-received by all recipients.