Gmail users on Android devices can now create new labels directly within the mobile app, a feature previously limited to the web version. The update, rolling out on an account-by-account basis, adds a “Create label” option to the navigation drawer, positioned between “Manage subscriptions” and existing labels. Users on version 2026.01.26.x of the Gmail app are reporting the change, which also includes a circular badge on the hamburger menu when the feature is active.
The addition addresses a long-standing frustration for mobile users who relied on the web interface for label management. While color customization options for labels remain unavailable on Android, the ability to create them on the move represents a significant improvement to the mobile experience, according to early user reports.
Alongside label creation, Gmail for Android has also gained the ability to delete labels directly from the “Settings > Gmail address > Notifications > Manage labels” menu. This functionality streamlines label organization for users who frequently manage their inbox on mobile devices.
The Gmail app, developed by Google, currently boasts over 10 billion downloads on the Google Play Store and maintains a 4.4-star rating. The app provides enhanced security features, supports multiple accounts and offers powerful search capabilities, now bolstered by integration with Google AI for writing assistance and inbox management. According to Google, the AI features, including “Help me write” and Smart Reply, require a Google AI Pro or Ultra plan and an internet connection, with availability varying by language and country.
Gmail serves as a central hub for many Google users, functioning as a login for services like YouTube and integrated with tools such as Google Meet, Google Drive, and Google Photos. For professional users, integration with Google Workspace allows for the creation of email aliases using a company domain and access to premium AI features designed to boost productivity. The Gmail service, as of February 10, 2026, is available on Android, iOS, and as a web application, with a subscription option of $69.00 per year.
Google recently announced updates to the Gmail widget with Material 3 Expressive tweaks and is in the process of rolling out a new Google Photos picker for iPhone users. The company also discontinued Gmailify, a feature that allowed users to connect non-Gmail accounts to the Gmail interface, after nearly a decade.
