Gmail Manual

How to Use This Manual

• Work through Parts 1-10 first if Gmail is completely new to you.

• Do one action at a time. Stop and listen to what changed before pressing another key.

• Tab and Shift+Tab move through many controls.

• Enter activates buttons, links, and selected messages.

• Escape closes menus, popups, dialogs, or backs out of temporary interfaces.

• Gmail's own keyboard shortcuts work best when enabled and when your screen reader is in focus/application mode.

• JAWS users: JAWS+Z toggles Virtual PC Cursor. Gmail's web-app shortcuts generally work when Virtual PC Cursor is off.

• NVDA users: NVDA+Space toggles Browse and Focus Mode. Gmail's web-app shortcuts generally work in Focus Mode.

• VoiceOver users: turn Quick Nav/Quick Keys off when Gmail needs to receive letter shortcuts.

• Whenever a command is a sequence, such as g then i, press the second key within about three seconds.

Part 1 - What Gmail Is

Gmail is Google's web-based email service. In Gmail Standard view, the inbox behaves more like a web application than a traditional webpage. Gmail has its own keyboard commands for opening, selecting, labeling, archiving, replying to, and searching messages.

• Message: one email.

• Conversation/thread: a group of related replies that Gmail can display together.

• Inbox: incoming messages not archived or moved elsewhere.

• Label: Gmail's way to organize messages. A message can have more than one label.

• Archive: removes a message from Inbox without deleting it.

• Trash: holds deleted messages temporarily.

• Spam: suspicious or unwanted messages filtered by Gmail or marked by you.

• Star: a visual/organizational marker for important messages.

• Snooze: temporarily hides a message until a chosen time.

• Draft: an unsent message Gmail saves while you compose.

Part 2 - Open Gmail and Sign In

2.1 Open Gmail in a Browser

What you will learn: Reach Gmail without using a mouse.

Keyboard command: Windows: Ctrl+L or Alt+D to the address bar; Mac: Command+L. Type mail.google.com and press Enter/Return.

Before you begin: Use a supported current browser such as Chrome.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press the Windows key or Command+Space on Mac and open your browser.
2. Move to the address bar with Ctrl+L on Windows or Command+L on Mac.
3. Type mail.google.com.
4. Press Enter/Return.
5. If Google asks you to sign in, enter your Gmail or Google Workspace email address.
6. Activate Next.
7. Enter your password or complete your organization's sign-in/verification process.
8. Wait for Gmail to finish loading before navigating.

What should happen: Gmail opens to your account, usually in Inbox.

If that does not happen: If the wrong Google account opens, use the account menu to switch accounts or sign out, then sign in with the intended account.

Practice: Open Gmail, identify your account, and return to Inbox.

Part 3 - Learn the Gmail Standard View

• Top area: Search mail, Google account controls, Settings, and Help.

• Left navigation: Compose, Inbox, Starred, Snoozed, Sent, Drafts, More, labels, and sometimes Chat/Meet.

• Message list: sender, subject, snippet, date/time, star, and selection controls.

• Message view: the opened conversation and its actions.

• Compose window: To, Cc/Bcc, Subject, message body, attachments, formatting, and Send.

• Right side panel: may contain Calendar, Keep, Tasks, Contacts, and add-ons.

Important: The precise tab order can change based on Gmail features, account type, browser, reading pane, side panels, Chat/Meet visibility, and organization settings.

Part 4 - Turn On Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts

4.1 Enable Gmail Shortcuts from the Shortcut Dialog

What you will learn: Turn on Gmail's web-application keyboard commands.

Keyboard command: In Gmail focus/application mode, press Shift+/ (question mark), press Tab once to Enable/Disable, press Enter if Enable is announced, then Escape. Test with g then i.

Before you begin: Use Gmail Standard view. Put your screen reader in focus/application mode.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Shift+Slash, which produces the question mark key.
2. Wait for the Keyboard shortcuts dialog.
3. Press Tab once.
4. Listen for a link named Enable or Disable.
5. If it says Enable, press Enter.
6. If it says Disable, shortcuts are already enabled.
7. Press Escape to close the dialog.
8. Press g, then i to go to Inbox as a test.

What should happen: The Inbox receives focus or opens after g then i.

If that does not happen: If Shift+Slash does not open the dialog, make sure you are in Standard view and your screen reader is not intercepting the key. You can also enable keyboard shortcuts in Settings.

Practice: Enable shortcuts, press g then i, and confirm Inbox.

Sequence rule: For shortcuts written as two keys, such as g then i, press the first key, release it, and press the second within about three seconds.

Part 5 - Read Your Inbox

5.1 Move Through Conversations

What you will learn: Move one conversation at a time.

Keyboard command: Press g then i for Inbox. Use j/Down Arrow for older/next conversations, k/Up Arrow for newer/previous conversations, Enter or o to open, and x to select/deselect.

Before you begin: Gmail shortcuts are enabled and the screen reader is in focus/application mode.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press g then i to move to Inbox.
2. Press j to move to the next conversation.
3. Stop and listen to the sender, subject, snippet, and status.
4. Press j again.
5. Press k to move back to the previous conversation.
6. Continue one message at a time until the desired conversation is focused.
7. Press Enter or o to open it.

What should happen: Focus moves through conversations and the selected one opens.

If that does not happen: If j or k types into a field or does nothing, make sure focus is not inside Search or Compose and confirm screen-reader mode and Gmail shortcuts.

Practice: Move through five messages, then return to the first one.

Part 6 - Open and Read a Message

6.1 Open, Read, and Return to Inbox

What you will learn: Read a conversation and return without using Back repeatedly.

Keyboard command: Press Enter or o to open the focused conversation; press u to return to the conversation list; use j/k to continue.

Before you begin: Focus a message in the Inbox.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Enter or o to open the conversation.
2. Use your screen reader reading commands or Gmail navigation to read the sender, recipients, subject, date, and message body.
3. If the conversation contains multiple collapsed messages, move to the desired message and expand it with Enter/Space when needed.
4. Review any attachment names before opening them.
5. When finished, press u to return to the conversation list.
6. Press j or k to continue through Inbox.

What should happen: The message opens, can be read, and u returns you to the list.

If that does not happen: If u types a character, focus is probably in a text field or your screen reader is not allowing Gmail shortcuts. Press Escape and correct the mode.

Practice: Open two messages and return with u after each.

Part 7 - Compose and Send Email

7.1 Compose a New Message

What you will learn: Create and send an email from beginning to end.

Keyboard command: Press c to compose. Use Tab/Shift+Tab through To, Subject, and Message body. Ctrl+Shift+C opens Cc; Ctrl+Shift+B opens Bcc. Use Ctrl+Enter only if you intentionally configured/confirm that send shortcut; otherwise activate Send.

Before you begin: Know the recipient address and subject.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press c.
2. Wait for the Compose window.
3. Type the recipient's email address in the To field.
4. If Gmail shows suggestions, use Down Arrow to choose the correct person and press Enter.
5. Press Tab to Subject if needed and type a clear subject.
6. Press Tab to the message body.
7. Type the message.
8. Review the To address carefully.
9. Review the Subject.
10. Review the message body.
11. Press Ctrl+Enter on Windows/ChromeOS or Command+Enter on Mac to send if the shortcut is enabled, or Tab to Send and press Enter.
12. If Gmail asks you to confirm sending with the keyboard shortcut, confirm the behavior you want.

What should happen: Gmail sends the message and closes the Compose window.

If that does not happen: If Ctrl+Enter does not send, use the Send button. If the recipient is wrong, do not send until corrected.

Practice: Compose a message to a safe test address, review every field, then send.

Safety habit: Before sending, verify three things in this order: recipient, subject, message. Attachments should be verified before Send as a fourth check.

Part 8 - Reply, Reply All, and Forward

8.1 Reply to One Person

What you will learn: Send a reply to the sender.

Keyboard command: Open the message and press r. Type the reply, then activate Send; Shift+r opens the reply in a new window/tab-style compose surface.

Before you begin: Open a message.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press r.
2. Confirm the reply compose area opens.
3. Type your reply.
4. Review the reply text.
5. Send with Ctrl+Enter/Command+Enter or the Send button.

What should happen: The reply is added to the conversation.

If that does not happen: If r does not open Reply, make sure focus is not inside a text field and Gmail shortcuts are active.

Practice: Reply to a safe message.

8.2 Use Reply All Carefully

What you will learn: Reply to all intended recipients.

Keyboard command: Open the message and press a for Reply all. Review To/Cc recipients before sending; Shift+a opens Reply all in a separate compose surface.

Before you begin: Open a message sent to multiple people.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press a.
2. Read the recipient list in the reply area.
3. Decide whether every listed recipient needs your response.
4. Remove recipients who should not receive it, if appropriate.
5. Type and review the reply.
6. Send only after confirming recipients.

What should happen: The response goes to the displayed recipients.

If that does not happen: If the recipient list is broader than intended, use Reply instead or remove unnecessary recipients.

Practice: Open Reply All on a sample thread and inspect recipients before cancelling.

Part 9 - Attachments

9.1 Attach a File to a New Email

What you will learn: Add a file before sending.

Keyboard command: Press c to compose, then use Tab to the Attach files button and press Enter/Space. In the file picker, select the file with keyboard navigation and press Enter/Open.

Before you begin: Start a Compose message and know where the file is stored.

Exactly how to do it

1. Move through Compose controls with Tab until Attach files is focused.
2. Press Enter.
3. When the operating-system file picker opens, navigate to the file.
4. Select the file.
5. Press Enter/Open.
6. Wait for Gmail to upload the attachment.
7. Return to the Compose window.
8. Read the attachment filename and confirm it is the correct file.
9. Complete and send the email only after verifying the attachment.

What should happen: The attachment appears in the Compose window.

If that does not happen: If the upload fails, check the internet connection, file size/type restrictions, and whether the file is accessible.

Practice: Attach a harmless practice file, verify its name, then remove it or send to a test account.

9.2 Download an Attachment

What you will learn: Save an attachment from a received message.

Keyboard command: Open the message, navigate to the attachment with Tab or screen-reader controls, open its action/menu with Enter or Shift+F10, then activate Download. Use Ctrl+J in Chrome/Edge to review browser downloads if needed.

Before you begin: Open an email containing a safe attachment.

Exactly how to do it

1. Navigate to the attachment area.
2. Read the filename and file type.
3. Move to Download.
4. Activate Download.
5. Choose the save location if the browser asks.
6. Open File Explorer/Finder afterward and confirm the file exists.

What should happen: The file downloads to your browser's configured download location or the location you selected.

If that does not happen: If the attachment looks suspicious or unexpected, do not open it. Confirm with the sender through a trusted method first.

Practice: Download a known-safe practice attachment.

Part 10 - Search

10.1 Search Gmail

What you will learn: Find a message without browsing long inbox lists.

Keyboard command: Press / to focus Gmail Search, type the query, and press Enter. Press Escape to leave Search when needed.

Before you begin: Know a sender, subject, keyword, date, or other clue.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Slash to move to Search mail.
2. Type a search term, such as a person's email address or a distinctive subject phrase.
3. Press Enter.
4. Use j and k to move through search results.
5. Press Enter/o to open the desired result.
6. Press u to return to results.

What should happen: Gmail shows messages matching the query.

If that does not happen: If results are too broad, add another word or use Gmail search operators such as from:, to:, subject:, has:attachment, older:, or newer:.

Practice: Search for a known sender and then for has:attachment.

Useful search examples: from:alex@example.com, subject:meeting, has:attachment, is:unread, in:sent, newer:2026/01/01.

Part 11 - Archive, Delete, Spam, Snooze, and Mute

11.1 Archive a Message

What you will learn: Remove a message from Inbox without deleting it.

Keyboard command: Focus or select a conversation and press e to archive. Press z immediately to undo if needed.

Before you begin: Focus a message in the conversation list.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press e.
2. Listen for Gmail's confirmation.
3. Use Search or All Mail later if you need to find the archived message.

What should happen: The message disappears from Inbox but remains in the account.

If that does not happen: If nothing changes, confirm the conversation is focused and shortcuts are enabled.

Practice: Archive a non-critical message, then find it with Search.

11.2 Delete Safely

What you will learn: Move a message to Trash deliberately.

Keyboard command: Focus/select a conversation and press # (number sign) to move it to Trash. Press z immediately to undo if needed.

Before you begin: Focus a message you are certain you can delete.

Exactly how to do it

1. Read the sender and subject again.
2. Press #, usually Shift+3.
3. Listen for the confirmation.
4. If you deleted the wrong message, use Gmail's Undo notification immediately when available or open Trash and restore it.

What should happen: The message moves to Trash.

If that does not happen: If the wrong message is focused, do not press Delete. Reconfirm before acting.

Practice: Delete a disposable test message and restore it.

Spam vs Delete: Use Report spam for unsolicited or suspicious email that Gmail should learn from. Use Delete for ordinary mail you simply no longer need.

Part 12 - Star, Mark Read/Unread, and Importance

12.1 Mark a Message Unread

What you will learn: Make a message appear unread so you remember to revisit it.

Keyboard command: Focus/select the conversation and press Shift+u to mark unread. Shift+i marks read.

Before you begin: Focus or open the message.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Shift+u.
2. Listen for Gmail's confirmation.
3. Return to Inbox if needed.
4. Confirm your screen reader announces the message as unread.

What should happen: The message is marked unread.

If that does not happen: If no status changes, verify focus and shortcuts.

Practice: Mark a message unread, then mark it read with Shift+i.

Part 13 - Labels and Move To

13.1 Apply a Label

What you will learn: Organize a message without moving it out of Inbox unless your workflow does so separately.

Keyboard command: Select/focus the conversation and press l. Type or Arrow to a label, press Enter to toggle/apply it, then return to Inbox with g then i.

Before you begin: Focus or open a message.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press l to open the Labels menu.
2. Type part of the label name if the menu provides search.
3. Use arrow keys to find the label.
4. Press Spacebar/Enter to select it.
5. Move to Apply/confirm if required and activate it.
6. Close the menu.

What should happen: The message now has the chosen label.

If that does not happen: If l is intercepted by your screen reader, switch to focus/application mode or use the toolbar's Labels button.

Practice: Apply a Practice label to one message.

13.2 Move a Message

What you will learn: Move a conversation to another label/category and remove it from the current location.

Keyboard command: Select/focus the conversation and press v. Type or Arrow to the destination, then press Enter.

Before you begin: Focus a message.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press v.
2. Type or move to the destination label.
3. Press Enter.
4. Listen for Gmail's confirmation.

What should happen: The conversation moves to the selected location/label.

If that does not happen: If you only wanted to tag the message while leaving it in Inbox, use Labels rather than Move To.

Practice: Move a disposable message to a Practice label, then return it.

Part 14 - Create Filters

14.1 Create a Filter from Search

What you will learn: Automatically organize future messages that match a rule.

Keyboard command: Press / for Search, enter criteria, then use the Show search options control and Create filter button with Tab/Shift+Tab and Enter. There is no single-letter shortcut that completes the full filter-creation dialog.

Before you begin: Know the sender or pattern you want to filter.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Slash and enter a search such as from:news@example.com.
2. Press Enter and verify the results are exactly the kind of messages you want the filter to match.
3. Open the search-options/filter controls associated with Search mail.
4. Choose Create filter.
5. Review the criteria again.
6. Choose actions such as Apply the label, Skip the Inbox, Mark as read, Star, Delete, or another available option.
7. Be cautious with Delete and Skip the Inbox.
8. Activate Create filter.
9. Optionally apply it to existing matching conversations only if you intend to.

What should happen: Future matching messages receive the selected actions.

If that does not happen: If the filter matches too many messages, delete/edit it in Settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses and use narrower criteria.

Practice: Create a harmless filter that applies a Practice label to messages from a test sender.

Part 15 - Conversation View

Gmail can group messages with the same conversation into threads. A conversation can contain multiple messages, some collapsed.

• Use screen-reader navigation to identify each message header in a conversation.

• Expand a collapsed message before reading its body.

• Reply applies to the message/conversation context currently active.

• Conversation View can be turned off in Settings if you prefer each email listed separately.

Part 16 - Drafts, Sent, Trash, and Spam

16.1 Open a Gmail Location with Shortcuts

What you will learn: Jump directly to a common mailbox area.

Keyboard command: Use g then i for Inbox, g then d for Drafts, g then t for Sent, and g then a for All Mail. Enter the second key within about three seconds.

Before you begin: Gmail shortcuts are enabled.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press g then d for Drafts.
2. Press g then t for Sent.
3. Use the left navigation or g-based shortcuts available in your current Gmail shortcut list for other locations such as Inbox or Starred.
4. Use j/k through the message list.
5. Press Enter/o to open a message.

What should happen: The requested mailbox/label opens.

If that does not happen: If a shortcut differs, press Shift+Slash to open Gmail's current Keyboard shortcuts list.

Practice: Open Drafts and Sent, then return to Inbox with g then i.

Part 17 - Contacts and Addressing

17.1 Use Address Suggestions Safely

What you will learn: Select the correct person when Gmail offers contacts.

Keyboard command: In To/Cc/Bcc, type part of the name/address, use Down Arrow through suggestions, and press Enter on the correct contact. Use Left Arrow to focus a recipient chip; Alt+Right Arrow opens its contact card when supported.

Before you begin: Start a Compose message.

Exactly how to do it

1. Begin typing a person's name or email address in To.
2. Wait for suggestions.
3. Use Up/Down Arrow to move through them.
4. Listen to the full email address, not just the display name.
5. Press Enter on the correct recipient.
6. Before sending, review the selected address again.

What should happen: The intended recipient is added.

If that does not happen: If two people share similar names, type more of the email address before choosing.

Practice: Practice selecting a known contact, then remove it without sending.

Part 18 - Settings, Inbox Layout, and Reading Pane

18.1 Open Gmail Settings

What you will learn: Reach Gmail preferences without guessing.

Keyboard command: Press Shift+/ and use the current shortcut dialog for command help; for Settings itself, navigate to the Settings button with screen-reader/button navigation or Tab/Shift+Tab and press Enter, then choose See all settings.

Before you begin: Gmail is open.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Tab/Shift+Tab or use screen-reader navigation to reach Settings near the top-right.
2. Activate Settings.
3. Use Quick settings for common layout choices.
4. Choose See all settings for complete settings.
5. Navigate among tabs such as General, Labels, Inbox, Accounts, Filters, Forwarding, Add-ons, Chat and Meet, Advanced, Offline, and Themes when available.
6. Change one setting at a time.
7. Use Save Changes at the bottom when the page requires it.

What should happen: Gmail uses the changed preference.

If that does not happen: If you cannot find a setting, use browser find carefully or check the correct Settings tab.

Practice: Open Settings and locate Keyboard shortcuts and Conversation View without changing them.

Reading pane: Gmail can show message previews beside or below the message list. This changes keyboard focus and screen-reader navigation, so learn the standard list first before enabling a reading pane.

Part 19 - Undo Send

19.1 Increase Undo Send Time

What you will learn: Give yourself more time to cancel an accidental send.

Keyboard command: Open Settings > See all settings using keyboard navigation; use Ctrl+F/browser find only cautiously because it searches page text, then Tab/Shift+Tab to Undo Send and choose the cancellation period. Activate Save Changes at the bottom.

Before you begin: Open Gmail Settings > General.

Exactly how to do it

1. Find Undo Send.
2. Open the Send cancellation period control.
3. Choose a longer available interval such as 10, 20, or 30 seconds if you prefer.
4. Move to Save Changes and activate it.

What should happen: After sending, Gmail offers Undo for the selected cancellation period.

If that does not happen: If you do not save the setting, the new interval will not take effect.

Practice: Set a comfortable cancellation period.

19.2 Undo a Sent Message

What you will learn: Cancel a message immediately after sending.

Keyboard command: Immediately after sending, press z when Gmail announces/offers Undo, or move to the Undo control and press Enter. The available time depends on your Undo Send setting.

Before you begin: Send a harmless test email.

Exactly how to do it

1. Immediately listen for Gmail's sent confirmation and Undo option.
2. Move focus to Undo or use the available shortcut/action before the cancellation period expires.
3. Activate Undo.
4. Wait for the draft to reopen.
5. Correct or discard the message.

What should happen: The message returns to Draft instead of remaining sent.

If that does not happen: If the Undo period has expired, Gmail cannot recall the message merely by deleting your sent copy.

Practice: Practice with a message to yourself.

Part 20 - Security and Phishing

• Check the full sender email address, not only the display name.

• Be suspicious of unexpected requests for passwords, money, gift cards, codes, or urgent account action.

• Do not open unexpected attachments until you verify the sender independently.

• Do not enter a password after following a suspicious email link. Navigate to the known website yourself.

• Use Report phishing/Report spam when appropriate.

• Google will never need your Gmail password emailed back to you.

• Be especially cautious when a message tries to create urgency or fear.

20.1 Inspect a Suspicious Message Before Acting

What you will learn: Slow down and verify identity.

Keyboard command: Do not activate links. Use screen-reader reading/navigation to the From field; use Shift+F10 on a link to inspect/copy its destination when appropriate; use g then i to leave the message and verify through an independent trusted path.

Before you begin: Open the message but do not click links or attachments.

Exactly how to do it

1. Read the full sender address.
2. Read the subject and body for unusual urgency, spelling, or requests.
3. Navigate to the message details if needed to inspect sender/recipient information.
4. Do not activate embedded links.
5. If the message claims to come from an organization, open that organization's known website independently or contact the person through a trusted channel.
6. If confirmed malicious, use Report phishing or Report spam.

What should happen: You make a decision based on verified information rather than the message's urgency.

If that does not happen: If you cannot verify the sender, do not act on the request until you can.

Practice: Review a sample phishing message and identify at least three warning signs.

Part 21 - Gmail with JAWS

Google recommends using Gmail as a web application with JAWS Virtual PC Cursor off. Toggle Virtual PC Cursor with JAWS+Z.

21.1 Prepare JAWS for Gmail

What you will learn: Allow Gmail's own letter shortcuts to work.

Keyboard command: Press JAWS+Z until Virtual PC Cursor is off, then use Gmail commands such as g then i, j/k, o, c, r, e, l, and v.

Before you begin: Gmail is open in Chrome with JAWS running.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press JAWS+Z.
2. Listen for JAWS to announce the Virtual PC Cursor state.
3. Turn Virtual PC Cursor off for Gmail's web-application mode.
4. Press Shift+Slash to open Gmail Keyboard shortcuts.
5. Enable Gmail shortcuts if needed.
6. Press Escape.
7. Press g then i.
8. Press j and k through conversations.

What should happen: Gmail receives its own shortcuts and JAWS follows focus.

If that does not happen: If H, J, K, or other letters are being treated as JAWS web-navigation keys instead of Gmail commands, the Virtual PC Cursor is probably on.

Practice: Switch into Gmail application mode, move through messages, then restore your preferred JAWS mode when leaving Gmail if needed.

Part 22 - Gmail with NVDA

Google recommends Gmail web-application use with NVDA in Focus Mode. NVDA+Space toggles Browse Mode and Focus Mode.

22.1 Prepare NVDA for Gmail

What you will learn: Allow Gmail shortcuts to control the app.

Keyboard command: Press NVDA+Space until Focus Mode is active, then use Gmail commands such as g then i, j/k, o, c, r, e, l, and v.

Before you begin: Gmail is open with NVDA.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press NVDA+Space.
2. Listen for Focus Mode.
3. Press Shift+Slash.
4. Enable Gmail shortcuts if needed.
5. Press Escape.
6. Press g then i.
7. Press j/k through the message list.
8. Press Enter/o to open a message.

What should happen: Gmail shortcuts work while NVDA follows focus.

If that does not happen: If j/k act as webpage quick-navigation or do not control Gmail, check whether NVDA is in Browse Mode.

Practice: Practice toggling Browse/Focus Mode and identify which mode lets Gmail's shortcuts work.

Part 23 - Gmail with VoiceOver on Mac

Google recommends VoiceOver with Gmail in application-style navigation and Quick Nav/Quick Keys off so Gmail can receive letter shortcuts.

23.1 Use Gmail Shortcuts with VoiceOver

What you will learn: Control Gmail without VoiceOver intercepting letter keys.

Keyboard command: Press Left Arrow+Right Arrow together until Quick Nav is off. Then use Gmail letter shortcuts; use VO commands only when you intentionally return to webpage navigation.

Before you begin: Gmail is open in Chrome/Safari and VoiceOver is on.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Left Arrow and Right Arrow together to toggle Quick Nav off if needed.
2. Use VO+Right Arrow to locate Gmail controls when you need structural navigation.
3. Press Shift+Slash to open Gmail Keyboard shortcuts.
4. Enable Gmail shortcuts if needed.
5. Press Escape.
6. Press g then i.
7. Press j/k through messages.
8. Press Enter/o to open.
9. Press u to return.

What should happen: Gmail letter shortcuts work and VoiceOver reads focus changes.

If that does not happen: If letter shortcuts move VoiceOver instead of Gmail or do nothing, verify Quick Nav state and keyboard focus.

Practice: Open Inbox, move through three messages, open one, and return.

Part 24 - Gmail with Narrator

Narrator can use Gmail in a focus/application style similar to other web apps. Narrator Scan Mode may need to be off when you want Gmail's single-letter shortcuts to control the application.

24.1 Use Gmail with Narrator

What you will learn: Switch between Narrator reading mode and Gmail application shortcuts.

Keyboard command: Press Narrator+Space to turn Scan Mode off when Gmail letter shortcuts need direct control; turn Scan Mode back on when reading the page as a webpage.

Before you begin: Gmail is open in a supported browser with Narrator on.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Narrator+Spacebar if you need to turn Scan Mode off.
2. Press Shift+Slash and enable Gmail shortcuts if needed.
3. Press Escape.
4. Press g then i.
5. Press j/k through messages.
6. Press Enter/o to open.
7. Use Narrator reading commands to read the message body.
8. Press u to return to the list.

What should happen: Gmail shortcuts work while Narrator announces focus.

If that does not happen: If j/k navigate webpage structure or fail, check Scan Mode and keyboard focus.

Practice: Practice Inbox navigation with Scan Mode off, then turn Scan Mode on for a normal webpage outside Gmail.

Part 25 - Gmail on iPhone/iPad

The Gmail iOS app works with VoiceOver. The exact location of buttons can change, so rely on control names rather than visual positions.

• Swipe right/left to move VoiceOver focus.

• Double-tap to activate.

• Use the Compose button to start a message.

• Review To, Subject, Body, and attachments before sending.

• Use the More menu for actions such as Move, Label, Mark unread, Spam, or Delete.

• Use iOS Settings > Accessibility for VoiceOver speech, verbosity, rotor, and braille settings.

Part 26 - Gmail on Android

The Gmail Android app works with TalkBack and Android accessibility features.

• Swipe right/left to move TalkBack focus.

• Double-tap to activate.

• Use Compose for a new message.

• Use the app's More actions for labels, move, spam, delete, and related commands.

• Use Android Accessibility settings for TalkBack verbosity, braille, and navigation preferences.

Part 27 - Troubleshooting

27.1 Gmail Shortcuts Do Not Work

What you will learn: Determine whether the problem is Gmail settings, screen-reader mode, or text focus.

Keyboard command: Press Shift+/ to verify Gmail shortcuts, then check screen-reader mode: JAWS+Z off, NVDA+Space Focus Mode, VoiceOver Quick Nav off, or Narrator+Space Scan Mode off. Press Ctrl+R/Command+R to reload if needed.

Before you begin: Gmail is open.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Escape once or twice to leave any text field/menu.
2. Press Shift+Slash.
3. If the Keyboard shortcuts dialog opens, confirm shortcuts are enabled.
4. Close the dialog.
5. JAWS: turn Virtual PC Cursor off with JAWS+Z.
6. NVDA: use NVDA+Space to enter Focus Mode.
7. VoiceOver: turn Quick Nav off.
8. Narrator: turn Scan Mode off with Narrator+Spacebar.
9. Press g then i.

What should happen: Inbox opens and Gmail shortcuts respond.

If that does not happen: If shortcuts still fail, refresh the browser with Ctrl+R/Command+R as Google recommends, then test again.

Practice: Memorize: enable shortcuts, correct screen-reader mode, Escape, refresh, test g then i.

27.2 You Are Typing Commands Instead of Text

What you will learn: Return focus to the actual edit field.

Keyboard command: Press Escape to leave the accidental edit field, use screen-reader edit-field navigation or Tab/Shift+Tab to the intended field, press Enter if needed to edit, then type.

Before you begin: You are composing or replying.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Tab/Shift+Tab until your screen reader announces the message body or edit field.
2. Activate/focus the field if necessary.
3. Type a short word.
4. If Gmail shortcuts still trigger, use the screen reader's focus/edit mode and ensure the caret is in the field.
5. Continue typing only after hearing the expected letters/words.

What should happen: Text appears in the message body.

If that does not happen: If letters continue to trigger Gmail actions, the edit field does not have focus.

Practice: Practice moving from Gmail command mode into Compose text and back.

27.3 You Cannot Find a Message

What you will learn: Use Search before browsing hundreds of conversations.

Keyboard command: Press /, type sender/subject/keywords or Gmail search operators, and press Enter. Use g then a to inspect All Mail when a message may have been archived/mislabeled.

Before you begin: Know at least one clue.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Slash.
2. Search sender, subject, or keyword.
3. Add operators such as from:, is:unread, has:attachment, in:sent, or in:trash if needed.
4. Press Enter.
5. Use j/k through results.

What should happen: The result list narrows to likely matches.

If that does not happen: If no results appear, try a broader search and check Spam/Trash if appropriate.

Practice: Find one old message using sender + keyword.

27.4 Gmail Looks Completely Different from This Manual

What you will learn: Identify layout/view differences.

Keyboard command: Press Shift+/ to confirm Standard-view shortcut behavior. Use screen-reader landmarks/headings and Settings to identify layout changes; do not rely on old visual coordinates.

Before you begin: You are signed into Gmail.

Exactly how to do it

1. Scroll/navigate near the bottom of Gmail and verify you are using Standard view.
2. Check whether a Reading Pane is enabled.
3. Check Inbox type in Settings.
4. Check whether Chat and Meet are shown.
5. Check browser zoom and extensions if controls are behaving strangely.
6. Use Google's current screen-reader help as the final reference for changed interfaces.

What should happen: You identify the setting causing the layout difference or confirm a newer Gmail interface change.

If that does not happen: Do not turn off multiple settings at once; change one variable and retest.

Practice: Open Quick settings and identify your Inbox type and density.

Part 28 - Independent Practice Course

Level 1 - Open and Navigate

☐ Open Gmail.

☐ Go to Inbox with g then i.

☐ Move with j/k.

☐ Open a message.

☐ Return with u.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 2 - Compose

☐ Press c.

☐ Enter recipient.

☐ Enter subject.

☐ Type message.

☐ Review and send.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 3 - Respond

☐ Reply.

☐ Reply All and inspect recipients.

☐ Forward.

☐ Cancel a draft.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 4 - Organize

☐ Star a message.

☐ Mark unread/read.

☐ Archive.

☐ Apply a label.

☐ Move a message.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 5 - Search

☐ Search by sender.

☐ Search by subject.

☐ Use has:attachment.

☐ Open and return to results.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 6 - Attachments and Safety

☐ Attach a safe file.

☐ Verify its name.

☐ Download a safe attachment.

☐ Inspect a suspicious message without clicking.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 7 - Settings

☐ Open Settings.

☐ Find keyboard shortcuts.

☐ Find Conversation View.

☐ Find Undo Send.

☐ Find Filters.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 8 - Screen Reader Mode

☐ JAWS: toggle Virtual PC Cursor if applicable.

☐ NVDA: toggle Browse/Focus Mode.

☐ VoiceOver: toggle Quick Nav.

☐ Narrator: toggle Scan Mode.

☐ Explain which state lets Gmail receive letter shortcuts.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 9 - Recovery

☐ Recover when shortcuts fail.

☐ Recover when letters won't type.

☐ Use browser refresh.

☐ Use Search instead of browsing.

Ready to advance: You can complete each checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Part 29 - Quick Reference Keyboard Commands

Selection shortcut: x selects or deselects a focused conversation. Gmail also supports bulk selection commands that start with the asterisk key, such as * then a for Select all, when shortcuts are enabled.

Screen Reader Mode Quick Reference

Part 30 - Official Google Resources

Use Gmail with a screen reader

Accessibility in Gmail

Screen reader users: Standard view guidance

Keyboard shortcuts for Gmail

Change Gmail settings

Create rules to filter your emails

Create labels to organize Gmail

Send attachments with Gmail

Search in Gmail

Undo sending an email

Avoid and report phishing emails

Final Independence Checklist

☐ I can open Gmail and identify the correct account.

☐ I understand Standard view and Gmail's web-application model.

☐ I can enable Gmail keyboard shortcuts.

☐ I can move through Inbox and open/close conversations.

☐ I can compose and send an email.

☐ I can reply, reply all, and forward safely.

☐ I can attach and download files.

☐ I can search by sender, subject, keyword, and operator.

☐ I can archive, delete, report spam, snooze, mute, star, and change read status.

☐ I can use labels and Move To.

☐ I understand how filters work.

☐ I can change Gmail settings and Undo Send.

☐ I can identify basic phishing warning signs.

☐ I can put JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, or Narrator into the correct mode for Gmail shortcuts.

☐ I can troubleshoot when Gmail shortcuts or typing stop working.

Most important habit: Before pressing a single-letter Gmail command, know whether focus is in Gmail's message interface or inside a text field. Before sending an email, verify recipient, subject, message, and attachments.

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