To change Gmail’s default reply behavior, open Gmail on a computer, click the gear icon, choose See all settings, and on the General tab set Default reply behavior to Reply or Reply all. Scroll down and click Save Changes. The main reply button in each message then does what you chose.
Most people keep it on Reply to avoid accidentally sending a response to everyone on a thread.
Quick Answer
Gmail > gear > See all settings > General > Default reply behavior > Reply or Reply all > Save Changes.
Change the Default Reply on a Computer
- Open Gmail in a web browser.
- Click the gear icon at the top right and choose See all settings.
- On the General tab, find Default reply behavior.
- Choose Reply or Reply all.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Save Changes.
Change It in the Gmail App
- Android: Tap the menu > Settings > General settings > Default reply action, then choose Reply or Reply all.
- iPhone and iPad: Tap the menu > Settings and look for the default reply option. If your version doesn’t have it, use the three-dot menu on a message to pick Reply all when needed.
The app setting is separate from the computer setting, so change both if you use both.
Reply vs. Reply All
| Option | Sends to | Use when |
|---|---|---|
| Reply | Only the sender | Most messages, personal responses |
| Reply all | The sender and everyone in To and Cc | Group discussions where everyone needs the answer |
| Forward | People you choose | Sharing the message with someone new |
Recipients in Bcc never receive your reply, even with Reply all. For more, see how to reply all in Gmail.
You can also remove your Google profile picture in your Google Account.
Work faster with Gmail keyboard shortcuts, such as r to reply and a to reply all.
Admins can forward mail for users. See forwarding emails in the Google Admin console.
Troubleshooting
- The setting didn’t stick: You must click Save Changes at the bottom of the General tab.
- Reply all still appears: The option in the three-dot menu is always available; the setting only changes the main button.
- You sent to everyone by mistake: Turn on Undo Send (General tab) and set a longer cancellation period so you can stop it next time.
- Your signature shows up in replies: See how to remove or change a Gmail signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this change affect my other devices?
The web setting applies wherever you use Gmail in a browser. The mobile apps have their own setting.
Can I make Reply all the default only for some messages?
No. The setting applies to all messages. Use the three-dot menu for exceptions.
What’s the keyboard shortcut for reply all?
With keyboard shortcuts turned on, press a to reply all or r to reply.
Summary
- Open Gmail settings.
- Go to General > Default reply behavior.
- Choose Reply or Reply all.
- Click Save Changes.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.