Gmail shows 50 conversations per page by default. If you manage a busy inbox, raising that to 100 (the maximum) means less clicking between pages and makes it easier to select and clean up large batches of email. You can also lower it to as few as 10 for a faster, shorter list. This guide shows how to change the setting on a computer, what to do on the Gmail app, and other ways to fit more email on screen.
Quick Answer
In Gmail on a computer, click the gear icon > See all settings. On the General tab, change Maximum page size to Show 100 conversations per page, then scroll down and click Save Changes.
How to Show More Conversations per Page
- Open mail.google.com in a web browser and sign in.
- Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Click See all settings.
- Stay on the General tab and find Maximum page size.
- Choose 10, 15, 20, 25, 50 or 100 conversations per page.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Save Changes.
The same setting also controls how many contacts appear per page in the older contacts view.
Select More Than 100 Conversations at Once
Even with 100 per page, you can act on every matching email:
- Click the Select checkbox above your inbox to select all conversations on the page.
- Click the link that appears: Select all conversations in Inbox (or in your search results).
- Archive, delete, mark as read or label them all at once.
This is the fastest way to clean up thousands of messages, for example after searching older_than:1y or category:promotions.
Fit More Email on Screen
- Density: gear icon > Density > Compact shows more rows without scrolling.
- Turn off Conversation View: on the General tab, choose Conversation view off to list each message separately instead of grouping replies.
- Reading pane: gear icon > Reading pane > Right of inbox lets you read without leaving the list.
- Zoom out: press Ctrl + − (Cmd + − on Mac) in your browser.
- Inbox type: gear icon > Inbox type lets you choose Default, Important first, Unread first or Starred first.
Gmail App on iPhone and Android
The Gmail app doesn’t have a page size setting; it loads more email as you scroll. To see more at once, turn off conversation view or use a smaller text size in your phone’s settings. On Android, open Settings in the Gmail app, tap your account, and uncheck Conversation view; on iPhone, it’s under Settings > Conversation view.
Troubleshooting
- Setting doesn’t stick: make sure you clicked Save Changes at the bottom of the General tab.
- Still only 50 shown: reload the page, and check that you’re signed in to the right account if you use several.
- Gmail feels slower: 100 conversations take a little longer to load, especially on slow connections. Try 50 if it lags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show more than 100 conversations per page?
No. 100 is Gmail’s maximum. Use “Select all conversations” to act on more.
Does this change affect my phone?
No. It only applies to Gmail on the web.
Does it work for work or school Gmail?
Yes. Google Workspace accounts have the same setting.
Summary
- Gear icon > See all settings.
- General tab > Maximum page size.
- Choose 100 conversations per page.
- 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.