Would you prefer to open a browser and input “gmail.com” to open your mail each time? It is so much effort, right? Would it be great if Gmail would just show up on your desktop—just press?
Good news: yes, you can have a Gmail icon on the desktop. Windows or Mac, in a couple of minutes. You can have Gmail like an app-like icon that opens just the same way as any app.
Here’s the 2025 step-by-step guide to having a Gmail desktop icon on your computer with Chrome, Edge, or Safari—how to make it look like a real app, no less.
Why You Need Gmail on Your Computer
Having a Gmail shortcut on your desktop isn’t convenient only—it’s rapid and workflow just goes on.
Advantages:
- Leads you directly to Gmail without requiring you to type URLs
- Serves as an impartial mail client
- Brings Gmail to your inbox in the handy tip of your fingers
- Visual sorts Gmail on your desktop
- Ideal for company usage and general surfing
If you find yourself repeatedly visiting Gmail at the same time, this shortcut will come in handy.
Pin Gmail Icon on Desktop Using Google Chrome (Windows & Mac)
Google Chrome too has a simple way of creating a Gmail shortcut and a functionality as an application.
Steps:
- Open your computer’s Google Chrome.
- Go to https://mail.google.com.
- At the top-right corner of the browser window, click the three dots (⋮).
- Right-click on Save and share (or More tools, depending on your version).
- Click Create shortcut.
- In the dialog box, name it Gmail.
- Click inside the box next to Open as window.
- Click Create.
Pro Tip:
You can even pin the shortcut to the taskbar for even faster access.
Pin Gmail Icon to Taskbar (Windows)
If you wish to have Gmail always at the bottom of the screen, then pin Gmail to taskbar.
Steps:
- Once you create a Gmail shortcut from Chrome, open it once.
- Keep it in open position and right-click on your Gmail icon on the taskbar.
- Click Pin to taskbar.
Now Gmail will always be one click away, together with all your favorite apps.
Create Gmail Desktop Icon with Microsoft Edge (Windows)
If you’re using Edge rather than Chrome, then make Gmail shortcut quite easily as well.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Open https://mail.google.com.
- Press top-right three dots (⋯).
- Press Apps → Install this site as an application.
- Call it Gmail.
- Press Install.
Edge will install a Gmail desktop app and pin its icon on your desktop automatically.
Bonus:
You can then close it down from Edge → Apps → Manage apps if ever you will be deleting or renaming it.
Method 4: Pin Gmail Icon on Desktop on Mac (Using Chrome or Safari)
Using Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome and Gmail.
- Press three dots (⋮) top right.
- Select Save and share → Create shortcut.
- Name it Gmail and select Open as window.
- Click Create.
The Gmail icon is located in your Applications folder and can be placed on your Dock or desktop.
Using Safari:
- Open Safari and Gmail.
- Collapse the Safari window so you have space to examine your desktop.
- Click the address bar (where the Gmail URL is).
- Drag the URL onto the desktop but do not open.
Safari automatically places an icon for a shortcut based on the web address of Gmail.
Double-click to open Gmail.
Pin Gmail Icon on Desktop Using Browser Shortcut (Manual Method)
You can do it manually in case you wish to create your own Gmail shortcut.
For Windows:
- Right-click desktop.
- Click New → Shortcut.
In the location box, type:
https://mail.google.com
- Click Next.
- Type the name Gmail.
- Click Finish.
Now you have a Gmail shortcut on your desktop.
To Add Gmail Icon Image
- Right-click the new Gmail shortcut → Properties.
- Click Change icon.
- Download a Gmail icon (.ico) file (get one from the internet).
- Click Apply → OK.
Your shortcut now looks like an actual Gmail app.
Pin Gmail Shortcut to Start Menu (Windows 11)
You can even get Gmail to look like apps on your Start Menu.
Steps:
- Create your Gmail desktop shortcut.
- Right-click on Gmail icon → Pin to Start.
It now occupies your Start Menu tiles, ready to use.
Optional:
If you use Gmail a lot, you can also pin Gmail to the taskbar using right-click → Pin to taskbar.
Method 7: Dock Gmail (Mac)
Having Gmail at your fingertips all the time at the bottom of the Mac screen? Dock it.
Steps:
- Make a Gmail shortcut in Chrome (using Method 4).
- Launch the Gmail app once.
- With Gmail open, right-click on its Dock icon.
- Select Options → Keep in Dock.
Gmail is now pinned for one-click convenience.
How to Modify or Set Gmail’s Icon
You can even customize your Gmail shortcut with a corresponding red-and-white envelope icon.
Steps:
- Get a Gmail icon in .ico (Windows) or .icns (Mac) format.
For Windows:
- Right-click your Gmail shortcut → Properties → Change icon.
- Choose your new icon and then OK.
For Mac:
- Right-click shortcut → Get Info.
- Drag new icon picture over the top-left small icon in the info window.
You’re looking at the actual Gmail logo instead of a default browser logo.
How to Remove the Gmail Desktop Shortcut
In the event that you wish to remove it, no problem:
Windows:
- Right-click Gmail shortcut → Delete.
(This removes the shortcut icon, not your Gmail account.)
Mac:
Tips to Avoid Bumps
- Not leaving anything in “Open as window”: Otherwise, browser windows will open Gmail.
- Uninstalling bad file: Only uninstall the shortcut, not your browser.
- Old browsers used: Use either Edge or Chrome to avoid shortcut issues.
- Not syncing: If Gmail does not open automatically, ensure that you are logged in.
Use of Gmail Desktop Icons in Daily Life
| User Type | Benefit | Example |
| Students | Instant access to school mail | Instant look at homework |
| Businessmen | Instant access to company mail via single click | Instant reply to customers |
| Freelancers | Two work and personal Gmail desktop icons | Flip accounts instantly |
| Seniors | Instant desktop access | No URL to type |
| Home Users | Easy-to-use interface | Gmail native app usage |
Perfect Gmail desktop icon for everyone — office staff to new users.
Quick Summary
Adding Gmail icon to desktop:
- Open Gmail in Chrome or Edge.
- Tap three dots (⋮) → Create shortcut / Install site as app.
- Rename it Gmail and choose Open as window.
- Search the icon on your desktop.
- (Optional) Pin to taskbar, Start Menu, or Dock.
Gmail in your pocket – no typing, no searching.
Gmail Icon on Desktop FAQs
Is Gmail supported on my desktop?
Yes. Pin a shortcut in Chrome or Edge to launch Gmail as an app.
Is it supported on Windows and Mac?
Yes. Both operating systems support Gmail shortcuts.
Can I use the Gmail icon to create the shortcut?
Yes. Copy a Gmail file in .ico or .icns format and replace it with the default one.
Will my Gmail be lost?
No. It just deletes the icon and not your account or mail.
Can I have two or more Gmail accounts?
Yes. Create different shortcuts logged in separately.
Pin a shortcut to your desktop for Gmail and breathe new life into reading email — faster, fresher, and almost as simple as executing an ordinary program. Windows or Mac, the shortcut takes a few minutes and saves you hours down the line.
Your mailbox in your hand — at your fingertips — one click away — no journey to a page, no delay. Your mail in your pocket.
