How to Change Subject Line in Gmail

Let’s make it clear.

You can only change subject line in Gmail when replying or forwarding an email, not for a message you already sent.

I can’t change the subject line of a thread?

Changing the subject line in a thread only affects future emails in that conversation.

Here’s how to edit the subject line of a Gmail message when replying or forwarding:

On Your Computer/Web

1. Find the Email in Question, Click Reply or Forward.

2. Edit Subject. (By clicking the small downward-facing arrow next to your email address)

3. Type in Your New Subject line

There you go!

On Your Mobile Device (Gmail App)

1. Open the Gmail App and Go to the Email.

2. Tap the three dots > “Reply” or Forward.

3. Edit Subject by tapping directly on the current subject line and typing your new subject

Tap the ”Send” button when you’re done editing.

If I change the subject line …

Will it move to a new thread?

Changing the subject line in Gmail won’t necessarily create an entirely new thread.

• Slight Change. If you make a minor change to the subject line (e.g., adding a “Re:” or changing a word), Gmail will likely keep the message in the same conversation thread.
• Significant Change. A more drastic change to the subject line (e.g., removing all the original words and replacing them with something different) has a higher chance of causing Gmail to treat it as a new conversation. This will start a separate thread.

Gmail uses the subject line, along with other factors, to determine if emails are part of the same conversation.

If you absolutely need a new thread, change the subject line completely, or Start a new email.

Can I change it back?

And will that put it back to the original thread?

Unfortunately, changing the subject line back to the original will not automatically put it back into the original thread.

Again, If maintaining an existing thread is important, Only make minor edits to the subject line.

Faqs

•••

How Do You Choose an Email Subject?

01. Personalize your message.
02. Make it precise and to the point.
03. Avoid using spam trigger words.
04. Make it actionable and response worthy.

What Is the Subject in Gmail?

In Gmail, the subject line is the short line at the top of the email composition window where you can enter a title or summary for the email.

How Do You Undo a Sloppy Subject Line?

Reply with Edit Subject: Please refer for the above steps.
Undo Send: In Gmail settings for a 30-second window to cancel sending.
Follow-up with Corrections: Forward the sent email, apologize for any errors and provide a corrected version of the content.

You can’t directly edit a subject line of an email that has already been sent. You can only reply using a new subject line in the same thread.

Let me know if you have an questions. (P.S. If you want to auto capitalize your subject lines here is an awesome free tool to help you with that).