Email is an essential part of our communication. It has transformed how we connect with our friends, family, and colleagues. However, not all email services are created equal. Some are more user-friendly and crucial to your work than others. If you’re a Gmail user and own a Mac, you may want to make Gmail your default email client.
In this blog post, we’ll show you several methods to make Gmail your default email client on Mac, discuss some of the implications of doing so, provide some recommendations, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed?
Before we get started, you’ll need to have a few things at the ready:
- A Mac computer
- A Gmail account
- The latest version of the Google Chrome browser installed on your Mac
What Requires Your Focus?
While making Gmail your default email client on Mac isn’t a difficult process, it does require your attention. You’ll need to become familiar with the steps to take and make the necessary adjustments to your settings.
Method 1: Set Gmail as Default Email Client Using Chrome
If you’re using Google Chrome as your web browser, you can follow these steps to make Gmail your default email client:
1. Open Google Chrome on your Mac
2. Click on the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner of the browser window
3. Click on "Settings" and navigate to the "Default browser" section
4. Scroll down to the "Handlers" section
5. Click "Manage"
6. Toggle the switch next to "Allow sites to ask to become default handlers for protocols (recommended)"
7. Go to Gmail.com in Chrome and sign in if you haven’t already
8. Click the double-diamond-icon to the right of the browser URL address bar
9. Click "Use Gmail" in the pop-up message
Pros:
– Doesn’t require any additional software or plug-ins
– Quick and straightforward process
– Can also set other web-based email clients as your default email client
Cons:
– Only works with Google Chrome browser
– Requires additional steps outside of the System Preferences
Method 2: Set Gmail as Default Email Client Using Apple Mail
If you’re using Apple Mail, you can follow these steps to make Gmail your default email client:
1. Open Apple Mail on your Mac
2. Click on "Mail" from the menu bar
3. Click on "Preferences"
4. Click on "General"
5. Select "Gmail" from the "Default email reader" drop-down menu
Pros:
– Works with Apple’s built-in email client
– Accommodates non-Chrome browser users
– Allows you to quickly switch back to the default Mac Mail client
Cons:
– Limited compatibility with web-based email clients
Method 3: Set Gmail as Default Email Client Using Third-Party Apps
If you’re looking for a third-party solution to set Gmail as your default email client on Mac, there are several options available. Two popular third-party apps that can help you achieve this are "Mailplane" and "MailTab for Gmail."
Mailplane is a web wrapper for Google’s web services, which allows you to integrate Gmail and Google Calendar into a single desktop app. Mailplane offers a simple settings section through which you can set Gmail as your default email client on your Mac.
MailTab for Gmail is another app that helps you manage Gmail as your primary email client from the desktop. You can compose new emails, reply, forward or delete existing messages, or quickly switch to another Gmail account without ever leaving your desk. MailTab for Gmail is available for free on the App Store, and you can upgrade to the Pro version, which includes features such as multiple accounts and custom sound alerts.
Why Can’t I Make Gmail My Default Email Client?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to make Gmail your default email client on Mac, including:
1. You’re not using Google Chrome as your browser
2. You’re using an older version of your current browser
3. You haven’t installed the latest updates available for your operating system
4. You don’t have a Gmail account to use as your primary email service
Fixes:
1. Consider switching to Google Chrome as your primary browser
2. Update your browser to the latest version
3. Install the latest software updates for your operating system
4. Create a Gmail account, if you don’t already have one
Implications and Recommendations
Making Gmail your default email client on Mac has several implications that you should consider. For example, if you have a preferred email client, you’ll need to switch back to it if you want to compose or read email. If you’re working in an office environment with a company-wide email client, it may not be possible to change your default email client without prior approval.
We recommend making Gmail your default email client on Mac only if you’re comfortable with the Gmail interface and want to use it exclusively for your email. If you’re not sure, we recommend trying out the other method and software options we’ve provided in this article before making a long-term commitment to Gmail as your default email client.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Gmail my default email client on Mac without having to download anything?
A: Yes. Method one does not require you to download any additional software to set Gmail as your default email client.
Q: Does making Gmail my default email client on Mac affect my Gmail account settings?
A: No. Making Gmail your default email client on Mac does not change any settings within your Gmail account.
Q: Can I revert to my previous default email client after making Gmail my default email client?
A: Yes. To revert to your previous default email client, follow the same steps you took to make Gmail your default email client and select your previous email client from the drop-down menu.
Q: What happens when I click an email address on a webpage after making Gmail my default email client?
A: Clicking an email address on a webpage after making Gmail your default email client will open a new email message in the Gmail compose window.
Q: Is there a way to set a different email client as my default email client on Mac?
A: Yes. You can follow the same steps outlined in this article and select the email client you want to use as your default email client instead of Gmail.
In Conclusion
Making Gmail your default email client on Mac can streamline your email workflow and improve your productivity. By following the methods and steps outlined in this post, you can quickly and easily make Gmail your default email client on your Mac. However, before you make a long-term commitment, it’s essential to consider the implications of doing so and try out some of the other software and method options provided in this article.