Gmail offers a simple HTML version for users with slow internet connections or old computers. The Gmail basic HTML interface is similar in appearance to earlier iterations of the Google email service, and it relies only on the most essential browser features.
Gmail HTML vs. Standard Gmail
The HTML version of Gmail loads faster than the standard version. If you want to add text formatting to Gmail messages or embed links, then you must use the appropriate HTML code.
Information in this article applies to the use of Gmail in all web browsers.
How to Switch to Gmail Basic HTML View
To view your Gmail in simple HTML, open the Gmail HTML website in any web browser and log in to your Gmail account if prompted, then select I’d like to use HTML Gmail.
You don’t have to switch to the HTML view to send a plain text message in Gmail.
How to Switch to Full Gmail Standard View
To switch to the standard Gmail interface from Gmail Basic HTML, scroll down to the bottom of your inbox, then select Standard next to Gmail view.
You may have to go to the Gmail HTML website again if Gmail automatically opens the standard interface.
If your browser automatically loads Gmail in HTML view, you can open the standard version at any time by using this link: http://mail.google.com/mail/.
Features Not Available in Gmail Basic HTML
Gmail Basic HTML does not support the following standard Gmail features:
Depending on your browser, certain features may not work in Gmail standard view when you follow the above link.
- Gmail keyboard shortcuts
- Gmail spelling checker
- Gmail tasks
- Google chat
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