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Ask HN: How to go back to classic Gmail?

13 points by oliv__ 8y ago

So, it appears Google has decided that everyone now has to use their new "better" version of Gmail. I personally can't stand it, it's way too much, animations all over the place, it feels cluttered and over the top. Any suggestions for going back? If it's not possible, I am seriously considering jumping off to another provider so suggestions there would also be appreciated as a second option. Thanks!

RandomGuyDTB 8y ago
I wish I knew... Anyway, ditto: The new Gmail looks awful to me. So does the new Chrome actually. I wish there was an option to roll back to 2015 in terms of design for everything.
- billylindeman 8y ago
  Agreed. Not everything needs a "fresh" look. The new reddit design is terrible and once they make that permanent I'll probably just stop using it as much.
FroshKiller 8y ago
The first option on the settings menu (click the gear icon) is "Go back to classic Gmail."
- oliv__ 8y ago
  Not anymore :(
  - jeffmould 8y ago
    Mine still has the ability to switch back (Gear - Back to Classic Gmail). However, when I do switch back it pops up and says I will be forced to the new version in 1 week. I guess it is wishful thinking that if a lot of people switch back, Google may get the hint their new interface is horrible.
  - is_true 8y ago
    Today I finally got the upgrade and this time without the option to go back.
Alex3917 8y ago
Have you tried setting it to Comfortable? That's pretty similar to classic Gmail.
- dyeje 8y ago
  I don't like the new design either but this made it bearable.
  - is_true 8y ago
    The new compose button is horrible.
- tomkt 8y ago
  Compact is even closer. But still, that left column and the Compose button hurt my eyes.
tunm065 8y ago
You can disable java script and use the html version instead
- eb0la 8y ago
  Thw html version is much faster and needs way less resources than the new and 'improved' gmail.
subbz 8y ago
Update your bookmarks to: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h/ https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h/
- phnk 8y ago
  Now redirects to a page titled "Do you really want to use HTML Gmail?" -- which speaks volumes about the new UI is being much more coercitive on the user than previous ones.
emperorfin 8y ago
Here's how: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18096225 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18096225
ldm001 8y ago
The number of posts from people who dislike the new Gmail is large, particularly those (like me) who have difficulty reading it. There is a petition at https://www.change.org/p/google-inc-change-gmail-back-so-it-is-readable https://www.change.org/p/google-inc-change-gmail-back-so-it-...