Google has unveiled a new feature that allows users to respond to emails with emojis in Gmail. This enhancement seeks to make email communication feel more like conversations on popular messaging platforms such as Google Chat, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
According to the company, the introduction of emoji reactions is designed to enable users to reply quickly, acknowledge receipt of messages, and express emotions without adhering to conventional email standards. In essence, it aims to boost user interaction, particularly in large email threads, allowing for quick acknowledgments without requiring a full response, while also allowing users to convey their feelings more openly.
For example, a user might choose a gratitude emoji to thank a coworker, select a food emoji to indicate interest in a team dinner, or use a celebratory emoji to acknowledge a colleague’s success.
Notably, this feature is disabled by default, likely to accommodate various user preferences. Organizations have the option to turn it off if they choose. The setting can be accessed in the Admin console under Apps > Gmail > End User Access > Emoji reactions.
Users who do not use Gmail, have turned off conversation view, or are using outdated versions of the Gmail app may encounter some limitations. Google has issued a support document that outlines the feature and offers solutions for potential issues. Emoji reactions will appear as separate emails formatted to show the reaction, which could disrupt seamless communication across different platforms, potentially affecting the comprehensive rollout of the feature.
The deployment of emoji reactions will begin gradually for all Google Workspace accounts, individual subscribers, and personal Google accounts, starting with rapid release domains and scheduled release domains on May 13, 2025.
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