How to Hide Chat and Rooms Tabs in the Gmail Mobile App: Reclaim Your Screen Space

As a seasoned Gmail user with years of experience optimizing mobile workflows, I've seen how small interface changes can disrupt productivity. Back in August 2020, Google added the Meet tab to Gmail, which was manageable on desktop but cramped the mobile app's bottom navigation, reducing visible email lines. We shared steps to remove it then, and the process works similarly today for the new Chat and Rooms tabs that have reappeared.

These tabs provide quick access to Google's chat and rooms features, but they steal valuable screen real estate on phones. Here's how to remove them from the Gmail app on both Android and iOS devices (steps may vary slightly by Android model).

1. Tap the three-line "hamburger" menu icon in the top-left corner, scroll down, and select Settings.
2. Choose the Gmail account you want to customize.
3. On iPhone, toggle off Show chat and rooms tab near the top. On Android, scroll to the Chat section and uncheck Show Chat and Rooms tabs.

Done! You've freed up space in your Gmail app. To restore all tabs—including Chat, Rooms, and Meet—return to the same settings and enable Show Chat and Rooms tabs plus Show the meeting tab for video calls. They'll appear in a single row at the bottom.

These tweaks, tested across multiple devices, keep your inbox focused and efficient.