iOS: Understanding Gmail Archive

Summary

This article describes the difference between archiving and deleting a Gmail message, and how to enable or disable this feature on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 4 or later.

Products Affected

iPad, iPhone, iPod touch

When using iOS 4 or later on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, Mail archives Gmail messages rather than deleting the messages:

Archive button

When you archive a message, it moves to the All Mail folder. It does not delete it from the Gmail account. You can learn more about the Gmail archive feature in Gmail Help.

Additional Information

Archive replaces all delete options when using a Gmail account, including using the Trash icon while viewing a message and selecting Edit to manage multiple messages.

You can disable this feature in Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Gmail Account > Archive Messages:

Archive Messages setting

Important: Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please understand that a third-party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem