Introduction

Gmail has become an integral part of every Google workspace user, and with time there have been a number of updates that have made Gmail an easy to use platform for sharing information in a professional manner. In this blog we are going to discuss the latest Gmail update that allows the users to react to emails in Gmail with emojis. We will cover topics like what are emoji reactions in Gmail and how you can enable or disable this particular feature through Google admin console.

Important Note : While this feature is initially enabled as an opt-in feature for early customer access, starting February 9, 2026, emoji reactions in Gmail will be enabled by default.

What are Emoji Reactions in Gmail?

With the new Gmail update rolled out that allows users to react to emails in Gmail with emojis, this makes things straightforward as the email receiver can promptly react to it with a relevant emoji. If you don't have the time to write a full email in reply you can easily leave a reaction and later on when you catch some free time you can follow up with the full response. This new update is available in both mobile and desktop versions of Gmail.

Emoji reactions default ON in Gmail

How to Manage this Feature from the Google Admin Console 

You can easily enable or disable this feature from your Google Admin Console, just follow these steps below and you are good to go.
Manage emoji reactions from the Google Admin Console

  • Step 1 : Open your Google admin console.
  • Step 2 : Navigate to: Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail.
  • Step 3 : Look for the setting labeled Emoji reactions.
  • Step 4 : Enable or disable the setting according to your company policy.
  • Step 5 : Save changes.

The Advantages of Emoji Reactions in Gmail

  1. Reduced inbox volume - This feature helps reduce inbox email clutter as you can react to new emails rather than replying to them. This keeps the conversation thread concentrated on the main topic rather than having irrelevant thank you mails inside a thread.

  2. Cross platform consistency -  This feature is available on both desktop and mobile devices, which ensures reliable and consistent experience regardless of the platform.

  3. Administrative oversight- Google Workspace administrators maintain full control over this feature as they have the power to enable or disable this feature in accordance with the company policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can admins turn off emoji reactions for the whole company?
A. Yes. Admins can turn them off for the entire organization via the Admin console.

Q2. Can I personally turn off emoji reactions?
A. There is no individual setting; it’s controlled entirely by your admin.

Q3. Are emojis supposed to replace actual email replies?
A. Not really. They are for quick nods (like a "thumbs up"). You can still reply or forward emails normally.

Q4. Is it a good idea for my company to use them?
A. It depends. Use them if your team likes fast, informal updates. Disable them if you need to keep communication strictly formal.

Conclusion

Hopefully this article was able to present a clear picture regarding the new Gmail update for Google workspace users. Please go through the article thoroughly and follow all the steps in the correct order so as to get the desired results. And if you face any problem or have any queries please feel free to comment below. We will respond as soon as possible.

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