2 Easy Ways to Clear Your Saved Drafts in Gmail

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Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: January 5, 2025 Tested

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Using a Computer

|

Using the Gmail App

|

Video

|

Tips

Drafts are a helpful Gmail feature that automatically save emails you are writing, but what if you no longer need a draft? This wikiHow article will teach you how to delete a draft in Gmail using a computer and the app.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Computer

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Popular ones include Firefox and Chrome.
2
Navigate to https://www.google.com/gmail.
- Log in if prompted.
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This is in the menu to the left along with Inbox and Snoozed. All your email drafts will appear.
4
Click
next to the draft you want to delete. A check will mark the draft.
- You can select multiple drafts by selecting multiple boxes.
5
Click Discard drafts. You'll see this button in the menu bar near the top of the page. Your selected draft will disappear.
- If you open a specific email draft, you can also click the trash can icon
  to delete that draft.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using the Gmail App

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This app icon looks like a white envelope with a red border. You can find this app on your home screen, in the app drawer, or by searching.
This is in the upper left of your screen. A menu will slide out from the side.
Your drafts will open.
4
Tap the circular icon next to your draft. You'll usually see a profile picture or a circle with a letter in it depending on who sent the original email. The icon will change colors to indicate that the draft is selected.
- You can select multiple drafts by clicking multiple icons.
Your selected draft will disappear.

Common Questions: Gmail Drafts

How do I delete a draft without deleting an email?

Hit the trash can icon in the bottom right corner of your draft email. When you hover over it with your cursor, it should say "Delete draft." You can also press Ctrl+Shift+D to delete the draft without removing the original email.

How do you delete a draft from Gmail on an iPhone?

Pull open the draft on your iPhone and tap the triple-dot icon in the top right corner of the screen. Then, hit "Discard" to delete the draft from your Gmail app.

How can you retrieve a deleted draft in Gmail?

Switch to a different device that's linked to your Gmail account. Put this device in airplane mode and check your draft folder. With any luck, your formerly deleted draft will still be available on this device.^{[1]
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