Press * then U to select just the unread messages on screen. It is useful for handling new mail in bulk, or for marking a batch as read once you have skimmed it.
CMDK transforms your Gmail into a keyboard first experience, not just transforming existing Gmail keyboard shortcuts but also adding new ones for you to be 2x faster at email. CMDK also adds a command bar, natural language snooze, split inbox with Tabs, one-click email nuke, and easy account switching tools. It reduces your reliance on the mouse, getting you into a state of flow as you use Gmail everyday.
Select unread conversations Gmail Shortcut Tutorial
How to Use the Gmail Shortcut “Select Unread Conversations”
1. Go to your Gmail inbox and log in to your account.
2. In the top right corner, click on the gear icon and then select “See all settings” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Settings menu, navigate to the “General” tab.
4. Scroll down to find the option for “Keyboard shortcuts.”
To enable keyboard shortcuts in Gmail:
5. Click on the radio button next to “Keyboard shortcuts on” to enable keyboard shortcuts.
6. Scroll down and click on the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the page.
To use the “Select Unread Conversations” shortcut:
7. Return to your Gmail inbox.
8. Simply press the “u” key on your keyboard to select all unread conversations in your inbox.
If you would rather not flip the setting yourself, the CMDK extension enables shortcuts like Select Unread Conversations for you and brings more than 80 others to Gmail.
Go beyond a single shortcut
The Select Unread Conversations shortcut is a small habit that pays off every day, and it is only a taste of what a keyboard-first inbox feels like. CMDK adds more than 80 shortcuts on top of the ones Gmail already has, plus a command bar that runs any action by name, natural-language snooze, a split inbox with tabs, one-click sender nuke, and instant account switching. Install CMDK and see how much faster email feels by the end of your first day.
Related Gmail keyboard shortcuts
- Gmail Select Unstarred Conversations Shortcut
- Gmail Deselect All Conversations Shortcut
- Gmail Select All Conversations Shortcut
CMDK adds these and 80+ more shortcuts to Gmail, along with a command bar and natural-language snooze. See how CMDK works or check CMDK pricing.