Set alerts for Gmail categories on Android

The new Gmail features a tabbed interface that sorts e-mail into Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates, and Forums. While this does make your in-box look a bit tidier, it can make the transition to the new style frustrating when it comes e-mail alerts.

Thankfully, you can set alerts for each category, and even disable them for others. When you get an alert on your Android device, you'll know what kind of e-mail you're receiving, and whether you need to read it right now.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Before you set the individual alerts, you need to make sure that notifications for your Gmail account are enabled. To do this: press the Menu button on your device while in Gmail and choose Settings from the pop-up menu. Next, tap on your account name and make sure the box next to Notifications is checked.

Now you can set the individual alerts by doing the following:

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 1: Open the slide-out menu in the Gmail app and then tap one of the categories.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 2: Press the menu button on your Android device and select Label settings.

Step 3: Tap the check box next to Label notifications, then choose the sound alert, vibration, and whether you will be notified of every new message in that category.

You can do the same for the other categories, and even assign unique alerts to each one.

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