Gmail's compose button on Android gets bigger, but only when you scroll down

Sorry, up-scrollers.
By Stan Schroeder  on 
Gmail's compose button on Android gets bigger, but only when you scroll down
It's...a little better than before? Credit: stan schroeder/Mashable

Gmail's compose button is annoyingly small and unintuitive on phones. You may have not noticed it, but it's the round, floating button in the lower right part of the display with a pen or plus icon, depending on whether you're on an Android phone or an iPhone.

However, it's recently gotten better — if just a little — on Android.

9to5Google noticed that the compose button is now bigger on Android, and it actually says "compose," making it a lot more visible. It looks a lot like the compose button on the web version of Gmail, though there it is located in the top left, which adds to the confusion.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

There's a catch, though: the larger button is only there when you open the app and when you scroll down through your list of emails. Scroll up, and it gets reduced to the tiny, round, pen-toting icon again. Check it out in the video, below.

Personally, I reckon the reasoning behind this is to prevent the button from obscuring too much of your emails. But when that happens, you can just scroll up or down a little, which doesn't seem like a huge deal (though one could argue that the compose button shouldn't be floating over the content at all).

In any case, the new button is an improvement over the old one, but only on the latest version of Gmail for Android. On iOS devices, Gmail users still have to deal with the tiny, round button with a plus sign in it.

Topics Google

Stan Schroeder
Stan Schroeder
Senior Editor

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.


Recommended For You

New climate deniers are making millions on YouTube. But they're lying.
An illustration of a heat map of the world, with the YouTube logo hovering over it.

6 easy ways to live more sustainably (that you still refuse to do)
An illustration of a recycling symbol with people walking on top of it.

So, how hot will Earth get?
A black and white Earth with a fire background.

Why your favourite wellness influencer might be pivoting to climate denialism
Illustration of an iceberg, the tip of which is above water. Below water, sit the words "climate change is real".

More in Tech
How to watch NBA live streams online for free
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks

How to watch Sunriders Hyderabad vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru online for free
By Lois Mackenzie
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Washington Sundar celebrating with team mates

How to watch Sydney Sweeney in 'Immaculate' at home: When is it streaming?
Sydney Sweeney in 'Immaculate' movie

How to watch Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans online for free
By Lois Mackenzie
Delhi Capitals' Mukesh Kuma and teammates

Grab 'Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order' for $5 at PlayStation ahead of May the 4th
Screen grab from gameplay of "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order" video game featuring main character holding lightsaber looking at scenic view

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 25
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 25
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 25
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 24
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!