How to Copy Email Addresses from Gmail on iPhone

Gmail is one of the most widely used mail services globally, and many of its features are everyday tools for millions of users. One of these features includes the capacity to copy email addresses from incoming or outgoing messages. However, some iPhone users have found copying email addresses from Gmail on their device challenging. This difficulty is what has prompted this post. This post will offer several effective methods that can help iPhone users copy email addresses from Gmail easily.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Copying Email Addresses from Gmail on iPhone

Gmail users often need to copy email addresses from their messages for tasks such as creating contact lists and forwarding emails. However, iPhone users have reported several issues when attempting to copy email addresses from their Gmail inbox or sent folder. The primary challenge is that tapping and holding on an email address in iOS typically summons the "mailto" prompt, which opens a new email message with the address inserted in the "To" field. As a result, users have attributed this misbehavior to variances in iPhone and Gmail email clients.

Things You Should Prepare

Before diving into any of the methods suggested below, there are certain things that a user needs to have in place. They include:

  • An iPhone running at least iOS 14
  • The official Gmail app installed
  • A Google account set up

Method 1: Using the Copy Option in Gmail App

This first method involves using the official Gmail app’s built-in feature to copy an email address. Here’s how to go about it:

  1. Open the Gmail app on your iPhone
  2. Tap and hold the email address in question
  3. Select "Copy" from the pop-up option
  4. The email address will be saved to your clipboard, which can then be pasted into your desired destination, such as a Notes app or phone contact

Pros:

  • It is a simple and quick method that works effectively.
  • It does not require the installation of third-party apps or subscription to paid services.

Cons:

  • This method only works when using the official Gmail app.
  • The copied email address from this method often comes out plain text, so it may require formatting to include any labels or annotations added to the original email address.

Method 2: Using the Share Option in Gmail App

This second method involves using the share function in the Gmail app. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the email with the email address you would like to copy in the Gmail app
  2. Tap the avatar of the sender on the left of the message header
  3. Select "Share"
  4. Select "Copy to clipboard" from the Share options
  5. The email address will be saved to your iPhone’s clipboard and can be pasted into your desired location, such as a Notes app or phone contact.

Pros:

  • It is a straightforward process that can easily implement.
  • This method works even when using a mobile browser to access Gmail.
  • The Kopie app can also integrate well with method 2, providing a more user-friendly experience than using the traditional copy and paste approach.

Cons:

  • This method requires users to have the Gmail app installed on their iPhone.
  • The process can be somewhat tedious for users who prefer quick solutions as it requires several clicks, unlike other methods that only require a single click.

Method 3: By Forwarding Message and Retrieving Email Address

This method might seem like a complicated one, but it is an effective method for extracting email addresses from emails. Here is what you need to do:

  1. Open the Gmail app and find the email that contains the email address you want to copy.
  2. Tap the "Forward" arrow icon at the bottom of the screen
  3. Enter your email address or any other address in the "To" field and hit "Send."
  4. Open the email sent to the provided/entered email address.
  5. Tap and hold on the email address you want to copy and select "Copy".
  6. Once you have copied the email address, discard the forward email.

Pros:

  • All email addresses, including those hidden behind hyperlinks and other non-clickable elements, can be copied using this method.

Cons:

  • This method can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple email addresses.
  • It requires an extra forwarding process.

Why Can’t I Copy Email Addresses from Gmail on iPhone?

If you can’t copy email addresses from your Gmail app on your iPhone, several reasons could be responsible. Here are some reasons and their fixes:

1. Your iPhone operating system is outdated.

A possible cause of this misbehavior could be that your iPhone’s operating system is outdated. You can fix this by updating your iPhone to a more recent operating system.

2. The Gmail app is outdated

Another reason why you can’t copy email addresses from Gmail could be due to outdated versions of the Gmail app. Ensure your Gmail app updates to the latest version available.

3. An issue with a third-party email client app

If you’re using a third-party email client app on your device, the app’s functionality may be conflicting with Gmail. Try switching back to the official Gmail app and confirm that this fixes the issue.

Additional Tips

When copying email addresses from Gmail on your iPhone, it’s essential to factor in the nature of the email address and its length. This is because iPhone’s limited clipboard can only save an email address containing about 240 characters. If an email address is more extensive than 240 characters, iOS may truncate it, or only the first 240 characters will be saved to the clipboard.

5 FAQs about Copying Email Addresses from Gmail on iPhone

Q1: Do I need an internet connection to copy email addresses from Gmail on my iPhone?

A: Yes, you need to have an active internet connection to access your Gmail account and copy email addresses from it.

Q2: Can I use any browser to copy email addresses from Gmail?

A: Yes, you can make use of any browser to access your Gmail account and copy email addresses. However, this method may not be as effective as using the official Gmail app, as some browsers sometimes do not support "copy" and "paste" functions.

Q3: Can I use a third-party app to help me copy email addresses from Gmail?

A: Yes, several third-party apps can be helpful in copying email addresses from your Gmail account, such as Kopie app.

Q4: Is it possible to copy multiple email addresses from an email?

A: Yes, it is possible to copy multiple email addresses from an email. This can be achieved using any of the methods highlighted in this blog post.

Q5: How can I ensure I am running the latest version of the Gmail app on my iPhone?

A: To ensure you are running the latest version of the Gmail app, go to the App Store, search for the Gmail app, and check if an update is available.

In Conclusion

Copying email addresses from Gmail on an iPhone device can be a daunting task, especially for users who are not tech-savvy. However, this blog post has highlighted some effective methods that can be used to copy email addresses from Gmail with ease. Each method was accompanied by detailed steps, pros, and cons, making it easy for users to pick a method that suits them best. With the preparation highlighted and a knowledge of FAQs that may arise, users can now approach Gmail with much more confidence and ease.