Gmail is the most popular email service in the world with over 1.5 billion users, integration with Google Workspace, smart compose, custom labels and many other features. But sometimes you want to change your Gmail signature for many reasons, e.g., you got a new job title, you want to add a phone number, you need to remove an old company logo or you just want to refresh the look.
I know, the signature settings are buried in Gmail. Bear with me, three clicks once you know where to look. Look, here is the deal, Gmail also supports multiple signatures and different ones for new emails versus replies.
This easy guide will help you change your Gmail signature by walking you through the desktop and mobile steps, explaining how to set different signatures for replies and helping you fix the most common issue where signatures stop appearing in some emails.
Method 1: Change Gmail Signature on Desktop
This is the full version. Mobile only lets you do plain text, desktop gives you formatting, images and links.
- Open Gmail in your browser.
- Click the gear icon at the top right.
- Click See all settings.
- In the General tab, scroll down to Signature.
- If you have no signature yet, click Create new and name it.
- If you already have one, just click on its name to edit.
- Type or paste your new signature in the box on the right. Format it with the toolbar.
- Scroll to Signature defaults below the editor.
- Pick which signature to use for New emails and Replies/forwards.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Save Changes.
Done. Your new signature appears automatically on every email going forward.
Method 2: Change Gmail Signature on iPhone
Heads up, the mobile signature is separate from desktop. It is plain text only with no formatting or images.
- Open the Gmail app on your iPhone.
- Tap the three lines at the top left.
- Scroll down and tap Settings.
- Tap your email account.
- Tap Signature settings.
- Turn on Mobile Signature.
- Type your signature in the box.
- Tap the back arrow to save.
Now emails sent from iPhone use this signature instead of the desktop one.
Method 3: Change Gmail Signature on Android
Same idea as iPhone with slightly different menu names.
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap the three lines at the top left.
- Scroll to Settings.
- Tap your email account.
- Tap Mobile Signature.
- Type your new signature and tap OK.
Same plain-text limitation. Use desktop if you need formatting.
How to Set Different Signatures for Replies
Trust me, this is a smart move. Long signatures look fine on new emails but stack up on long reply chains. So set a shorter one for replies.
- In Gmail Settings > General > Signature, click Create new.
- Name it “Reply signature” and make it just your name plus title.
- Scroll to Signature defaults.
- Set For New Emails Use to your full signature.
- Set On Reply/Forward Use to the short one.
- Save.
Smart move. Replies look cleaner.
What If Your Signature Is Not Showing
You saved it but it does not appear. Common reasons:
- You forgot to assign it to New Emails or Replies in Signature defaults.
- You hit Save Changes too early (scroll to the very bottom).
- You are using Gmail offline. Switch back to online.
- A browser extension is stripping the signature. Disable extensions one by one.
I know, frustrating. The Signature defaults section is what catches most people.
My Honest Opinion
Most signatures are way too long. Look, here is the deal. Three lines is plenty. Name, title, one contact method. Skip the social icons, the fancy quote and the giant company logo.
Personally I keep mine to two lines. Name plus website. Anyone who needs my phone can ask. Cleaner inbox for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Changing your Gmail signature is buried in Settings but only takes 3 clicks once you know where. Desktop for full formatting, mobile for plain text. Set different ones for new emails versus replies.
Also, if you follow our steps and still face difficulties changing your Gmail signature, seek help from Gmail Help Center or leave a comment in the comment section of our blog.