How to Connect Gmail to Claude (Connectors Explained)

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What is a Claude connector?

A connector links Claude to an app you already use, like Gmail. Once a connector is on, Claude can see that app's data and, only if you allow it, take actions there too. No more copying an email thread into the chat. The short video above connects Gmail step by step.

How to connect Gmail to Claude

Open Connectors. In the sidebar, click Customize, then Connectors.
Pick Gmail and click Connect. Google Drive, Microsoft 365 and Slack work the same way.
Sign in and approve. You only do this once.

Claude only sees what you can already see in your own inbox. Connecting does not give it access to anyone else's mail.

How to use Gmail in a Claude chat

Start a new chat and just ask. In the video we ask: Find my last email from Riverbend Dairy, and summarize what they asked for. You do not have to name the connector. Claude picks the right one and reads the real email thread, with no copy and paste.

Can Claude send or draft emails?

Some connectors can write too, like drafting a reply. You decide how that works for each action: ask every time, allow it automatically, or skip it. A good starting point is to have Claude ask every time until you trust the workflow.

Which apps to connect first

Connect the apps where your work lives: email, shared drives and team chat. For a wider look at what connectors can do in both Claude and ChatGPT, read Claude and ChatGPT connectors.

The Claude Essentials video series

This post is part of a five-video series on getting started with Claude.

How to Use Claude: A Quick Tour for Beginners
How to Create a Claude Project (and Stop Re-Pasting Context)
How to Connect Gmail to Claude (Connectors Explained) (you are here)
How to Create a Claude Skill (Step by Step)
How to Schedule a Task in Claude

Frequently asked questions

What is a connector in Claude?

A connector links Claude to an app you already use, like Gmail, Google Drive, Microsoft 365 or Slack. Once it is on, Claude can see that app's data and, only if you allow it, take actions there.

How do I connect Gmail to Claude?

In the sidebar, click Customize, then Connectors. Choose Gmail, click Connect, sign in and approve. You only have to do it once.

Can Claude see all of my email?

Claude only sees what you can already see in your own inbox. It does not get access to anyone else's mail.

Do I need to name the connector in my request?

No. Just ask, for example: find my last email from a customer and summarize what they asked for. Claude picks the right connector for you.

Can Claude draft or send emails from Gmail?

Some connectors can write, like drafting a reply. You choose how each action works: ask every time, allow it automatically, or skip it.

Want Claude connected to your team's tools? TEG sets up connectors for Gmail, Drive, Microsoft 365, Slack, HubSpot and more, with the right permissions from day one. The first conversation is always free. Schedule a call with TEG.