How to Add an Expiration Date to Emails in Gmail

Ever sent an email with sensitive information and wished it could disappear after a while? Gmail makes that possible with a feature called Confidential Mode — it lets you set an expiration date for your emails so they vanish when you want them to.

Here’s how to use it, step-by-step.

What Is Gmail’s Confidential Mode?

Confidential Mode is a built-in Gmail feature that lets you:

• Set an expiration date for emails
• Require a passcode to open
• Prevent forwarding, copying, printing, or downloading

It’s useful for sending personal info, documents, contracts, or anything you don’t want sitting in someone’s inbox forever.

How to Send an Email with an Expiration Date in Gmail

1. Open Gmail
   On your computer or phone, open Gmail and click Compose to start a new message.
2. Click the Lock & Clock Icon
   At the bottom of the compose window, you’ll see a small icon that looks like a padlock with a clock. That’s Confidential Mode. Click it.
3. Set the Expiration & Options
   A window will pop up with these options:
   • Expiration: Choose 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or 5 years.
   • Passcode: Choose “No SMS passcode” or “SMS passcode” (the recipient will get a code via text if you choose SMS).
4. Click Save
   Once you set your preferences, click Save. You’ll go back to your draft email, and you’ll see a message saying “Content expires…” at the bottom.
5. Send It
   Finish your message and click Send like normal. If you chose SMS passcode, Gmail will ask for the recipient’s phone number.

How It Works for the Recipient

The recipient will get a notice that they’ve received a confidential email. If it’s passcode protected, they’ll need to enter a code sent to their phone. Once the expiration date hits, the message becomes inaccessible.

Can You Edit or Revoke Access?

Yes. If you change your mind after sending the email:

• Go to your Sent folder
• Open the confidential email
• Click Remove access

You can revoke access at any time — even before the expiration date.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Not foolproof: Recipients can still take screenshots or photos of the email.
• No attachments after expiration: Once it’s expired, it’s gone — attachments included.
• Only works from Gmail: Confidential Mode is a Gmail feature, so recipients using other services may get a link instead of the full email.

Final Thoughts

Adding an expiration date to emails in Gmail is a smart way to protect sensitive info without overcomplicating things. It’s easy, built-in, and effective for most day-to-day privacy needs.

Give it a try next time you’re sending something that shouldn’t live forever in someone’s inbox.