Access Delegated Gmail Account

For the Account Owner (Granting Access)

1. Open Gmail

Go to mail.google.com in your web browser and log in.

2. Go to Settings

Click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select See all settings.

3. Open the “Accounts and Import” Tab

At the top, click Accounts and Import.

4. Add a Delegate

Scroll to Grant access to your account and click Add another account.

Enter the email address of the person you want to delegate access to, then click Next Step and Send email to grant access.

5. Inform the Delegate

The recipient will get an email. Make sure they click the link inside to accept access.

For the Delegate (Accessing Another Inbox)

1. Accept the Invitation

Open the email and click the confirmation link.

2. Access the Delegated Account

In Gmail, click your profile icon in the top right, then select the delegated email address from the drop-down menu.

Alternatively, in your Gmail inbox, you may see a new account added to the left-hand panel. Click it to switch into that inbox.

3. What Delegates Can Do

• Read and reply to emails.
• Send as the owner (shows “sent by [Your Name] on behalf of [Owner Name]”).
• Delete messages.
• Delegates cannot: Change Gmail settings or the account password.

FAQs

Q: How long does delegation take to activate?
A: It can take up to 30 minutes after the delegate accepts.

Q: Can I do this in the Gmail mobile app?
A: No, delegation only works in the web version of Gmail.

Q: How do I remove access?
A: As the account owner, go to Settings > Accounts and Import > Grant access to your account and click delete next to the delegate’s name.

Q: Do I need admin permission?
A: Both accounts must belong to the same Google Workspace (if restricted). Organization Google Admins may disable delegation.

Troubleshooting

• Verify both accounts are in the same organization.
• If you don’t see the option, contact your Google Workspace admin for support.