For many remote teams worldwide, Slack and Gmail are two of the most used apps in the productivity toolbox. Here at IFTTT, we're fans of both, and find they are even more helpful when integrated with each other.
Let's face it: when scheduling meetings, sharing files, and receiving updates, constantly switching between them can be a hassle.
Speaking of IFTTT, our free digital automation tool can connect your Gmail and Slack, streamlining your workflow. Quicker and easier than any other method (such as setting up a webhook), IFTTT allows you to create custom automations for over 1000 of your favorite apps for home, work, and lifestyle.
This guide will walk you through the process of setting up a Slack and Gmail integration using IFTTT. By following these steps, you'll be able to stay on top of your emails without leaving Slack. It's all about making your digital life a little bit easier.
Read on to learn how to take the first step towards a more efficient workday.
What are Gmail and Slack?
Gmail is Google's ever-popular email service, widely used for personal and professional communication. Appreciated for its free price tag and easy setup, over 1.8 billion people have signed up for an account as of 2025. It offers powerful features like smart filtering, labels, and seamless integration with other Google services.
Slack, on the other hand, is a team collaboration and messaging platform designed to enhance workplace communication. It allows teams to organize conversations into channels, share files, and integrate with various productivity tools. More professional than Discord and with more features compared to Google Chat, it makes sense that Slack is the most widely used team collaboration platform in the world.
Now, here's where the magic starts. By integrating Gmail with Slack using IFTTT, you can receive instant email notifications, automate important updates, and reduce the need to constantly switch between platforms—keeping your workflow smooth and efficient.
Why integrate Slack and Gmail?
A Gmail to Slack integration through IFTTT offers numerous advantages. For starters, it enhances communication by keeping your team updated in one place. Also, an integration between the two eliminates the need to switch between apps. Here are some additional key benefits:
- Streamlines communication within your team.
- Improves productivity by reducing task-switching (rapid multitasking has been proved to decrease productivity)
- Ensures timely email notifications in Slack.
- Customizable settings for tailored notifications.
IFTTT helps teams stay focused and collaborate better by reducing distractions. Embracing this automation leads to more connected and productive digital environments.
Connect Slack and Gmail with IFTTT
IFTTT, available as both a free web-based service and mobile app, works by creating connections between over 1000 popular apps and services, allowing them to work together seamlessly.
The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create Applets or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example. We have thousands of Slack and Gmail Applets available for you to try. Click the card below to start connect Slack and Gmail.
Building a Slack and Gmail Applet
If you couldn't find what you wanted, we encourage you to build your own Applet using our user-friendly If This Then That builder.
For this mini tutorial, we'll go over how to create an Applet where Gmail is the trigger, and Slack is the action. This means that if something happens in Gmail, an action will be executed in Slack.
Please note that you can create an Applet with Gmail as the action, Slack and trigger, or any other app as either. The possibilities are endless!
Step 1: Create a new Applet
- Go to IFTTT – Visit IFTTT.com and log in or sign up for an account.
- Click on "Create" – This will take you to the Applet creation screen, where you'll define your automation.
Step 2: Set up the Trigger (If This)
- Click "Add" under the If This section.
- Search for Gmail and select it. Allow IFTTT the necessary permissions. IFTTT never sells or shares your data with any third-party, ever.
- Choose a trigger action, such as:
New email in inbox
New email with a specific label
New email from a specific sender
- Configure any additional trigger settings, then click "Create trigger".
Step 3: Set up the Action (Then That)
- Click "Add" under the Then That section.
- Search for Slack and select it. You'll have to allow the necessary permissions as well.
- Choose an action, such as:
Post a message to a Slack channel.
Send a direct message.
Share an email as a Slack attachment.
- Customize the message content, channel, and formatting, then click "Create action".
Step 4: Finalize and a the Applet
- Review your Applet setup.
- Click "Finish" to enable your automation.
- Test the integration by sending an email that matches the trigger conditions.
Setting up your own Applet can be tricky. But with this added complexity comes an infinite amount of customizability, meaning you can make any automation come to life. For a more in-depth look at setting up an Applet with IFTTT, visit our guide here. Also, feel free to visit our support page at any time.
A final word with IFTTT
Integrating Gmail with Slack using IFTTT is a game-changer for remote teams looking to streamline their workflows and enhance communication.
By setting up our custom Applets, you can receive email notifications directly in Slack, share important updates effortlessly, and reduce the need to switch between apps—ultimately boosting productivity.
The process is quick, easy, and requires no programming experience. So, get started today and see for yourself why IFTTT is the most trusted automation platform worldwide.
