13 Ways to Get Notification When Email Is Read in Gmail

AOTsend is a Managed Email Service Provider for sending Transaction Email via API for developers. 99% Delivery, 98% Inbox rate. $0.28 per 1000 emails. Start for free. Pay as you go. Check Top 10 Advantages of Managed Email API

Gmail, being one of the most popular email services, offers various features to enhance user experience. One such sought-after feature is the ability to get notified when an email is read by the recipient. Although Gmail doesn't have a built-in function for this, there are workarounds and third-party tools that can help. Here are 13 ways to achieve this:

【AOTsend Email API】：
AOTsend is a Transactional Email Service API Provider specializing in Managed Email Service. 99% Delivery, 98% Inbox Rate. $0.28 per 1000 Emails.
AOT means Always On Time for email delivery.

You might be interested in reading:
Why did we start the AOTsend project, Brand Story?
What is a Managed Email API, Any Special?
Best 25+ Email Marketing Platforms (Authority,Keywords&Traffic Comparison)
Best 24+ Email Marketing Service (Price, Pros&Cons Comparison)
Email APIs vs SMTP: How they Works, Any Difference?

1. Use Email Tracking Extensions

There are several Chrome extensions like MailTrack or Yesware that integrate with Gmail and provide email tracking capabilities. These extensions insert a small, invisible image pixel into your emails, notifying you when the email is opened.

2. Utilize CRM Software

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software like HubSpot or Salesforce often includes email tracking as part of their feature set. If you're already using such software, you can leverage this functionality.

3. Try Email Marketing Tools

Email marketing platforms like MailChimp or Constant Contact offer open-rate tracking. While these are primarily designed for mass email campaigns, they can still be useful for individual email tracking needs.

4. Gmail Read Receipts

Although Gmail doesn't offer read receipts natively, you can request a read receipt manually by adding a special header to your email. This method isn't foolproof, as it relies on the recipient's email client supporting this feature.

5. Use Third-Party Apps

Apps like Boomerang for Gmail or Streak offer advanced email tracking features. These tools can provide detailed analytics on email opens, clicks, and more.

6. Leverage Gmail Labs

Gmail Labs is a testing ground for experimental features. While there's no direct email tracking feature in Labs, you might find related experiments that could aid in your tracking efforts.

7. Create Unique Links

Include a unique link in your email that redirects to a landing page or form. By tracking the clicks on this link, you can indirectly infer if the email has been read.

8. Utilize Google Analytics

If you include links to your website in your emails, you can use Google Analytics to track visits from those links. This can give you insights into email engagement.

9. Integrate with Other Google Services

Services like Google Sheets or Google Docs can be used to create custom tracking solutions. For example, you could set up a script to log email open events in a Google Sheet.

10. Use Zapier or IFTTT Integrations

Automation tools like Zapier or IFTTT allow you to create workflows that can notify you when certain conditions are met, including email opens tracked by other services.

11. Develop Custom Solutions

If you have programming knowledge, you can develop a custom Gmail addon or use Gmail's API to create a tailored tracking solution.

12. Explore Gmail Add-Ons Marketplace

The Gmail Add-Ons Marketplace offers various tools that can enhance Gmail's functionality, including email tracking. Explore the marketplace to find suitable add-ons.

13. Request Feedback Directly

While not a tracking method, sometimes the simplest solution is to ask the recipient directly if they've read your email. This approach fosters open communication and can be more effective in certain situations.

In conclusion, while Gmail doesn't offer a direct way to get notified when an email is read, there are numerous workarounds and tools available. Experiment with these methods to find the one that best suits your needs. Remember, email tracking should always be used ethically and with consideration for the privacy of the recipient.

AOTsend adopts the decoupled architecture on email service design. Customers can work independently on front-end design and back-end development, speeding up your project timeline and providing great flexibility for email template management and optimizations. Check Top 10 Advantages of Managed Email API. 99% Delivery, 98% Inbox rate. $0.28 per 1000 emails. Start for free. Pay as you go.