Your Gmail gets vital Google upgrade and the timing couldn’t be better

If you use Gmail to check your daily emails, you’re about to see a mini but mighty update coming to your inbox. Google has confirmed that it is pushing a useful upgrade, in a move that could seriously help users identify real emails from online scammers. The changes mean that official email accounts will be highlighted by blue verification ticks, just like the ones you see on Instagram or Facebook.

So, the next time you receive an email from someone claiming to be from a big-name brand you’ll be able to spot the blue tick and know that this is exactly who they claim to be. Like the social media counterparts, these icons, which are really simple to spot, will appear right beside the sender’s company name.

Back in 2021, Google had already introduced Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) in Gmail, but this is the first time the US firm has made it simple to see those verified accounts.

In a blog post, Google confirmed: “Building upon that feature, users will now see a checkmark icon for senders that have adopted BIMI. “This will help users identify messages from legitimate senders versus impersonators.”

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Google noted that the update has been introduced to help users and email security systems identify and stop annoying spam and dangerous scams that continue to be pushed out on a daily basis.

It said: “Strong email authentication helps users and email security systems identify and stop spam, and also enables senders to leverage their brand trust.

“This increases confidence in email sources and gives readers an immersive experience, creating a better email ecosystem for everyone.”

While there is no official timeline for the rollout of these blue ticks, Google confirmed that the changes have already begun appearing in some inboxes with a full release expected in the coming days and weeks.

All users who own personal Google accounts, along with Google Workspace customers, legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers will get the upgrade so watch this space.