Gmail's Google Takeout glitch removes label selection function for some users

For those of us who love to keep our Gmail inboxes organized with neatly labeled messages, Google Takeout has been a lifesaver. It allows users to export specific email labels, making data management a breeze. However, over the past few days, users have been encountering a frustrating glitch that’s throwing a wrench into their email export plans.

Let’s rewind a bit. Typically, when you use Google Takeout to export emails, there’s a handy option under the Mail section called “All Mail data included.” This button lets you uncheck the “Include all messages in Mail” checkbox and select specific labels to export — whether it’s your “Inbox,” “Archive,” or custom labels like “Work” or “Family.” Easy, right?

Well, not anymore. Recently, users have been reporting that this option has mysteriously vanished. No more “All Mail data included” button, no more label selection. Just a big ol’ “include everything or nothing” scenario. And let’s be honest, no one wants to sift through a massive file of every single email they’ve ever received.

The glitch has sparked complaints among Gmail users trying to figure out what’s going on. Some have reported that the issue resolved itself after a short while. But for others, including yours truly, the problem persists, leaving them in export limbo.

“Is this a temporary hiccup or a permanent change?” That’s the question on everyone’s minds. Users have tried logging out and back in, hoping for a tech miracle, but the results are mixed. Some have been lucky enough to see the feature return, while others are still stuck without it.

So, what’s the takeaway from this Google Takeout glitch? For now, it’s a waiting game. If you’re among the unlucky few still facing the issue, it might be best to hold off on any major data exports and keep an eye on updates from Google. After all, no one wants to be stuck downloading their entire inbox just to find a few important emails.

In the meantime, let’s hope Google addresses the glitch soon.