Gmail app not highlighting unread emails in bold text on Android? Try this potential fix

Android users have recently noticed a frustrating glitch with the Gmail app. For some, unread emails no longer show up in bold text. This makes it tough to spot new messages in a crowded inbox. The issue seems to pop up after a recent update, either to the Gmail app or the Android system itself. While it’s not affecting everyone, most of the reports I found come from Motorola users. If you’re dealing with this, don’t worry — there’s a handy workaround worth trying.

The problem boils down to how the Gmail app displays unread emails. Normally, bold text signals a new message. But for affected users, everything looks the same—read or unread. It’s a small change, but it can throw off your email routine. Motorola users, in particular, have been vocal about this glitch. Posts on Reddit and Google Help forums show it’s a common headache for them. Other Android brands might see it too, though it’s less widespread. I didn’t notice the issue of three different Android phones.

That said, a simple fix seems to work for many. It’s all about tweaking your phone’s font settings. On Motorola devices, the trick is to switch your font to “Android.” Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Moto app on your phone.
2. Go to Personalization settings.
3. Tap Fonts and choose Android.

Once you make this change, restart the Gmail app. Users report that unread emails start showing in bold again. One Motorola user, daveyg5000, shared their relief on Reddit: “Thank you so much for this info…it was doing my head in why it looked like I had already read the emails.”

Not using a Motorola? You might still fix it. Check your phone’s settings for a font option. Look under Display or Appearance, then switch to “Android” or your device’s default font. It’s not guaranteed to work on every phone, but it’s worth a shot.

This isn’t a permanent solution, though. A Google Product Expert noted the team is currently investigating the bug and is working on a permanent fix

So that should be some good news for those who are facing the problem. Just keep an eye out for newer Gmail updates. Until then, give this trick a try and see if it clears up your inbox confusion.