Your Gmail profile picture is the visual representation of you across all Google services. It’s important to keep it updated and professional. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to change your Gmail profile picture on various devices, revert to older photos, and even remove it entirely.
A screenshot of the profile picture interface that shows after clicking the photo frame in the Profile picture section in the Basic info
Changing Your Gmail Profile Picture on Different Devices
Updating your profile picture is a straightforward process, regardless of your device.
Changing Your Profile Picture on a Computer
- Open Gmail in your web browser.
- Click on your current profile picture (or initial) in the top right corner.
- Select “Manage your Google Account.”
- In the left-hand menu, click “Personal info.”
- Under “Basic info,” find the “Profile picture” section.
- Click on the circular photo frame.
- Choose to upload a new photo or take one with your webcam.
- Click “Set Profile Photo.”
Changing Your Profile Picture on an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap “Camera.”
- Select “Change” or “Add profile picture.”
- Choose a photo from your library or take a new one.
- Adjust the cropping by dragging the image within the square.
- Click “Save as profile picture.”
Changing Your Profile Picture on an Android Device
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap “Camera.”
- Select “Change” or “Add profile picture.”
- Choose a new photo from your device or take one using the camera.
Restoring a Previous Profile Picture
Google keeps a history of your previous profile pictures. Here’s how to revert back:
- Open Gmail.
- Click your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select “Manage your Google Account.”
- Click “Personal info” on the left.
- Under “Basic info,” choose “Profile picture.”
- Click the three dots (More) in the top right corner, then select “Past profile pictures.”
- Choose the desired picture from the gallery.
Removing Your Gmail Profile Picture
To remove your current profile picture and display your initial:
- Open Gmail.
- Click on your profile picture.
- Select “Manage your Google Account.”
- Click “Personal info.”
- Under “Basic info,” choose “Profile picture.”
- Click “Remove,” then confirm by clicking “Remove” again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Can I Use as a Google Profile Picture?
You can use:
- An illustration from Google’s library.
- A photo from your Google Photos.
- An uploaded image from your computer.
A screenshot of the topmost interface that shows after you click the Past profile pictures in the three-dots drop down menu when clicking the photo frame in the Basic info
What Makes a Good Profile Picture?
A good profile picture depends on the context: professional headshots for work accounts, and personal photos for personal accounts. High-resolution images are always recommended.
Who Can See My Gmail Profile Picture?
Anyone you contact can see your picture on a personal account. For work accounts, visibility can be limited to your organization or people you interact with. You can adjust this setting in your profile picture options.
A screenshot of the window that pop ups after you click the Visible to Anyone interface, which sends you to this window, giving you the option to choose who can see your profile picture
Why Isn’t My New Profile Picture Showing Up?
It can take up to 24 hours for changes to take effect. Try refreshing the page.
What if I Don’t Have a Photo to Use?
You can take a picture directly through Gmail using your device’s camera when changing your profile picture. Use natural lighting and a plain background for best results.
