Mine your inbox: powerful AI 'scan' prompts for productivity and insights
Did you know you can mine your Gmail inbox for valuable insight using Gemini, Google’s AI tool?
Simply click the diamond Gemini icon located in the header of your inbox and enter one of the prompts below. (My favorite prompts: extracting strategic insight and potential collaboration opportunities.)
Gemini will search your inbox, the sent items, and trash. (At this time, it can’t restrict searches to the inbox only or sent items only.) But you can easily refine your results by adding parameters, such as date ranges or specific topics. Use single quotes around topics or names to help Gemini with the search. Topic example: ‘AI’. Name example: ‘Eddie’.
Below are 7 scan prompts to try. Once you have the basic format down, you’ll be able to develop your own. Or ask Gemini to create prompts for you. Have fun!
To request summaries of emails for a date range:
"Scan my emails from [Start Date] to [End Date] and provide a 10-to-15-word summary of each email. Include the subject line of each email."
Example: "Scan my emails from October 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025, and provide a 10-to-15-word summary of each email. Include the subject line of each email."
To obtain strategic insights from emails containing specific topics:
"Scan my emails from [Start Date] to [End Date] for topics related to '[Topic 1]' and '[Topic 2]'. Provide 4-5 strategic insights for my business, keeping in mind [your company's focus/goal]."
Example: "Scan my emails from September 1, 2025, to October 2, 2025, for topics related to 'AI' and 'marketing'. Provide 4-5 strategic insights for my business, keeping in mind my company helps others implement AI tools in daily operations."
To identify potential collaboration opportunities with individuals or businesses:
"Scan my emails from [Start Date] to [End Date] for discussions about '[Project/Area of Interest]' or mentions of '[Specific Company/Individual]'. Identify any potential collaboration opportunities with individuals or businesses and explain why."
Example: "Scan my emails from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, for discussions about 'new product development' or mentions of 'Tech Innovations Inc.'. Identify any potential collaboration opportunities with individuals or businesses and explain why."
To track project progress or updates:
"Scan my emails from [Start Date] to [End Date] for mentions of '[Project Name]' or '[Specific Keyword related to project]'. Summarize the key updates or progress points for each relevant email."
Example: "Scan my emails from July 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, for mentions of 'Website Redesign' or 'Phase 2'. Summarize the key updates or progress points for each relevant email."
To identify unanswered emails or follow-ups needed:
"Scan my inbox for emails that I sent to '[Recipient Name or Email Address]' between [Start Date] and [End Date] that have not received a reply. List the subject lines of these emails."
Example: "Scan my inbox for emails that I sent to 'john.doe@example.com' between October 1, 2025, and October 15, 2025, that have not received a reply. List the subject lines of these emails."
To find emails with specific attachments:
"Scan my emails from [Start Date] to [End Date] for emails containing an attachment with '[Keyword in attachment name, e.g., "report" or "invoice"]'. List the subject lines of these emails and the sender."
Example: "Scan my emails from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, for emails containing an attachment with 'contract'. List the subject lines of these emails and the sender."
To monitor communication with a specific contact or group:
"Scan all emails from or to '[Contact Name or Email Address]' between [Start Date] and [End Date]. Provide a brief overview of the main topics discussed in these conversations."
Example: "Scan all emails from or to 'marketingteam@yourcompany.com' between November 1, 2025, and November 30, 2025. Provide a brief overview of the main topics discussed in these conversations."