Email Threading on an iOS Device
The Apple iOS built-in Mail application has several settings controlling email threading. Email threading is turned on by default.
Email Threading on Gmail on an Android Device
As of Android 5.0 Lollipop, Android devices use Gmail as the default email application, as opposed to the previous Android application called simply Email. Email threading (called the conversation view) is turned on by default, but if it isn’t follow the below steps to enable it:
Organize by Thread: This setting controls whether threading is used at all in emails. Toggle this off to turn off threading completely. The default is “on” which displays a green icon.Collapse Read Messages: This enables collapsing messages that you’ve already read.Most Recent Message on Top: This is off by default, but it seems like a good option to turn on. If Mail does not display the most recent message at the top, you’ll need to scroll through potentially multiple messages to find the most recent one.Complete Threads: This setting groups email messages into threads even if they originate from another mailbox.
Email Threading on Windows Mobile Devices
On Windows mobile devices and phones, email threading—also called the conversation view—is turned on by default. To control these settings:
Email Thread Etiquette
Here are a few pointers when engaging in an email thread, especially if it includes multiple users.
Stay on topic, i.e. do not deviate from the original topic. Strip unnecessary images (such as business logos or ads.) from emails that are forwarded, to avoid clogging recipients’ inboxes with fluff. Copy someone on a reply or forward if it mentions his name. This point can create a lot of hard feelings and confusion, so consider this carefully. Obviously, if the email thread is of a private nature, you will know if it is appropriate to copy someone. But generally, when you bring someone new into an existing thread, it is because a new issue that involves him has surfaced. Alert existing recipients if you do add a new user to a thread. This is a simple courtesy so that all recipients know immediately who is part of the discussion. Clarify the points you are discussing, especially if they relate to an earlier email buried deep into the thread.
