> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.zaapi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.zaapi.com/integrations/gmail/import-email-history.md).

# Import email history

### Understanding Import & Syncing

When setting up your Gmail integration, the settings you choose determine exactly what data is brought into Zaapi.

#### ⏳ Import Time

If you toggle "Import email history and labels" to ON, Zaapi will begin syncing the last 7 days of your email history. Please allow up to 15 minutes for all history to appear in your inbox.

#### 📥 How Syncing Works

The categories you select (e.g., *Inbox, Updates*) act as a filter for both past history and future emails:

* Initial Import: Only the last 7 days of history from the selected categories will be imported.
* Ongoing Sync: From this point onwards, only new emails landing in these specific categories will appear in Zaapi. Emails received in unselected categories will not be synced.

#### ⚙️ Editing Your Settings

If you want to change these preferences later (for example, to stop syncing "Promotions"):

1. Go to Settings > Integrations.
2. Click on the connected Gmail card.
3. Update your checkboxes and save.

***

### Guide to Email Categories

Gmail automatically filters your incoming email into different tabs. Use this guide to decide which boxes to check during setup:

* INBOX (Primary):
  * *What it is:* Your main feed containing personal emails and direct conversations.
  * *Recommendation:* Always select this. This is where your most important customer inquiries land.
* CATEGORY UPDATES:
  * *What it is:* Automated, transactional notifications (confirmations, receipts, shipping alerts).
  * *Recommendation:* Select this only if you wish to receive confirmations and alerts from other services that you use.
* CATEGORY PROMOTIONS:
  * *What it is:* Marketing emails, newsletters, and special offers.
  * *Recommendation:* Select this only if you receive important supplier offers via newsletters. Otherwise, it may clutter your inbox.
* CATEGORY SOCIAL:
  * *What it is:* Email notifications from platforms like Instagram, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn.
  * *Recommendation:* Generally leave unchecked unless you specifically want social media *email alerts* in your inbox.
* CATEGORY FORUMS:
  * *What it is:* Messages from online groups and mailing lists.
  * *Recommendation:* Leave unchecked unless your support team uses email-based discussion groups.
* SPAM:
  * *What it is:* Emails flagged as junk or malicious.
  * *Recommendation:* Leave unchecked.