Are you drowning in promotional emails? Google has just made it easier than ever to regain control of your inbox with Gmail’s new Manage Subscriptions tool. This powerful feature lets you unsubscribe from dozens of mailing lists in just a few clicks, no more opening each email one by one or risking your privacy with sketchy unsubscribe links. Let’s dive into how this tool works, how you can use it, and why it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants a cleaner, more manageable Gmail inbox.

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Illustration of a woman using Gmail’s ‘Manage Subscriptions’ tool. (Google)

How Gmail’s ‘Manage Subscriptions’ tool works

Recently, Google expanded its Android unsubscribe feature to Gmail’s desktop version, introducing a new “Manage Subscriptions” button. This feature compiles every email list you’re subscribed to, showing the sender’s name, email address, and how many messages you’ve received recently, all in one convenient place. With just a click, you can unsubscribe from any or all of these lists without leaving the page. The tool offers several key benefits. You can quickly unsubscribe from dozens of mailing lists in just a few seconds.

All of your active subscriptions are displayed on a single page, so there’s no need to hunt through your inbox or open individual emails. It’s also safer, as it avoids the risks of clicking on unknown or potentially malicious unsubscribe links found in some messages.

Gmail’s Manage Subscriptions tool also provides a secure and convenient way to reduce inbox clutter without depending on third-party services. Unlike those apps, Gmail’s feature doesn’t ask for access to your inbox, helping protect your personal data. It’s built directly into Gmail, works with your current setup, and doesn’t require any extra downloads or paid plans. In some cases, you may still need to visit a sender’s website to complete the unsubscribe process, and Gmail will give you options like “Go to website” or “Block” on mobile.

The new “Manage subscriptions” tool is being gradually released across the web, iOS and Android, so if it’s not visible yet, it should appear soon.

How to use Gmail’s bulk unsubscribe feature on web, Android, and iOS

1) Access the “Manage Subscriptions” page

On Web (Desktop):

• Open Gmail in your browser.
• In the left sidebar, scroll down and click More.
• Select Manage subscriptions.

Gmail’s “Manage Subscriptions” page on desktop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

On mobile (Android or iOS):

• Open the Gmail app.
• Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
• Scroll down and tap Manage subscriptions.

Gmail’s “Manage Subscriptions” page on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Review your subscriptions

You will see a list of all the senders you are subscribed to, including their email addresses and the number of recent messages they have sent. 

3) Unsubscribe in bulk

• Next to each sender, tap or click the Unsubscribe button.
• Confirm the unsubscribe request if prompted.
• Repeat for as many subscriptions as you want to remove, all from this single dashboard.

If you want to review emails from a sender before unsubscribing, tap/click the sender’s name to view recent messages.

Gmail’s “Manage Subscriptions” page on mobile. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

4) Wait for changes to take effect

Unsubscribe requests may take a few days to be fully processed. You might receive a few more emails from those senders before they stop.

5 easy ways to keep your Gmail inbox clean

Keeping your inbox under control doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right habits and tools, you can cut down on clutter, avoid scams, and stay focused on the messages that matter. Here are some simple but effective strategies: 

1) Check your “Manage Subscriptions” page often

Make a habit of visiting Gmail’s Manage Subscriptions page every few weeks. This tool shows you all the mailing lists you’re currently subscribed to and how frequently each sender contacts you. Unsubscribing from irrelevant or annoying lists only takes a click and helps prevent your inbox from being overrun with marketing emails.

2) Use Gmail filters to automate cleanup

Set up Gmail filters to automatically archive, label, or delete certain types of messages. For example, you can filter out promotional offers that arrive too often. This keeps your inbox focused without manually sorting through messages every day. 

3) Be careful with unsubscribe links and use strong antivirus software

Think twice before clicking on “unsubscribe” links in unfamiliar or suspicious emails. Some of these links are used in phishing attacks to confirm your email address or trick you into handing over personal information. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to use Gmail’s built-in tools instead.

For Android devices, Google Play Protect offers built-in malware protection and can automatically remove known threats. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn’t 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices. That’s why it’s important to add a trusted antivirus app.

The same goes for iPhones, Macs, and PCs. While Apple and Microsoft have built-in defenses, adding reputable antivirus software gives you extra layers of protection against phishing, ransomware, and other digital threats.

To stay safer across all your devices, make sure you’re protected. 

See my picks for the best antivirus protection of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech.

4) Use a secondary email for signups

Consider creating an alias email address for online shopping, newsletters, and one-time sign-ups. This keeps promotional messages out of your main inbox and makes it easier to manage subscriptions. By creating email aliases, you can protect your information and reduce spam. These aliases forward messages to your primary address, making it easier to manage incoming communications and avoid data breaches.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com/Mail.

5) Mark spam instead of deleting

When you receive an unwanted email, don’t just delete it, mark it as spam. Gmail uses this feedback to improve its filtering system and automatically catch similar messages in the future. This helps protect not only your inbox, but other users’ too.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Gmail’s new Manage Subscriptions tool is a long-awaited upgrade for anyone tired of inbox overload. With the ability to see all your subscriptions in one place and unsubscribe in bulk, you can reclaim your inbox, and your attention, in just a few minutes. If you haven’t spotted the feature yet, keep an eye out as Google continues to roll it out to more users. In the meantime, enjoy a cleaner, more focused email experience, one click at a time.

Would you welcome more automation in email management, or do you prefer a hands-on approach? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Google is making a push to ensure its AI, Gemini, is tightly integrated with Android systems by granting it access to core apps like WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone. The rollout of this change started on July 7, 2025, and it may override older privacy configurations unless you know how to disable Gemini on Android. Here’s what you need to know.

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A woman looking surprised at her Android phone’s screen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s changing with Gemini on Android

Currently, the official email and support pages aren’t providing consistent information on Gemini’s true behavior regarding this change and how to disable it. However, we do know that Gemini will be able to interact with other apps. For instance, it would be able to make calls through the Phone app or send messages through WhatsApp.

Gemini will still be able to interact with your Android apps even if you turned off Gemini Apps Activity in the Gemini Apps setting. This setting allows Google to save your interactions with Gemini apps. These are used to train the AI by allowing “human reviewers (including service providers)” to “read, annotate, and process your Gemini Apps conversations,” according to the Google support page. 

What to know before you disable Gemini on Android

Settings location may vary. Not all users will see the same options in the Gemini app or Google app, as settings can differ based on device model, region, or update status. If you don’t see a particular setting, it may be due to these factors.

How to stop the Gemini app from accessing your Android apps

Google made it vague in the email by saying you can block Gemini from interacting with other apps in the Apps settings. That means if you have Gemini installed on your phone as a separate app, you need to do the following:

• Open the Google Gemini app on your Android phone.
• Tap your profile picture icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
• Tap Apps in the menu.
• Turn off the toggles for the apps you don’t want Gemini to access, which will then disable Gemini’s ability to interact with those specific apps and change the switch from blue to grey.

Steps to stop the Gemini app from accessing your Android apps. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Alternatively, you can just uninstall the Gemini app from your Android phone.

• Long-press the Google Gemini app.
• Tap Remove in the menu.

If your device doesn’t have Gemini installed already, the recent changes won’t secretly install it. You’re likely safe for now. However, you need to stay vigilant in case future updates try to sneak in Gemini functionality without your knowledge. 

How to disable Gemini in the Google app on Android

Gemini can also interact with other apps through the Google app on Android. So it makes sense to disable Gemini on Android in that app as well. Here’s how to do that:

• Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
• Tap Settings in the menu.
• Tap Google Assistant.

Steps to stop the Gemini app from accessing your Android apps. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Tap Digital assistants from Google.
• If it’s set to Gemini, select Google Assistant.
• Tap Switch in the pop-up.

Steps to stop the Gemini app from accessing your Android apps. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What happens after you disable Gemini on Android

Even after you disable Gemini on Android, there are a few key things to understand about how your data is handled and what settings might still require your attention:

If you have already disabled Gemini features, they should remain off: Google states that if you previously turned off Gemini’s access to apps, those privacy settings will persist after the update. However, it’s wise to double-check your settings to ensure nothing has changed.

No forced installation: The Gemini app will not be installed automatically if it isn’t already present on your device. You remain in control of whether or not to add it.

Data review by humans: Conversations with Gemini may be reviewed and annotated by human reviewers for quality control and AI training purposes. Even if your activity is deleted, data reviewed by humans can be retained for up to three years, and this data is disconnected from your Google Account before review. Avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information in Gemini chats, as Google explicitly advises against it.

Kurt’s key takeaways

While some users may welcome this change, if you value control and transparency over your data, limiting its access is the best option. Unfortunately, Google’s guidance on the subject is murky, and you can’t fully disable Gemini on Android unless you root your Android phone. But by proactively reviewing and tweaking a few settings, you can regain some control.

As AI systems become more powerful, do you trust companies to put your privacy before their profits? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Power saver programs are utility-sponsored demand response initiatives that help reduce electricity usage during periods of peak demand. These programs typically target central air conditioners (AC) and heat pumps, since cooling equipment drives spikes in summer energy demand. In exchange for incentives such as bill credits or rebates, participating homeowners allow the utility to temporarily adjust or cycle their HVAC systems on hot days. 

But it’s not all that straightforward. I recently received an email from Leah, an HVAC professional based in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

“I would like to see an article about the push for Smart Thermostats, and the convergence of the utilities’ attempts to control air conditioning usage to conserve energy.”

He pointed to a growing push for smart thermostats and what he sees as an effort by utilities to take more control over air conditioning use, all under the banner of energy conservation.

Let’s discuss the power saver programs in detail, including their pros, cons and everything else you need to know. 

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A smart thermostat (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)   

How power saver programs control your AC

Most residential power saver programs function by temporarily reducing air conditioner usage at participating homes during peak periods (usually summer afternoons). In most cases, the utility installs a control device on the outdoor AC unit’s compressor. During a peak event, a radio signal from the utility will cycle the compressor off and on at set intervals. Legacy programs like Xcel Energy’s Saver’s Switch use this method.

Another method utilities use is controlling thermostats. You’re asked to enroll your Wi-Fi smart thermostat in a bring-your-own-thermostat program. During a demand response event, the utility or program operator remotely raises the thermostat setpoint for a few hours. This causes the AC to run less. Most of these programs allow you to override the change via the thermostat or app; however, emergency events may temporarily disable this option.

Benefits of joining a power saver program

Power saver programs provide several benefits for both participating consumers and the wider community. First, there are bill savings and incentives. Participants receive direct financial rewards, ranging from annual bill credits of up to $40 to up-front enrollment bonuses of $25-$100.

These programs also result in collective demand reduction during peak times, helping prevent grid overloads and blackouts. By coordinating energy reductions across thousands of homes, utilities can avoid firing up expensive peaker plants or purchasing high-priced electricity on the open market.

Reducing peak demand can also help avoid turning on older, more polluting fossil-fuel generators. That means fewer CO₂ emissions and lower air pollution on the hottest days, when health risks are already high.

A smart thermostat  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)    

Drawbacks and risks of power saver programs

Despite the benefits, residential power saver programs come with several potential drawbacks and concerns that have been raised by both customers and experts.

“In New Mexico, where I live and work, our electric utility, PNM, offers a ‘Power Saver’ program. Customers can opt in to have a box mounted to their condenser, which disrupts the signal between the furnace and the condenser during peak consumption hours, effectively shutting it down,” Leah tells me. 

“It’s not great for the condenser, and we often get calls from customers who don’t fully understand what they signed up for and are confused when their AC stops working. Now, there’s a push to gain access to Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats to achieve the same goal. They want to control our ACs.”

Understandably, many people are uncomfortable with utilities taking over their cooling systems, especially in extreme heat. Take the 2022 incident with Xcel Energy in Colorado. During an energy emergency, 22,000 smart thermostat users were temporarily locked out of adjusting their ACs. Many had never experienced a no-override event before and were understandably frustrated. While rare, these incidents raise valid concerns about control and consent.

There are also technical concerns. Frequent short cycling of AC compressors can lead to increased wear and tear. Every startup strains the compressor motor, and repeated on-off cycles within a short period may reduce efficiency or shorten the unit’s lifespan, although this depends on the system and the frequency of the events.

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Smart thermostats and utility control: What to know

Some people enrolled in thermostat adjustment programs without realizing it. This leads to confusion and frustration when their air conditioning is unexpectedly limited. Often, this happens because smart thermostats come with default opt-in settings or vague incentive language that can be confusing.

In Texas in 2021, many residents saw their smart thermostats rise above 78°F during an ERCOT conservation alert. They later found out they had unknowingly agreed to let utilities make temperature adjustments.

Privacy and security concerns with smart thermostats

These programs also raise important data privacy concerns. Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats collect and transmit sensitive information, including occupancy patterns, temperature preferences and when a home is likely unoccupied.

Cybersecurity is another issue. Like any internet-connected device, smart thermostats can be vulnerable to hacking or malicious remote commands. So far, no major breaches have impacted AC demand programs, but privacy advocates say the risks are real and growing.

Air conditioner outdoor unit (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)   

7 things to do if you’re considering power saver programs

Whether you’re thinking about signing up or are already enrolled, these steps will help you stay in control, protect your comfort and avoid unwanted surprises:

1) Read the fine print and opt in carefully

Before you join any power saver or thermostat program, read the terms completely. Ensure you understand the extent of the utility’s control, whether you can override changes and how frequently adjustments may occur. Always choose manual enrollment during smart home app setup instead of letting it enroll you automatically.

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2) Choose thermostats with clear override options

Use a Wi-Fi thermostat that makes it easy to override changes during demand response events. Many models let you opt out temporarily or permanently through the app or the device itself. Learn how to do this before a peak event occurs, so you’re not caught off guard.

Find expert-reviewed smart thermostats that put you in control at Cyberguy.com/SmartThermostats

3) Stay informed about energy events

Turn on alerts from your utility so you receive notifications about peak demand events by email, text or app. Check your utility’s website for schedules or forecasts and opt out in advance if needed. Staying informed gives you more control over how your system behaves.

4) Secure your smart devices

Use strong passwords for your thermostat and home Wi-Fi. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if available. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords

5) Update software

Keep your thermostat’s software updated to protect it from potential security risks or remote interference.

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6) Know how to opt out or disconnect

If the program doesn’t work for you, learn how to remove your thermostat from it. Utilities usually offer opt-out instructions through their website or app. You may also need to adjust settings or factory reset your thermostat.

For more ways to save on your power bill or to see if opting out makes sense for your budget, visit Cyberguy.com/SaveonPower

7) Monitor comfort and performance

Keep an eye on how your AC performs during demand events. If you notice unusual behavior like frequent short cycling or your home becomes uncomfortably warm, it might be time to reconsider your participation. 

For more ways on how to keep your home cool and comfortable, check out Cyberguy.com/KeepCool

Kurt’s key takeaway

Power saver programs can help reduce grid stress and offer small financial incentives, but they come with trade-offs. Customers may experience reduced comfort, equipment wear, and loss of control, sometimes without realizing they’ve opted in. There are also valid concerns around data privacy and security. These programs need clearer communication and better safeguards if they’re going to be widely accepted.

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Is the promise of energy savings worth giving up privacy and control over your home’s temperature? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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