Install Gmail & Google Inbox Client ‘Wmail’ in Ubuntu 16.04

Google Inbox client

Wmail is an open-source desktop client for Gmail and Google Inbox that works on Linux, Windows, and OS X.

Wmail adds loads of features that mail on the web misses making your mail feel right at home on your computer. It’s easy to use, fast and has all the features you’re already enjoying on the web

Wmail client features:

  • Multiple accounts
  • Desktop Notifications
  • Unread badges
  • System Tray icon
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Drag & drop file.

How to install Wmail in Ubuntu:

The official Linux binary packages are available for download at the link below:

Download Wmail (.zip)

Just download linux32.zip (for 32-bit os) or linux64.zip (for 64-bit system), extract, and run the executable from the result folder.

To install app shortcut icon, so you can launch it from Unity Dash or via other App Launcher, do:

1. Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to install Wmail to /opt:

sudo unzip ~/Downloads/WMail_*.zip -d /opt/WMail

You may replace “WMail_*.zip” in the code with the full package name.

install wmail to opt

2. Create a software link, so you can simply run wmail-client to launch the software:

sudo ln -s /opt/WMail/WMail /usr/local/bin/wmail-client

Here I use “wmail-client” instead of “wmail” to avoid conflict because there’s another wmail package in Ubuntu universe repository.

wmail software link

3. Grab an icon from web (I got it at here), then do:

  • Open File Browser and press Ctrl+H to show hidden file folders.
  • Navigate to user’s Home ->.local/share/icons (create icons folder if not exist)
  • Put the icon here and name it wmail.png
WMail icon

4. Finally run the command below in terminal to create the config file:

gedit .local/share/applications/wmail.desktop

paste the following lines and save it.

[Desktop Entry]
Version=1.0
Type=Application
Name=WMail
Icon=wmail
Exec=wmail-client
Comment=Gmail & Google Indox client
Categories=Network;Email;
Terminal=false
Wmail desktop file

If everything goes OK, you’re now able to launch Wmail from the Unity Dash:

launch wmail

About ml

ml is a part time stay-at-home dad who've been using Ubuntu Desktop for a few years. He writes in the free time and wishes to share some useful tips with Ubuntu beginners and lovers.