---
ref: tool:google/search-threads
name: Search email threads
company: company:google
workflows: []
access: [mcp]
tags: [capability:search-conversations, category:email, has:mcp]
docs: https://developers.google.com/workspace/gmail/api/guides/configure-mcp-server
updated: 2026-09-29
---

# Search email threads

Returns Gmail threads matching a search query, such as unread replies in a label.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### MCP (official, remote)

Add this server to your agent's MCP settings, then sign in when asked.

```json
{ "mcpServers": { "google": { "url": "https://gmailmcp.googleapis.com/mcp/v1" } } }
```

Call the MCP tool `search_threads`.

Server URL: https://gmailmcp.googleapis.com/mcp/v1

Note: A Developer Preview, open only to Google Workspace accounts in the Workspace Developer Preview Program.

Before anything else, confirm access with the cheapest read-only call, like a list or a search. Never send or change anything to test access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data, and say how many records it touches. One approval covers a batch the user has seen.
- Never print API keys.