Python script failing to create Gmail filter: Troubleshooting needed

Other Questions Gmail
1

I’m having trouble with my Python code that’s supposed to make new Gmail filters. It’s weird because I can list labels and stuff just fine, but when I try to add a filter, it goes wrong.

Here’s a simple version of what I’m trying to do:

from google.oauth2.credentials import Credentials
from googleapiclient.discovery import build

def create_filter():
    creds = Credentials.from_authorized_user_file('my_token.json', ['https://www.googleapis.com/auth/gmail.settings.basic'])
    gmail = build('gmail', 'v1', credentials=creds)
    new_filter = {
        'criteria': {'from': '[email protected]'},
        'action': {'removeLabelIds': ['INBOX']}
    }
    result = gmail.users().settings().filters().create(userId='me', body=new_filter).execute()
    return result

create_filter()

But I keep getting this error:

HttpError 400: Filter doesn't have any actions

What’s weird is that when I check my authentication, it looks like I’m not logged in. But I know I am because I can do other stuff. Any ideas what’s going wrong?

2

I’ve dealt with Gmail filters via API before, and your issue sounds familiar. The error message can be misleading. Even though you’re removing the INBOX label, Gmail wants you to add a positive action too.

Try tweaking your filter action like this:

‘action’: {
‘removeLabelIds’: [‘INBOX’],
‘addLabelIds’: [‘Label_123’],
‘markAsRead’: True
}

Replace ‘Label_123’ with an actual label ID from your account. This combo of removing, adding, and marking as read should satisfy Gmail’s requirements.

As for the authentication problem, it could be a token expiration issue. Try regenerating your credentials file. If that doesn’t work, double-check your API console to make sure the Gmail API is enabled and you’ve got the right scopes set up.

Let me know if this helps or if you need more troubleshooting!

3

I’ve encountered similar issues with the Gmail API before. The error message is a bit misleading here. While your filter does have an action (removing the INBOX label), Gmail requires at least one positive action, like adding a label or marking as read.

Try modifying your filter action to include both removing and adding a label:

'action': {
    'removeLabelIds': ['INBOX'],
    'addLabelIds': ['CATEGORY_UPDATES']
}

Also, double-check your credentials. The API might be using cached credentials that have expired. Clear your token file and re-authenticate. If the problem persists, verify your API console settings to ensure you’ve enabled the Gmail API and have the correct scopes.

4

hey there! i’ve run into this before. the error’s misleading - gmail wants a positive action too. try adding a label along with removing INBOX:

“action”: {
“removeLabelIds”: [“INBOX”],
“addLabelIds”: [“CATEGORY_PERSONAL”]
}

also, ur auth might be wonky. clear ur token file and reauthenticate. that usually fixes it for me. good luck!