{"id":84156,"date":"2022-02-16T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-16T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/?p=84156"},"modified":"2024-10-24T01:48:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T05:48:52","slug":"what-to-do-if-gmail-is-not-working-11-quick-fixes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/what-to-do-if-gmail-is-not-working-11-quick-fixes\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do If Gmail Is Not Working? 11 Quick Fixes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Issues with Gmail not working can play out in many forms. Sometimes, the Gmail app won\u2019t deliver emails to your inbox<\/a>. Other times, your Gmail inbox repeatedly fails to load in your web browser. Email notification problems are also quite common with Gmail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article covers troubleshooting fixes for several Gmail issues on mobile devices (Android and iOS) and desktop computers.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"What<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

1. Is Your Internet Connection Working?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your device won\u2019t lose the Gmail app or inbox if there\u2019s a problem with your internet connection. If you\u2019re accessing Gmail in a web browser, open other websites in a new tab and ensure they load correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do the same on your smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, open other internet-dependent apps on your device and check if they work without issues. If the problem is persistent across all apps or web pages, your internet connection likely is the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Is<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using mobile or cellular data, make sure you have an active data plan. Putting your phone in and out of airplane mode could also help refresh your internet connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection, move your device closer to the router, update the router\u2019s firmware, or reboot the router if you still can\u2019t access the internet. Likewise, inspect the network\u2019s admin dashboard and confirm that your device isn\u2019t blacklisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refer to our tutorials on fixing slow mobile data connections<\/a> and getting high-speed internet over Wi-Fi for more troubleshooting solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related:<\/strong> Learn what to do when Gmail is not sending your emails<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Check Gmail Service Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your internet connection isn\u2019t the problem with Gmail not working, check that the Gmail servers aren\u2019t experiencing a temporary downtime or outage. Head to the Google Workspace Status Dashboard<\/a> and confirm that Gmail is available. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A green checkmark<\/strong> next to Gmail means the email service is available and working smoothly. A yellow exclamation<\/strong> or red \u201cX\u201d icon<\/strong> indicates that Gmail is down due to service disruption or service outage, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also check for service disruption on website monitoring platforms like DownDetector. Head to Gmail\u2019s status page on DownDetector<\/a> and check if any Gmail problems are reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Use a Supported Browser<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gmail may not work correctly on web browsers that aren\u2019t optimized for the email service. For optimum user experience, Google recommends accessing Gmail on the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Use<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Additionally, you must have cookies and Javascript enabled<\/a> on whatever browser you\u2019re using. Otherwise, Gmail may not load, and you may be unable to use some Gmail features. The recommended browsers mentioned above have both cookies and Javascript enabled by default. So, unless you previously disabled cookies or Javascript, you don\u2019t have to turn them on manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Gmail still isn\u2019t working in your browser, close and reopen the browser and try again. You should also ensure the browser is up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Try Gmail in Incognito Mode<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Buggy browser extensions or add-ons can interfere with some Gmail functionalities and prevent the email service from working correctly. Accessing Gmail in incognito mode can help diagnose if the problem is caused by harmful extensions or applications.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Try<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Incognito Mode (or Private Browsing) disables all browser extensions, preventing any bad extension from affecting Gmail performance. If Gmail and other websites work correctly in incognito mode, disable your browser extensions one at a time to detect the problematic extension or add-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend reading this guide on installing only safe browser extensions to learn more about low, medium, and high-risk browser extensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Adjust Date and Time Settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your device might be unable to establish a connection with Gmail\u2019s servers if its date or time is incorrect. Head to your device\u2019s settings menu and ensure the date and time settings are set to update automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Android, go to Settings<\/strong> > System<\/strong> > Date & time<\/strong> and toggle on both Use network-provided time<\/strong> and Use network-provided time zone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Adjust<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

To update your iPhone and iPad\u2019s date & time, go to Settings<\/strong> > General<\/strong> > Date & Time<\/strong> and toggle on Set Automatically<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Adjust<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

6. Enable IMAP in Gmail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)<\/a> is an email program that lets you access your Gmail inbox from other email clients\/apps. If you aren\u2019t getting Gmail messages in the Apple Mail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook, or other apps that use IMAP to access Gmail, check that IMAP is enabled in your Gmail account settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Open your Gmail inbox in a web browser, select the gear icon<\/strong>, and select See all settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Enable<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Go to the Forwarding and POP\/IMAP<\/strong> tab, scroll to the \u201cIMAP access\u201d section, and choose Enabled IMAP<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"Enable<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Select the Save Changes<\/strong> button at the bottom of the page.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
        \n
        \"Enable<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

        7. Check Gmail Notification Settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        If Gmail won\u2019t deliver notifications<\/a> for new emails on your device, check your account settings and select the type of emails you want to be notified about. Likewise, make sure Gmail notification is enabled at the system level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Change Gmail Notification Settings in Android<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Open the Gmail app on your device and follow the steps to check and change email notification settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Tap the hamburger menu icon<\/strong> in the top-left corner and select Settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Select the account whose notification settings you want to change.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
          \n
          \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Select Notifications<\/strong> in the \u201cNotifications\u201d section and tap All<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
            \n
            \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Return to the \u201cNotifications\u201d section, tap Manage notifications<\/strong>, toggle on Show notifications<\/strong>, and select the Alerting<\/strong> notification delivery.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

              Change Gmail Notification Settings in iOS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

              First, you need to ensure Gmail notification is allowed in your iPhone\u2019s Settings menu. Afterward, open the Gmail app and configure your inbox notification preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. Go to Settings<\/strong>, select Gmail<\/strong>, select Notifications<\/strong>, and toggle on Allow Notifications<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                \n
                \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                Make sure you also toggle on Sounds<\/strong>, Badges<\/strong>, Lock Screen<\/strong>, Notification Center<\/strong>, and Banners<\/strong> in the \u201cAlerts\u201d section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Open Gmail, tap the hamburger menu icon<\/strong> in the top-left corner, and select Settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                2. Select the email account whose notification settings you want to change.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                  \n
                  \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                    \n
                  1. Scroll to the \u201cNotifications\u201d section and select the type of emails you want to be notified about.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                    \n
                    \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                    The All new mail<\/strong> option will send notifications for all new emails in your inbox, while \u201cPrimary only\u201d will only notify you about new emails in the Primary section of your inbox. Select High priority only<\/strong> if you want notifications for emails that Gmail identifies as high priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Change Gmail Notification Settings on Web<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                    Open your Gmail inbox on a web browser and follow the steps below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    1. Select the gear icon<\/strong> next to the search bar, and select See all settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                      \n
                      \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. In the General<\/strong> tab, scroll to the \u201cDesktop notifications\u201d section, and select Click here to enable desktop notifications for Gmail<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                        \n
                        \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Select Allow<\/strong> on the \u201cShow notifications\u201d prompt that pops up below the address bar.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                          \n
                          \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                            \n
                          1. Next, choose either New mail notifications on<\/strong> or Important mail notifications on<\/strong> and then select a preferred notification alert in the Mail notification sounds<\/strong> drop-down menu.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                            \n
                            \"Check<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                            8. Force Close and Reopen Gmail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Force closing Gmail on your mobile device can resolve temporary system glitches causing the app to freeze, crash, or go unresponsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Force Close Gmail on iPhone or iPad<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                            The steps to force close an app depend on the model of your iPhone or iPad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            1. Open the iOS or iPadOS App Switcher\u2014swipe up from the bottom to the middle of your device\u2019s screen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              If your iPhone or iPad has a Home button, double-click the button to open the App Switcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              1. Locate Gmail and swipe up on the app preview. That\u2019ll force-close Gmail on your iPhone or iPad.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                \n
                                \"Force<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                1. Head to your device\u2019s Home Screen or App Library, reopen Gmail and check if it now works as expected.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  Force Close Gmail in Android<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                                  Follow the steps below to force-close Gmail on an Android device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  1. Go to your device\u2019s Home Screen or app launcher, press and hold the Gmail app icon, and select the info <\/strong>icon.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                    \"Force<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                                    Alternatively, open the Settings<\/strong> app, go to App & notifications<\/strong> > See All Apps<\/strong> (or App info<\/strong>), and select Gmail<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                    \"Force<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    1. Tap Force Stop<\/strong>, select OK<\/strong> on the confirmation prompt and tap Open<\/strong> to relaunch Gmail.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                      \"Force<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                                      If the problem persists, clear the app\u2019s cache file and storage data and try again. Jump to the next section for detailed instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      9. Clear Gmail Cache & App Data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Accumulation of corrupt cache files and app data could cause the Gmail app to crash and exhibit other forms of malfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Force close Gmail and follow the steps below to clear the app\u2019s cache and storage data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \n
                                      1. Go to Settings<\/strong> > Apps & notifications<\/strong> > See All Apps<\/strong> (or App info<\/strong>) > Gmail<\/strong> and select Storage & cache<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      2. Tap the Clear Cache<\/strong> option.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                        \n
                                        \"Clear<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                                        Open Gmail and check if it now works correctly. Otherwise, delete Gmail\u2019s data from your device if clearing its cache storage doesn\u2019t resolve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \n
                                        1. Tap Clear Storage<\/strong> (or Clear Data<\/strong>) and select OK<\/strong> on the confirmation prompt.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                          \"Clear<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

                                          Note that you\u2019ll have to re-do all customizations made to Gmail (e.g., notification settings, theme, swipe actions, etc.) after clearing the app\u2019s data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          10. Update Gmail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Software bugs or device incompatibility are noteworthy causes for failure. You might encounter issues using Gmail if the app version installed on your device is outdated or incompatible with your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Head to your device\u2019s app store (Google Play Store<\/a> or Apple App Store<\/a>) and update Gmail to the latest version. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall Gmail from your device. That could also help resolve minor performance issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          11. Restart Your Device<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Do you have the latest Gmail version on your device? Does Gmail still fail to work correctly after updating the app? Rebooting your device could fix the problem. Shut down your device, turn it back on, and try using Gmail again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Contact Google Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          If none of these troubleshooting fixes resolve the problem, visit the Gmail Help Center<\/a> for more potential solutions to Gmail issues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                          Issues with Gmail not working can play out in many forms. Sometimes, the Gmail app won\u2019t deliver emails to your inbox. Other times, your Gmail inbox repeatedly fails to load […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83,"featured_media":84157,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5322],"tags":[5404],"class_list":{"0":"post-84156","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-remote-work","8":"tag-gmail"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/image-43.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sodiq Olanrewaju","author_link":"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/author\/solanrewaju\/"},"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t