No one likes email issues. After all, you need your emails now, not later. But if you’re a Gmail user, you’ve likely encountered issues with Gmail not working. Sometimes it’s a problem with Gmail, and there’s nothing you can do but wait. Other times, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get back to normal.
See If Gmail Is Down
Though rare, Google apps sometimes go offline. Before doing anything else, check the current status of Gmail. The Google Workspace Status Dashboard lists all the main Google apps and their current status based on date. If there’s a green light and nothing under the current date, Gmail isn’t down.
Check Down Detector to see if any other users are reporting issues with Gmail. It may be a new issue, and Google hasn’t updated the dashboard yet.
Update Gmail
If you’re using the Gmail app and dealing with sync issues, messages not loading properly, or the app freezing, the Gmail app could be outdated. One of the most common fixes when Gmail is not working is simply updating the app. If you have automatic updates turned on, it’s probably not an update issue.
If you’re still having problems, you can also uninstall and reinstall the app. Steps may vary slightly based on your device. This example is using a Samsung Galaxy phone. Go to Settings -> Apps. Select Gmail from the list of available apps. Tap Uninstall or Disable. Depending on your device, you may not be able to uninstall Gmail.
Check Sync Settings
Sometimes your sync settings get changed or turned off. This could happen due to an Android system update, installing another app (such as changing your default email app), or just accidentally tapping the wrong thing.
Check your sync settings by opening Settings on your Android device. Scroll down to Accounts and backup. Select Manage accounts, and turn on Auto sync data.
Tap your Gmail address, and check for the last sync date/time. It will typically be within the last 30 minutes, unless you’ve manually changed it. Ensure that the Gmail option is turned on for your Gmail address.
If you’re using a third-party email app to access your Gmail account, try removing and re-adding your Gmail account to restore syncing.
Restart Your Device
It may be a simple fix for issues with Gmail not working, but don’t underestimate the restart. This can help resolve sync issues, missing messages, login problems, and more. Restart your Android device, let everything fully load, and then try using Gmail again.
Clear Your Cache
This applies to both the Android and desktop versions of Gmail. Cached files sometimes interfere with Gmail’s functionality. Clearing them out lets Gmail start fresh, hopefully avoiding any issues you were having.
On Android
Go to Settings -> Apps. Select Gmail and tap Storage. Tap Clear cache. Do not tap Clear data, or you’ll have to set up Gmail on your device again.
On Desktop/Browser
Clearing your cache on a desktop depends on your browser. You’ll usually find the option to clear the cache under Settings. Then look for History, Privacy, Security, or something similar. From there, you’ll have the option to clear your history, including the cache.
Optionally, set up your browser to do this automatically when you close it.
Remove Your Account
This is for Android only. And no, you’re not actually deleting your account. You’re just removing it from your device.
Go to Settings -> Accounts and backup -> Manage accounts. Tap your Gmail account. Tap Remove account.
Restart your device, then go back into Accounts and tap Add account. Enter your Gmail account details. This is likely the Google account you use for your Android device, so any apps tied to it will log back in once you enter your information.
Eliminate Conflicts on Desktop/Browser
If you’re having issues with Gmail not working on your desktop browser, the problem is likely a conflicting extension. If you’re using a new browser, it might not be compatible with Gmail. Google recommends using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Most Chromium-based browsers work well with it too.
If you’ve recently installed a new extension or add-on, disable it to see if this changes anything. You’ll find your extensions and add-ons within the menu on your browser. For instance, in Chrome, go to the Settings menu, and select Extensions -> Manage Extensions.
Select Remove under any extension you want to remove.
Allow JavaScript
When using Gmail in your browser, JavaScript is required. You’ll usually see an error about JavaScript when trying to log in. If you’re using a privacy or security-based browser, JavaScript may be disabled by default.
You can enable JavaScript or add “https://mail.google.com” to your list of trusted websites within your browser. The process varies slightly by browser. In Chrome, open the menu, and choose Settings. Select Privacy & Security in the left pane.
Then, select Site Settings, and scroll down to JavaScript.
Select JavaScript and turn on Sites can use JavaScript.
Check Your Storage
While unlimited free Gmail storage would be wonderful, you’re limited to 15 GB. If you’re not getting new messages, log in to your Gmail account, and check your available storage space. It’s easy to see on a desktop; it’s just under your list of emails.
Or, open Google Drive, and check your storage at the bottom of the left pane. Remember that numerous Google services contribute to your storage, such as Docs, Sheets, and Gmail.
Clearing out some space should let Gmail begin working normally again. Or, upgrade to a premium plan for more storage.
Ensure That It’s Not Your Device
It’s always possible that something is wrong with your device. This could be a conflicting app, an issue with your browser, or a problem with the Gmail app itself. Quickly check whether Gmail works on another device or browser.
If you don’t have another mobile device to use, open Gmail in a mobile browser instead. If it tries to open in the Gmail app and fails, switch your mobile browser to desktop mode. For the Chrome mobile browser, tap the three-dot menu, and select Desktop site. This switches from mobile to desktop view. Yes, it’s harder to see, but should let you test whether the issue is with Gmail or the app.
Regain Access to Gmail
Most Gmail not working issues are easy to fix. If you think you’ve been hacked and can’t log in, learn how to protect and recover your Gmail account. Once protected, use these Gmail keyboard shortcuts on your desktop to get more done. Or, if Gmail just isn’t working out for you, learn how to delete your Gmail account.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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