How To Fix Your Gmail Account

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Update: November 12, 2021 (5:50 AM ET): Google confirmed (h/t FirstSquawk) disruptions to several services across Europe on Friday. The company's status page suggests that it is "currently investigating an issue" that's preventing users from accessing the likes of Gmail, Calendar, Google Chat, Meet, and Groups.

The reason for the service disruption is currently unknown but Google will continue to provide status updates throughout the day.

Gmail is one of those services you don't really worry about until it's gone. Is Gmail not working for you today? When it hits the fan, you need to get it fixed, but how? We're here to help, as we break down the most common Gmail issues and how to fix them.

Is Gmail down?
Close and reopen Gmail
Make sure Sync Gmail is on
Check for updates
Restart the device

Remove your Google account
Check your internet connection
Clear the cache and data
Your browser might not be supported
It could be extensions

Editor's note: Some of the instructions in this article were generated using a Pixel 4a 5G running Android 12 and an Asus ZenBook Pro Duo running Windows 10 Pro. Keep in mind that steps can be slightly different depending on the device and software you're using.

Is Gmail down?

Is Gmail not working for you? There's a chance it's not working for anybody! This is not a common occurrence, but Google's services go down from time to time. Thankfully, there are a couple of ways to check if this is the case.

You can head over to the Google Workspace Status Dashboard. This page will tell you if any Google service is operational or not. Of course, Gmail is one of the listed apps. Alternatively, you can try a website like DownDetector. The site collects user reports to identify service outages. There's even a map to see if the issue is local.

Also read:How to set up a Google account

Close and reopen Gmail

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

This is a simple, yet very functional troubleshooting tip that works most of the time. Often, simply closing and reopening Gmail might fix any local issues. If you're using a browser, try restarting the whole browser, too, instead of merely closing the tab.

Make sure Sync Gmail is on

Sometimes, we mess up settings on accident. One that will ensure you can't use Gmail properly is the Sync Gmail option. Go ahead and check the settings.

Open the Gmail app.
Tap on the 3-line menu button on the top-left corner.
Go into Settings.
Tap on your account.
Scroll down and find the Data usage section.
Make sure the checkmark next to Sync Gmail is toggled on.

Check for updates

Google Play Store on smartphone stock photo 1

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Having an older version of an app shouldn't usually be a problem, but it can sometimes create some conflicts. This is especially the case when newer updates are more extensive, or when they include server-side changes. It won't hurt to check the Google Play Store and see if there are any updates available for Gmail.

You may also want to make sure everything else is updated. See if there are any upgrades available for the browser, for example.

Related:These are the best Android apps available right now

Restart the device

It may sound silly, but this is seriously the most common troubleshooting tip, and it seems to work most times. Seriously, whenever you're having problems with your tech, just restart it. It just may fix it.

Remove your Google account

You can give your Gmail a complete account restart, too. The simplest way to do this is to remove your Google account and re-add it afterward. This might create some inconveniences, as your Google account might be running multiple services on your phone, but it's worth a try if none of the other methods are working.

How to remove a Google account on Android:

Open the Settings app.
Select Passwords & accounts.
Find the Google account you want to remove. Tap on it.
Hit Remove account and follow instructions.

How to add a Google account on Android:

Open the Settings app.
Select Passwords & accounts.
Tap on Add account.
Pick Google.
Enter your email.
Enter your password.
Hit I agree.

Check your internet connection

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Is Gmail even the problem? It just might be your internet that's letting you down. Try testing other apps or websites to see if they work. You can do something as simple as launching Google and searching for anything. Are other devices working? Check, if you have any. If nothing else works, you might be off the grid.

Start by checking if Airplane Mode is on. Those using Wi-Fi or LAN should take a look at the router and see if it's connected. Try restarting it. There's usually a dedicated button, but you can also unplug the router and plug it back in.

More:Is Wi-Fi not working for you? Here are some fixes

If you're using cellular data, you might want to see if your data connection is on:

Open theSettings app.
Go intoNetwork & internet.
SelectMobile network.
ToggleMobile data on.
If you're outside your country or network coverage, also toggle Roaming on (this may incur extra charges).

Clear the cache and data

Cache and data help keep things running, but they can get corrupted. This is why it's often a good idea to clear everything up and start new. Just keep in mind that clearing data will eliminate all info, such as your account and settings. You'll have to log back in and set everything up again. This might fix anything that's keeping Gmail not working, though.

Clear cache on Android:

Open theSettings app.
Go intoApps.
Find theGmail app underSee all apps.
Tap onStorage & cache.
HitClear Cache.
Select Clear storage for a clean start.

Clear the cache on Chrome for Windows:

On your Windows computer, open Chrome.
Click on the 3-dot menu button on the top-right corner.
Go intoSettings.
SelectPrivacy and security in the left-side column.
PickClear browsing data.
Check the boxes to select what you want to delete. I like clearing everything if there are serious issues.
SelectAll time in theTime range.
HitClear data.

Also read:13 tricks and tips to speed up Android

Your browser might not be supported

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

While Gmail supports all the most popular browsers, you might be using one that isn't part of the list. Here are Gmail's supported browsers.

Browsers that support Gmail:

Google Chrome
Firefox
Safari
Microsoft Edge

It could be the Chrome extensions

Often, browser extensions or applications can interfere with Gmail as well. A quick way to check on this is by trying out Gmail in the web browser's private or incognito mode. If Gmail works there, try disabling browser extensions one by one until you find the culprit.

If all else fails and Gmail is still not working, you might want to hit up Google's Help Center. Need more help with your Google problem? Connect one-on-one with a Google expert through JustAnswer, an Android Authority partner.