When you are experiencing synchronization issues with the Gmail app on your Android or iPhone, you may notice the following problems with your email account. In order to troubleshoot Gmail Sync issues on your smartphone, you can consider the different workarounds suggested below.
Common Problems That Occurs When Gmail App Not Syncing
- Unable to receive or load new emails.
- Unable to send mail, or mail is stuck in send.
- The inbox folder is not updating.
- Unable to open or read emails.
- The Gmail application is performing very slow.
- Can’t receive notification for new emails.
Ways to Troubleshoot Gmail Sync Issues on Smartphone
On Android
1: Make Sure That You Are Connected to the Internet
One of the most common causes responsible for Gmail Sync issues is the problem with the internet network. To verify that you are connected to the internet, try loading a random website on your mobile browser. If you are able to access the website, as usual, your internet is working properly. However, if the website doesn’t load as expected, you will first need to address the issues with your internet.
NOTE: In case you are using public WiFi, for example, in a library or at a café, you may need to load a website to accept the Terms & Conditions before you can connect to the internet. Moreover, you will need to ensure that airplane mode is turned off.
2: Verify the Sync Settings in Your Gmail App
Depending on the synchronization settings configured on your device, the Gmail application might not be allowed to check for new emails.
- Launch the Gmail application on your Android device.
- Next, tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) located on the top-left.
- Then, tap on the Settings option.
- In case you are using more than one account, select the account for which you are not getting emails.
- After that, make sure that the Sync Gmail option is enabled.
3: Verify the Sync Settings for Your Mobile Device
Some of the Android devices allow users to disable synchronization for all applications at once. Whether you disabled the option on purpose or by accident, you can enable it by following the instructions suggested below.
NOTE: Even if synchronization is enabled already, turning it on and off a couple of times can help overcome the problem.
To Locate Your Sync Settings
- Firstly, close the Gmail application.
- Next, tap on the Settings app icon and select the Accounts option under the Personal section.
- Then, select the More option (three vertical dots) located on the top-right corner and select or deselect the Auto-sync data option.
- Close the Gmail application.
- Open the Settings app icon on your mobile device.
- Next, select the Data usage located under the Wireless & networks section.
- Then, tap on the More option (three vertical dots) located in the upper-right corner.
- After that, select or deselect the Auto-sync data option.
For Android Device 5.0 and Above
- Close the Gmail application.
- Open the Settings app on your mobile device.
- Next, select the Accounts option under the Personal section.
- Then, tap on the More option (three vertical dots).
- After that, select or deselect the Auto-sync data option.
For Android Device 4.4 and Above
- Close the Gmail application.
- Next, tap on the Settings app icon.
- Under the settings section, go to Data Usage in the Wireless & Networks section.
- Then, tap on the More option (three vertical dots).
- After that, select or deselect the Auto-sync data option.
On iPhone & iPad
1: Verify Your Internet Network is Working ProperlySometimes the problem with Gmail sync on your iPhone or iPad can occur when your internet connection could not be working properly. To make sure that you are connected to the internet, try opening a random website in your mobile web browser. If the website loads properly, it means the problem is not with your internet. However, if the website doesn’t load as expected, fix the issues with your internet first.
NOTE: In case you are using public Wi-Fi, for example, in a library or a cafe, you may need to open a website to first accept the Terms & Conditions, and then connect to the internet. Moreover, make sure that your device is not in Airplane Mode.
2: Enable Background App Refresh
- Firstly, go to the settings section of your iPhone or iPad.
- Next, in the settings section of your iPhone or iPad, scroll down to select the Gmail option.
- Then, simply enable the Background app refresh option.
Depending on the synchronization settings enabled, the Gmail app will try to check for new emails every 1 to 30 days.
- Launch the Gmail application on your iPhone or iPad.
- Next, tap on the Menu option (three horizontal lines) located at the top.
- Then, scroll down to select the Settings option and choose your account.
- After that, select the Sync settings option and choose the period to sync.
As your storage space is shared on different Google services including Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos, make sure that there is ample space available to accommodate new emails. To know the available storage space for your Google services (including Gmail), navigate to the following page on your web browser www.google.com/settings/storage.
Following these workarounds should help you troubleshoot the synchronization issues with your Gmail account on Android and iOS smartphones.