Gmail not syncing on your mobile device would mean several basic email functions like sending emails, opening or reading new emails, or even receiving any would be hard to do.
Similarly, you may not be able to run apps as fast as they should. However, all these can be resolved with a few fixes to get your Gmail account to re-sync again.
How to Fix Gmail Not Syncing On Android or iOS
Android
Quick checks:
- Check that you’re online as you have to be online for Gmail sync to work. This requires a cellular data connection or WiFi.
- If Airplane mode is on, disable it.
- Check your password to avoid any errors when trying to log in as this may cause the sync not to work
- Restart your device
Manual sync
You can do this by opening the Gmail app on your Android device, and refresh the inbox to perform a manual sync.
Automated sync
You can enable automated sync if you find Gmail not syncing on your Android device. To do this:
Open Gmail app and go to Settings
- Tap your account name
- Go to Data Usage and tap Sync Gmail
Update Gmail app
Download the latest Gmail app version to resolve Gmail sync issues. Go to Google Play Store and tap Update to get the latest version.
Clear app data
- Go to Settings on your device
- Tap Apps and Notifications (or Apps depending on your device)
- Find Gmail app and tap on it
- Tap Storage
- Select Clear Storage
- Tap confirm when you get a popup
iOS
There’s a slight difference between syncing apps on Gmail and in Mail app on iOS.
Enable IMAP
Gmail uses IMAP to send emails from its mail server to your iOS device. By default, IMAP is enabled, but if for some reason it changes, you can re-enable it. To do this:
- Open a web browser and go to Gmail homepage
- Tap Settings and select Settings
- Now tap Forwarding and POP/IMAP
- Go to IMAP access
- Select Enable IMAP to enable it (if its disabled)
- Save changes
Add the Gmail account again
- Open Settings on your iOS device
- Tap Passwords & Accounts and tap Gmail
- Now tap Delete Account and confirm the action
- Go to Passwords & Accounts
- Go to Add Account>Google
- Enter your account data to set it again
Reinstall Gmail app
To do this, delete Gmail app and reinstall it from the iOS App Store.
Elsier is an avid tech writer, who loves mobile apps, games, music, and cars. When she’s not catching up on the latest in tech, she’s binging on reruns of her favorite series.