Error in the Gmail app on Android

If you're seeing an error while using the Gmail app on your Android phone or tablet, use the steps below to fix the problem.

Step 1: Update the app

You could be using an old version of the Gmail app. Many errors happen on older versions of the app, but are fixed in the latest version.

Update the Gmail app

Step 2: Troubleshoot your error

If updating the app didn't fix the problem, choose your error message below to get more help.

‘There was a problem while securing the connection’

There are a few reasons why this error is shown:

If you've changed your device's date or time

Make sure that the date and time on your device are correct.

If you're using public Wi-Fi

If you're connecting to the Internet in a public place, you might need to complete additional steps before you're actually connected. Open the browser on your device, such as Chrome or Safari, to see if you need to sign in.

If you're using a non-Gmail address in the Gmail app

Check your server settings:

Open the Gmail app .
At the top left, tap Menu .
Tap Settings.
Tap the account that you're having a problem with.
In the 'Server settings' section, check to see if the information in 'Incoming settings' and 'Outgoing settings' is correct for POP or IMAP.

'Too many refreshes'

You'll see this error if you're syncing your emails more often than your email provider allows.

To change your sync settings:

Open the Gmail app .
At the top left, tap Menu .
Tap Settings.
Tap the account that you're having a problem with.
In the 'Data usage' section, tap Days of emails to sync.
Select a longer period of time.
Tap OK.

'The requested folder was not found'

There are a few reasons why you might see this error if you're using a non-Gmail account in the Gmail app:

The folder that you're looking for has been deleted. To fix this, swipe down to refresh the Gmail app.
The folder has folders inside it. Some email services don't allow for folders within folders. We recommend signing in to your email service on a mobile browser and moving any sub-folders that you have.
Your email provider doesn't allow access to that folder from the Gmail app. To fix this, contact your email provider.

'Internal error'

If you see 'Internal error', the error goes away on its own.

If you still see the error after a few minutes:

Check Google Workspace Status Dashboard to see if there's a service disruption. Our team will update the dashboard once everything is back to normal.
Make sure that your device is connected to the Internet.
Close the app, then reopen it.
Force the app to stop. Open your phone's Settings app, then tap Apps or Application Manager Gmail Force stop.