Fix sync errors with the Gmail Android app

If your Gmail app isn't syncing automatically, you might notice the following problems:

Can't send emails, or emails are stuck in send
Not receiving new emails
Can't open or read emails
'Account not synced' error
Gmail app is very slow

Not receiving notifications

Check your Gmail notifications settings. If that doesn't work, try the troubleshooting steps below.

Not receiving mail from Yahoo, Outlook or other non-Gmail accounts

On your computer, open your non-Gmail account.

If you're not receiving new messages, search for tips from that email provider.
If everything looks fine, try the troubleshooting steps below.

Troubleshooting steps

After you've tried each step, check to see if the problem has been fixed.

Step 1: Update your Gmail app

To get the latest fixes on problems with sending or receiving email, update your Gmail app.

Step 2: Restart your device

Step 3: Check your settings

Check that you're online

Try opening a website. If you're in a public place, such as a cafe or library, you might need to accept Terms & Conditions before you're actually connected to the Internet.

Turn off aeroplane mode

Open your device's Settings app .
Tap Network & Internet turn off Aeroplane mode.

Check Gmail sync settings

Open the Gmail app .
On the left, tap Menu Settings.
Tap your account.
Make sure that the box next to 'Sync Gmail' is ticked.

Check your phone or tablet settings

Open your device's Settings app .
Tap Users & accounts.
Turn on Automatically sync data.

Step 4: Clear your storage

If your phone or tablet is running out of space, syncing won't work. To clear space on your device:

Uninstall apps that you don't use
Delete downloaded files or files that you've created, or move files to your computer
Remove Google Play music, books, films or TV shows that you've downloaded

Step 5: Check your password

On your computer, open Gmail. If you can't sign in or get one of the errors below, sync won't work on the Gmail app.

'Username and password not accepted'
'Invalid credentials'

You're asked to enter your username and password over and over again

Here's what you can do:

Make sure that you enter your username and password correctly.
If you use two-step verification, you might need to sign in using an app password instead of your regular password.
If you still can't sign in, follow these troubleshooting steps.

Step 6: Clear your Gmail information

Warning: The following steps might erase your message drafts and your signature, ringtone and other settings. Only follow these steps if the above steps didn't work.

Open your device's Settings app .
Tap Apps & notifications App info.
Tap Gmail Storage.
Tap Clear data Ok.
Restart your device.