Why is My Gmail Not Working: Here’s the Easy Fixes to Try

Picture this: what if Gmail not working properly? It certainly brings misfortune and causes inconveniences, especially if you rely on Gmail for business and personal communication. Now, if you’re constantly receiving errors like 400 once opening Gmail then, read the fixes for both Windows and Mac OS.

Is There a Fear of Missing Important Emails?

Either the issue of Gmail not receiving emails or Gmail not responding, both have bad consequences. This issue is capable to impact on sending or receiving messages on your Gmail inbox. Unfortunately, it holds the fear of missing out on important emails when facing the error of Gmail outage or Gmail not working error 400.

Moreover, there is a myriad of reasons behind addressing this error. Sometimes playing with the settings of Gmail can be equally responsible for triggering these pesky problems. Now, let’s walk down to know the reasons in detail.

Why is My Gmail Suddenly Not Working? Possible Causes

Encountering the error can’t open Gmail on Mac or Windows machines; it occurs due to multiple reasons. Here are the possible causes behind addressing this pesky issue:-

• Cause 1: Poor Internet Connection

Sometimes the unstable network triggers the problem of Gmail not working on Mac and Windows OS. It also brings synchronization issues, causing errors when sending or receiving emails on a Gmail account.

• Cause 2: Web Browser Issue

Similar to internet connectivity issues, the stored cache files or cookies of web browsers disable users from accessing their Gmail. It is yet another factor pushing the compatibility error on multiple browsers including Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.

• Cause 3: Google Service Outage

As we have already mentioned the temporary outage or Gmail 400 errors unable users to open or login with their Gmail account. Moreover, it mainly happens due to server downtime or under-maintenance issues, leading to inaccessibility.

• Cause 4: Account Storage is Full

Receiving the warning message that Gmail runs out of space; one of the major factors behind the issue of Gmail not working on MacBook. In this case, Gmail users either need to delete unwanted emails or look for extra storage space.

• Cause 5: Issue with Antivirus Software

Often the settings of antivirus software prevent the accessibility of Gmail accounts on Windows or Mac OS machines. It is mainly known to conflict with software, therefore, recheck all the settings to access the Gmail emails.

Overall, these are the common reasons behind Gmail not receiving emails on Windows 11 or any macOS system. Now, wondering how to fix the can’t open Gmail on Mac error. Read the following section to know the best go-to troubleshooting tips to resolve this issue.

7 Easy Troubleshooting Tips to Fix Gmail Not Working on Both Windows & Mac

Previously, we have listed the major reasons for Gmail not receiving emails on Windows and Mac. Many of you are seeking troubleshooting guidance to resolve this error from both operating systems. Also, these tips include basic to advanced approaches to fix this error. So, let’s closely read them.

Quick Steps to Take:-

• Ensure working on a stable internet connection to avoid the error of Gmail not working or opening on Windows & Mac.
• Update your operating systems or devices to access the Gmail account.
• Check your Google storage to know the available space.

For Windows 11 & Below Versions

1. Clear Unwanted Cache Files
2. Disable All Web Browser Extensions
3. Try Working on Different Browser
4. Check the Google Status Dashboard
5. Check for Recent Windows Update
6. Reinstall Browser
7. Contact to Gmail Help Center

Now, let’s closely uncover these troubleshooting ways.

Method 1: Clear Unwanted Cache Files

If frequently addressing the issue of Gmail not working on Windows 11 then, clear the cache or saved data of the web browser. Now, if you’re using Chrome, use the below steps to delete the corrupted cache files:-

1. Switch to Settings > tab on Privacy and Security.
2. Click on Clear browsing data.

Method 2: Disable All Web Browser Extensions

It is yet another simple and basic troubleshooting way of encountering the issue of Gmail not loading on Windows 7. To disable the browser extensions on Chrome, follow the below steps:-

1. Go to Chrome Settings > tab on Extensions.
2. Now, pick extensions to disable, and finally, press toggle off those add-ons.

Method 3: Try Working on Different Browser

Sometimes working the same browser triggers the temporary errors. In this case, use other web browsers to experience seamless connectivity with Gmail on Windows 11, 7, or below versions. It is an effective and best go-to solution to avoid these unnecessary errors. So, shift to browsers like Edge, Safari, and Firefox to prevent the issue of Gmail not receiving emails.

Method 4: Check the Google Status Dashboard

If you regularly encounter problems with Gmail, visit Google Workspace Status Dashboard- one of the reliable platforms to ensure there are no downtime problems. Additionally, users can get updates on other server outage issues. We recommend you wait until there is a server outage problem.

Method 5: Check for Recent Windows Update

The error of Gmail not working can disrupt seamless communication. Sometimes it might happen if you haven’t updated your Windows OS. Seeking how to check updates on Windows 11 or its below editions. Follow the below-listed steps to ensure working on up-to-date Windows:-

1. Go to Windows Settings.
2. From the left bar, select Window Update > Check for Update.
3. If there is any recent update > install it at once.

Method 6: Reinstall Browser

Try uninstalling and reinstalling the web browser on Windows to prevent the issue of being unable to access Gmail on Windows OS. Here are the detailed steps and instructions to do it:-

1. Open Settings > Apps.
2. Select Apps & Features > Google Chrome.
3. Click on three vertical dots > Uninstall.

Method 7: Contact to Gmail Help Center

After implementing all the above steps guidance, if still struggling with this pesky issue. Then, reach out to Google Help Center, one of the profound solutions to get technical assistance on Gmail bugs and server glitches. With this, users can deeply understand the problematic arena and fix it quickly to access the Gmail account.

Also, read why is Apple Mail not syncing with Gmail.

For Mac OS

1. Delete All Cache on Safari
2. Uninstall & Reinstall Safari Extensions
3. Use the Option of Safe Mode
4. Update Your macOS System
5. Restart the Mac
6. Recheck Email Forwarding Settings
7. Change Web Browser

Now, let’s learn about these tips in detail.

Tip 1: Delete All Cache on Safari

The issue of can’t open Gmail on Mac often happens due to a corrupted cache file on Safari. In this case, Mac users need to clear these culprit files to fix this temporary error. Here are the steps to perform:-

1. Switch to the Safari icon and then, Settings.
2. Go to Privacy > Manage Website Data.
3. Look for Gmail and, tab on Remove.

Tip 2: Uninstall & Reinstall Safari Extensions

Another basic troubleshooting way to resolve the Gmail App crashing on Mac error 400. Moreover, uninstalling the Safari extension helps to avoid unwanted interference and disruption with Gmail. Read the following steps to uninstall it:-

1. Go to Safari Menu and select Settings.
2. Move to Extensions and pick up problematic extensions > hit Uninstall.

Tip 3: Use the Option of Safe Mode

The significance of using the Safe mode enables users to prevent software conflict with third-party applications. It is one of the highly recommended tips whenever facing the error of Gmail not receiving emails. Now, follow the steps of Safe Mode options:-

1. Tab on the Apple Logo and click on Shut Down from drop-down options.
2. Once the Mac OS shuts down, Press the Power Button until it displays two options i.e. Macintosh HD and Options.
3. While clicking on Macintosh HD, press the Shift key and then, continue to Safe Mode.

Tip 4: Update Your macOS System

Using the Gmail app on unsupported or outdated software leads to software compatibility issues. Hence, it is suggested to update the system to fix Gmail not working issues. Follow the quick steps to check the update:-

1. From the Mac Menu, tab on System Preferences and then, Software Update.
2. If it shows any update > press on Update Now.

Tip 5: Restart the Mac

Restarting the Mac OS offers several benefits to Mac users. Additionally, it is a simple and fast trick to resolve unable to access Gmail on Mac system. Here are the steps to restart your machine:-

1. From the screen, select Apple Menu.
2. Tab on Restart from the drop-down list.
3. Lastly, hit confirmation for Restart.

Tip 6: Recheck Email Forwarding Settings

Often users unknowingly configure the settings of email forwarding. It certainly causes the error of email syncing, leaving users to struggle to access their Gmail inbox. Now, take the help of the below steps to recheck the settings:-

1. Open your Gmail > click on the gear icon (Settings).
2. Move to See all Settings and look for the Forwarding POP/ IMAP tab.
3. Here, check the enabled settings and then, tab on Save Changes.

Tip 7: Change Web Browser

Another easy way if facing Gmail not opening on MacBook, just login to your Gmail account using a different browser. Instead of Safari, Mac users can use Chrome, Edge, and more browsers to access their Gmail account.

Overall, these are the tips to follow when addressing the problem of Gmail not receiving emails. By following this step guide, you can easily access your Gmail data on both Windows and Mac OS. To secure your emails from this error in the future, read the below mentioned preventive tips to save your messages locally on your system.

Concluding Words

The purpose of writing this technical article is to fix the issue of Gmail not working on Windows & Mac OS. Moreover, we have listed all the best yet simple troubleshooting tips to resolve the Gmail glitches. Additionally, if still addressing the same issue multiple times, visit the Gmail Help Center to retrieve the services of your Gmail account. Additionally, look for preventive measures to access your Gmail email messages whenever addressing these pesky problems on your OS.