Gmail Not Working Error? Quick Fixes for Both Windows & MacOS Systems
Gmail is a very important part of a professional’s everyday communication life. It’s our go-to email service & just like any other digital software, sometimes Gmail also faces many problems, where mostly users face the “Gmail not working” error and other issues related to Gmail.
These errors are very disappointing, especially when you’re doing your task. But the good part is that these issues are not permanent, can be fixed using effective troubleshooting methods. So, in this article, we’ll discover how we can fix the Gmail not responding error using the best solutions for both Windows & Mac users.
Why is My Gmail Not Working?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand the common reasons why Gmail runs into these problems:
- Unstable Internet Connection: If you’ve a poor network connectivity, then it might cause Gmail to load slowly or may crash fully.
- Google Server Problems: It’s very rare, but yes, Gmail servers may also go down.
- Account Storage is Full: If you’ve filled your mailbox, then you must get “Gmail runs out of space“. These are the main reasons behind Gmail not responding. In such cases, delete the unnecessary emails with attachments and upgrade to extra storage capacity.
- Browser Cookies and Cache: Corrupted or overloaded cookies are preventing Gmail from opening properly, which should be removed.
- Security or Firewall Blockage: These extra antivirus or firewall settings might restrict your incoming or outgoing scripts of Gmail.
- Older Browser Version or OS: Using an outdated version of the operating system may cause the “Gmail not working” issue.
- Problematic Add-ins: Some of these third-party extensions or add-ins often interfere with the Gmail scripts, which causes such errors.
Now, we can jump to the professional fixes for both platforms.
Effective Methods to Fix Gmail Not Responding on Windows
If you’re a Windows user and facing this not-working issue, then follow these troubleshooting fixes:
- Internet Connection
- Clear Cookies and Cache
- Try Gmail in Incognito Mode
- Update to Latest Browser Version
- Disable Extensions
- Reset the Platform Settings
Let’s understand how they work:
#1: Check Your Network Connectivity
Fixes:
- You can switch to a different network or restart your Wi-fi.
- Also, check other websites to ensure your data is running.
- Recommended to use a wired connection for more stability.
#2: Clear Cookies and Cache
These unwanted caches & cookies also cause a conflict with Gmail.
Steps: (In Chrome)
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data.
- Choose the cached files and cookies.
- Quit your browser & launch Gmail again.
#3: Try Gmail in Incognito Mode
Sometimes Gmail does not respond in the normal tab; try using it in an incognito tab.
Steps:
- Launch Chrome > click Ctrl+Shift+N to nav into incognito mode.
- Configure properly & test the working of Gmail.
#4: Update to Latest Browser Version
Fixes:
- Open your browser and make sure it’s up to date. If not, then:
- Nav to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Install all your previous updates and launch your system again.
#5: Turn Off Extensions
Steps:
- Go to chorme://extensions/ (can also work for MS Edge or Firefox).
- Disable the unwanted email add-ins or extensions, and importantly, an ad blocker.
- Start the system again and check your Gmail.
#6: Reset Your Browser Settings
If you’re still facing the Gmail not working error, then:
Steps: (in Chrome)
- Reset & Clean up > Restore Settings to Defaults.
- Launch Chrome again and see Gmail.
Fixes for Gmail Not Responding on macOS
Not only do Windows users face, but Mac users also face the same issue due to Safari or Chrome errors. You can try these fixes:
- Disable Browser Add-ins
- Update MacOS & Browser
- Try Gmail in Private Mode
- Check Internet Connection
- Delete Browser Cookies and Cache
Let’s know about these tips with an explanation:
#1: Disable Browser Add-ins
- Chrome/Firefox: Follow the same steps mentioned above in Windows.
- Safari: Preferences > Extensions > Uncheck unnecessary add-ins.
- Launch your browser and verify Gmail.
#2: Update MacOS & Browser
- Navigate to Apple menu > System Settings> Software Update.
- Also, update Chrome, Safari, or Firefox to their latest version.
- Install your rest updates and start your Mac quickly.
#3: Try Gmail in Private Mode
- Click on CMD+Shift+N for a private tab in Safari.
- Press the Incognito Mode in Windows.
- Check if Gmail is taking time to load.
#4: Check Internet Connection
- Run your Wi-fi router again, or you can change the network
- Test the speed of the internet to check stability.
- Use a secure data connection if you’re using any local Wi-fi.
#5: Delete Browser Cookies and Cache
- Launch Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data.
- Clear Gmail-related cookie files
- Re-open Safari and log in again.
Some General Fixes for Both Windows & Mac
- Check if Gmail servers are down; you can go to Google Workspace Status Dashboard. If servers are down, then you can only wait for some time until the issues are resolved.
- If you’re using Gmail on the web, then try to change your browser as well as device, like switch pc to mobile & working on Chrome to Firefox.
- Disable all antivirus software or add-ins which are blocking the Gmail scripts, and later check the functionality of Gmail.
- Also, verify that your date or time in your system is correct; if it’s not, then change it according to the respective system:
- On Mac: System Settings > Date & Time > Set Automatically.
- On Windows: Control Panel > Date & Time > Internet Time.
Preventive Tips to Avoid “Gmail Not Working” Error
- Always keep your system updated; if you ignore the updates, then you face unnecessary issues like Gmail not responding. But to prevent such errors, you should update your browser and also your operating system, which maintains the smooth performance of your Gmail account.
- If Gmail fails to load the emails on your pc, then there is a risk of data loss of critical emails. So to prevent that, we recommend using the SysTools Gmail Backup Tool, which helps you download and store your emails safely on your local system.
- Whenever you face any issues related to Gmail, the first step is to download all emails to computer in bulk. For the same, you can use the aforementioned software, which allows you to export the emails on a computer for offline access. This eliminates the risk of losing the data, even if Gmail stopped working.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve discussed how do I fix Gmail not working on Windows & macOS using troubleshooting solutions. Moreover, we’ve listed some common and preventive tips for the future. By following them, you can avoid issues and have a smooth performance of Gmail. Additionally, the best & reliable software to have backup without having the risk of losing data. Always keep your system and browser updated and perform habitual maintenance, which ensures a smooth Gmail without having any challenges.