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- If Gmail isn’t receiving emails, there could be a few problems.
- When your Google Drive runs out of storage space, you can’t receive new emails.
- You might also have the wrong Gmail inbox settings, or lack a stable internet connection.
It can be frustrating to find that you’re not receiving emails through Gmail. Connectivity, settings, and account issues can stop you from receiving emails, but most are a quick fix.
Here’s what to do if you’re having inbox trouble.
How to fix Gmail if you’re not receiving emails
Clearing your inbox or Google Drive, changing your filter settings, and double-checking your internet connection can all help solve the problem.
Clear your Google storage space
Plenty of us are guilty of hoarding messages and files that we don’t need. If your inbox is filled with old emails, you run the risk of running out of storage space.
Go through your inbox to delete large files from your account or Google Drive to help free up space. If you want more space to save your emails, you can also upgrade your storage plan.
If you’ve run out of Google storage, you can’t receive more emails.
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Make sure your emails aren’t being filtered into another folder
Gmail has an automatic system for filtering emails into your different folders. This means that if you’re waiting for an email from a new sender, there’s a chance Gmail marked it as spam.
Quick tip: Gmail marks some emails as spam by default. It will eventually learn which emails are safe and which are spam as you mark them. In the meantime, here’s how to change Gmail spam settings if it’s not getting it quite right.
You can open your spam folder by clicking or tapping Spam in Gmail’s left sidebar. If you find the email you’re looking for there, open it and select Report not spam or Move to inbox.
You can move spam messages back into the general inbox.
Gmail; William Antonelli/Insider
Alternatively, check out the All Mail folder, which contains every email you receive, no matter the folder.
You might also want to check your Trash folder. There’s always a chance that you deleted the email you’re looking for accidentally.
If you find that a lot of important emails are getting filtered into other folders, make sure that you don’t have a filter inadvertently blocking your emails.
1. On Gmail’s desktop website, click the gear icon in the top-right corner and then click See all settings.
2. Select the Filters and Blocked Addresses tab to see all your Gmail filters.
The Filters and Blocked Addresses tab shows if there are any conditions that might hide or block emails before you see them.
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3. Review the filters and select Delete for any you want to remove.
Connect to the internet
It might seem obvious, but you need an internet connection to receive emails. If your internet connection is spotty or weak, Gmail will have trouble receiving and loading emails.
Take a speed test on your computer or phone to see if your connection is slow. And if the problems persist, disconnect from the internet and reconnect. You might also have to manually reset your internet router, or even try using another device to check your email with.
Quick tip: You may be receiving emails, but simply not getting notifications from them, especially if you’re not connected to the internet. Try checking your iPhone’s notification settings or reconnecting to wifi.
Make sure your account’s POP/IMAP settings are correct on the iPhone Mail app
Some issues might occur while using Gmail on your iPhone. If you’re using the Mail app on an iPhone, you’ll have to make sure your Google account is properly set up and linked.
1. Open Settings and scroll down to Mail.
2. Tap Accounts and then Add Account.
3. Choose the email provider you use and sign into the designated account.
4. Once signed in, your Gmail account should be linked to your iPhone’s Mail app.
Gmail on an iPhone can also have IMAP issues, which is the system that allows information to flow into and from your smartphone. If it’s switched off, there are simple steps to enable it.
On a computer’s web browser
1. Open Gmail and click the gear icon in the top-right corner and then click See all settings.
2. Select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
3. Scroll down to IMAP Access and click on Enable IMAP.
Enable IMAP, either on your computer or phone.
Gmail; William Antonelli/Insider
On your iPhone
1. Open Safari, go to Gmail.com and log in to your account.
2. Tap Go to Mobile Gmail Site and tap the link at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap More in the bottom-left corner.
4. Scroll down and tap View Gmail and tap Desktop.
5. Tap Settings and then the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
6. Scroll down to IMAP Access and tap Enable IMAP.
