Gmail Not Receiving Emails? 7 Easy Fixes

Waiting for an important message that never shows up is stressful. When Gmail is not receiving emails, the mail is often sitting in another folder, blocked by a filter, or held back because your storage is full. The problem is rarely the sender. Work through these seven checks in order to find the missing messages and get new mail flowing again.

1. Check Spam, Promotions and Other Tabs

mail.google.com1Check Spam andother tabsMail may be hidingin another placeInboxSentDraftsMoreSpamTrashPrimaryPromotionsSocialUpdates
Step 1: look in Spam, Promotions, Social and Updates.

Open Gmail on a computer and look at the left menu. Click More, then Spam, and scan for the message. Then check the Promotions, Social and Updates tabs at the top of your inbox, since Gmail sorts some mail there automatically. If you find the message, open it and choose Not spam or move it to your inbox.

2. Search All Mail

mail.google.com2Search all mailInclude Spam,Trash and archivein:anywhere from:shopResultsShopYour order has shippedSpamShopWelcome to ShopAll Mail
Step 2: use in:anywhere to search every folder at once.

In the search bar, type in:anywhere followed by the sender’s name or address, then press Enter. This searches every folder, including Spam and Trash. A message that was archived or labeled by mistake will show up here even if it is missing from your inbox.

3. Check Your Google Storage

one.google.com/storage3Check yourstorageA full accountstops new mailAccount storage15 GB of 15 GB usedGmail4 GBDrive8 GBPhotos3 GBGet more storage
Step 3: a full storage bar means Gmail cannot receive new mail.

Gmail stops receiving new mail when your Google storage is full. Free accounts share 15 GB across Gmail, Drive and Photos. Open your Google Account storage page and check the bar. If it is full, delete large emails, empty Trash and Spam, or buy more space.

4. Review Filters and Blocked Addresses

mail.google.com4Review yourfiltersSettings, See allsettingsSettingsGeneralLabelsInboxFilters and Blocked AddressesMatches: from:shop@example.comDelete iteditdeleteMatches: subject:invoiceApply the label: Invoices
Step 4: edit or delete filters that hide or delete mail.

Click the gear icon, choose See all settings, then open Filters and Blocked Addresses. A filter set to delete mail or skip the inbox can hide messages from certain senders. Edit or delete any filter you do not recognize, and unblock any sender you want to hear from.

5. Check Forwarding Settings

mail.google.com5Check forwardingMail may be goingto another addressSettingsForwarding and POP/IMAPForwarding:Disable forwardingForward a copy to other@mail.comand delete Gmail’s copySave changes
Step 5: make sure mail is not forwarded away and deleted.

In the same settings area, open Forwarding and POP/IMAP. If forwarding is turned on with the option to delete Gmail’s copy, your mail may be going to another address. Turn forwarding off if you did not set it up. An unknown forwarding address can mean someone else has access, so see our guide on signing out of Gmail on all devices.

6. Refresh the App and Check Your Connection

6Pull down to refreshCheck you are online firstY
Step 6: pull the inbox down to fetch new mail.

On your phone, pull down on the inbox to refresh it. Make sure you are online and that Airplane Mode is off. If new mail still does not appear, force close the Gmail app and open it again.

7. Turn On Sync for Your Account

7Turn on Sync GmailIn the Gmail app settingsyou@gmail.comSync GmailDays of mail to sync30 daysNotificationsAll
Step 7: make sure Sync Gmail is checked.

On Android, open the Gmail app, tap the menu, choose Settings, tap your account, and make sure Sync Gmail is turned on. Check that Days of mail to sync is not set too low. On iPhone, confirm that notifications and background refresh are allowed for Gmail in your phone settings. Menu names vary by app version.

Still Missing Messages?

Ask the sender to confirm your address and to resend the message. Some senders also receive a bounce notice that explains the problem. If you also cannot sign in, read our guide on Gmail login not working.

How to Recover a Gmail Account Without a Phone Number (7 Steps)

Losing access to the phone number on your Gmail account does not mean you are locked out for good. Google offers several other ways to prove the account is yours, such as a recovery email, a device you are already signed in on, or details about the account itself. Follow these seven steps in order, and try them from a device and place you normally use.

1. Start From a Familiar Device and Network

accounts.google.com1Use a familiarsetupSame device andplace as beforeBefore you startThe computer you used beforeThe same browserYour usual Wi-Fi networkNo VPN or private window
Step 1: recover from a setup Google already trusts.

Google trusts the devices and locations you use often. Use the same computer, browser and Wi-Fi network you used when you last signed in successfully, and avoid VPNs and private windows. Then open the account recovery page by choosing Forgot password on the sign-in screen.

2. Enter Your Gmail Address

accounts.google.com2Enter your GmailaddressCheck the spellingAccount recoveryEnter the email you want to recoveryou@gmail.comNext
Step 2: type the full address and click Next.

Type the full email address of the account you want to recover and click Next. Check the spelling carefully. If Google says it cannot find the account, see our guide on Couldn’t Find Your Google Account.

3. Enter the Last Password You Remember

accounts.google.com3Enter an oldpasswordOr Try another wayyou@gmail.comEnter a password you usedLast password you rememberTry another wayNext
Step 3: enter an old password, or choose Try another way.

Google may ask for a password you used before. Enter the most recent one you can remember, even if it is old. If you cannot recall any, choose Try another way to see the other options. Do not keep guessing, since repeated failures can slow recovery.

4. Use Your Recovery Email

4Use your recovery emailGet a code in another inboxGet a codeVerify it’s youRecovery emailSend to r•••@mail.comSend
Step 4: choose the recovery email option and tap Send.

If you added a recovery email, Google can send a code to it. Choose that option, open the other inbox, and copy the six-digit code into the recovery page. If the code does not arrive, check the spam folder and wait a minute before requesting another one. If codes keep failing, read Gmail Verification Code Not Working.

5. Approve a Prompt on a Signed-In Device

5Approve the promptOn a phone you are signed in onIs it you tryingto sign in?DeviceWindows laptopJust nowYes, it’s meNo, it’s not me
Step 5: tap Yes, it’s me on a device you are already signed in on.

If you are still signed in to Gmail on another phone or tablet, Google may send a prompt to that device. Unlock it and tap Yes, it’s me when asked. This is often the fastest way to recover an account without a phone number.

6. Answer Questions About Your Account

accounts.google.com6Answer accountquestionsGive your bestanswerWhen did you createthis account?MonthYearAn estimate is fine if you are unsureNext
Step 6: choose the month and year you think you created the account.

If those options are unavailable, Google may ask for details such as when you created the account. Answer as many questions as you can, as accurately as you can. If you are unsure, give your best estimate instead of leaving the question blank.

7. Create a New Password and Update Your Recovery Info

7Add new recovery infoAfter you set a new passwordSecurityPasswordChanged just nowRecovery phoneAdd a numberRecovery emailAdd an email2-Step VerificationOff
Step 7: add a new recovery phone and email once you are back in.

Once Google verifies you, create a new password that is long and unique. Then open your Google Account security settings and add a new recovery phone number and email. Turn on 2-Step Verification so this does not happen again, and save your backup codes. Our guide on setting up 2-Step Verification walks you through it.

If Recovery Does Not Work

If Google cannot verify you, wait a day and try again from a familiar device. Use the same details each time, and avoid making many attempts in a row. If you only need to change a forgotten password and still have your phone, read our Gmail password reset guide.

How to Set Up 2-Step Verification on Gmail (7 Easy Steps)

A password alone is not enough to protect your inbox. 2-Step Verification adds a second check, such as a code on your phone, so a stolen password cannot be used on its own. Setting it up takes about five minutes. Follow these seven steps on a computer, and keep your phone nearby.

1. Open Your Google Account Security Settings

myaccount.google.com1Open SecuritysettingsFind 2-StepVerificationSecurityHow you sign in to Google2-Step VerificationOffPasswordLast changed
Step 1: select 2-Step Verification under How you sign in.

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in. Select Security from the menu, then scroll to the section called How you sign in to Google. Look for 2-Step Verification. If it says Off, you are ready to begin. Menu labels change from time to time, so look for the closest match.

2. Click Get Started

myaccount.google.com2Click Get startedConfirm yourpassword if askedProtect your accountAdd a second check when you sign inGet started
Step 2: click Get started and confirm your password if asked.

Select 2-Step Verification, then click Get started. Google may ask you to confirm your password again. This is normal, and it makes sure no one else can change these settings if you left your account open.

3. Add Your Phone Number

myaccount.google.com3Add your phonenumberText or phone callAdd a phone number+1 555 010 0123Text messagePhone callNext
Step 3: enter your mobile number and choose how to get codes.

Enter the mobile number you want to use and choose how to receive codes, by text message or phone call. Use a number you will keep for a long time. Click Next. Google will send a verification code to that number straight away.

4. Enter the Verification Code

4Enter the codeType it on your computerMessagesGoogleYour verification codeis 482916MomSee you tonight
Step 4: read the six-digit code from your text message.

Open the message on your phone, type the six-digit code into the box on your computer, and click Next. If the code does not arrive within a minute, choose Resend. Codes expire quickly, so enter it right away.

5. Turn On 2-Step Verification

myaccount.google.com5Click Turn onThis finishes thebasic setupIt workedTurn on 2-Step Verification?Turn on
Step 5: confirm by clicking Turn on.

After the code is accepted, Google shows a confirmation screen. Click Turn on to finish. From now on, signing in on a new device will need both your password and a second check, such as a code or a prompt on your phone.

6. Save Your Backup Codes

6Save backup codesEach code works only onceBackup codesUse one if you lose your phone0000 00000000 00000000 00000000 0000DownloadPrint
Step 6: download or print your backup codes and store them safely.

Backup codes let you sign in if you lose your phone. In the 2-Step Verification settings, choose Backup codes, then click Get backup codes. Download or print the list and store it somewhere safe, away from your computer. Each code works only once.

7. Add a Second Method

7Add an authenticatorA second method keeps you safeAuthenticator appScan the QR codeCode shown in your app482 916Next
Step 7: scan the QR code and enter the code your app shows.

Do not rely on one phone alone. Add an authenticator app, a passkey or a security key as another option. In Google Authenticator, scan the QR code shown on your screen, then enter the six-digit code the app displays. Having two methods means a lost phone will not lock you out.

Keep Your Account Protected

Update your recovery phone number and email whenever they change, and never share verification codes with anyone. If a code stops working, see our guide on Gmail verification code not working. If you are locked out, read our Gmail password reset guide.