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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.