Status check
Is Gmail Down? How to Check and Fix It
Is Gmail down? Check the official Google Workspace Status page, then look at Gmail on Downdetector for a spike in reports. If both look normal, Gmail is working, and the fixes below will help.
Updated
Google Workspace status: one page for every Google tool
It covers personal Gmail and work accounts. A red or orange icon means Google knows about a problem, and it posts updates about every hour until it is fixed.
- Gmail
- Drive
- Meet
- Calendar
- Docs
- Chat
If Gmail, Drive, and Meet all fail together, Google's sign-in may be the problem. If only Gmail fails, it is Gmail.
Gmail status: three quick checks
- Google Workspace Status: click Gmail to see open incidents.
- Downdetector: a tall spike in the last hour means many people have the same issue.
- Another device: works on your phone but not your computer? It is the computer.
Our Downdetector Gmail guide explains the chart and outage map.
Gmail not loading fix
If Google says Gmail is up, start with the browser test. It finds most problems in one step.
| Try this | If Gmail loads there |
|---|---|
| A private window | An extension is the cause. Turn them off one at a time. |
| Another browser | Clear cache and cookies for google.com in the first one. |
| The Gmail app | The browser is the problem. Update it. |
| Mobile data | Your Wi-Fi or router is the problem. |
Nothing works anywhere? Restart your device and router. Our universal fix guide has more steps.
Why is Gmail down today?
Google system problems are rare but can hit millions at once. If no Google app will sign you in, it is Google's sign-in system. A local internet outage or an old browser can also make Gmail look broken. If YouTube and Search work, Google is mostly fine.
Not sure it is Gmail? Try down for everyone or just me. Use Outlook for work? See is Outlook down.
Gmail error messages and what they mean
| Message | Usually means |
|---|---|
| "Temporary Error (500)" | A problem on Google's side. Wait and refresh. |
| "Oops... the system encountered a problem" | A Gmail server glitch, often short |
| "Loading..." that never ends | A slow connection, an extension, or a Gmail problem |
| "Couldn't sign you in" | A password or security check, not an outage |
| Emails stuck in Outbox on the app | The app cannot reach Gmail. Switch networks. |
When Gmail goes down with the rest of Google
Gmail shares sign-in with YouTube, Drive, and other Google services. On December 14, 2020, a failure in Google's login system took them all down for about 45 minutes. People were signed out or saw errors everywhere at once.
So if Gmail fails, open YouTube or Google Drive. If they fail too, it is a Google-wide problem, and Google Workspace Status will usually show it. If only Gmail fails, it is Gmail itself, your browser, or your connection.
Gmail not sending or receiving?
Sending and receiving can fail for reasons that are not outages.
- Not receiving: check Spam, Promotions, and any filters you set up. Check that your storage is not full in Google One.
- Not sending: large attachments over 25 MB fail. Use a Drive link instead.
- Bounced emails: read the bounce message. It usually names the problem, like a wrong address.
- Delayed emails: the sender's service may be slow. Ask them to resend.
If many people report delays on Downdetector at the same time, it is likely Gmail. Delayed emails usually arrive once it recovers.
Gmail on iPhone: the Gmail app vs. Apple Mail
Many iPhone users read Gmail in Apple's Mail app instead of the Gmail app. They connect in different ways, so one can fail while the other works.
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| Apple Mail asks for a password | Remove the Google account in Settings, Mail, Accounts, then add it again |
| Apple Mail shows old emails only | Check Fetch New Data is set to Push or a short interval |
| Gmail app stuck loading | Update the app, then switch between Wi-Fi and data |
| Both fail | Check Google Workspace Status for a Gmail incident |
On Android, Gmail is built in. If it stops syncing, open Settings, Accounts, Google, and turn Gmail sync off and on again.
Work Gmail vs. personal Gmail
Work and school accounts run on Google Workspace. Your company's admin can see extra detail about incidents in the admin console and may post updates for staff. If your work Gmail fails but your personal Gmail works, ask your IT team. A company setting or sign-in rule may be the cause, not an outage.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my Gmail emails delayed?
Emails can be delayed by a Gmail problem, the sender’s email service, or spam filters. Check your Spam folder first. If many people report delays on Downdetector, wait. Delayed emails usually arrive once Gmail catches up.
Why does Gmail say "Temporary Error (500)"?
Error 500 means something went wrong on Google’s side. Wait a few minutes and refresh. If it keeps happening, check Google Workspace Status for an incident.
Can I use Gmail offline?
Yes, in Chrome. Turn on Gmail offline in Gmail settings, under Offline. You can then read, search, and write emails without internet. They send once you reconnect.
Does Google Workspace Status cover personal Gmail?
Yes. The page covers Gmail for both personal and work accounts, plus Drive, Meet, Calendar, and more. Click Gmail to see open incidents and past ones.
Is Gmail down right now for everyone?
Check Google Workspace Status and Downdetector. An open Gmail incident, or a sharp spike on Downdetector, means many people are affected.
Why is the Gmail app not loading but the website works?
Then Gmail is up, and the app is the problem. Update it, clear its cache on Android, or remove and add your account again. On iPhone, reinstall the app.
Why am I not getting Gmail emails?
Check Spam and your filters first, then your Google storage. If storage is full, new email stops arriving. If others report delays on Downdetector, Gmail may be catching up.
Independent guide. Not affiliated with Downdetector or Ookla.