Quick answer
The most common causes are a weak internet connection, full Google account storage, incorrect IMAP/POP access settings or aggressive filters and blocks. First check whether Gmail works in the browser and whether the account is accessible, then storage and filters, and only then more advanced settings. If the problem occurs only in the app, clear the cache or re-add the account.
How to recognize the problem
- The message stays in the Outbox or a red warning appears that it was not sent
- New messages do not arrive, even though the sender claims they sent them
- The Gmail app crashes, freezes or shows a blank screen
- A message appears saying "No space" or "Storage is full"
- Gmail does not open in the browser or keeps redirecting to the sign-in page
Most common causes
Full Google account storage
Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos share the same 15 GB (or more with a subscription). When the space fills up, Gmail stops receiving messages.
Poor internet connection or blocked traffic
The network, VPN, firewall or antivirus can block access to Gmail servers, so messages are not sent or received.
Incorrect IMAP/POP and Forwarding settings
If access through other clients is set up incorrectly or forwarding is enabled, messages can "disappear" from the inbox.
Filters and blocks
Rules in Gmail can automatically archive, delete or redirect messages, so it looks like they are not arriving.
Outdated app or corrupted cache
An old version of the Gmail app or accumulated cache data causes crashes and a blank screen.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check whether Gmail works at all
Open
mail.google.comin a browser on your computer. If the page loads and the mail is there, the problem is in the app or the network on your phone. If it does not open in the browser either, check whether other sites work and whether the internet is stable. - 2
Check storage usage
Go to
https://one.google.com/storageand see how much space is used. If it is close to the limit, delete messages with large attachments in Gmail, empty "Trash" and "Spam" and delete unnecessary files in Google Drive and Google Photos. Before deleting, make a backup of important files, and before emptying "Trash" and "Spam" check that there are no messages you need. - 3
Review filters and blocked addresses
In Gmail open
Settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses. Remove rules that automatically archive or delete messages and check the list of blocked addresses. Save the changes and send a test message from another account. - 4
Check IMAP, POP and forwarding
Open
Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP. Make sure IMAP is enabled if you use Outlook or another client and that there is no unwanted forwarding. If you do not need POP access, turn it off. - 5
Clear the Gmail app cache on Android
Open
Settings > Apps > Gmail > Storage & cacheand tapClear cache. Do not tap "Clear data" unless you want to sign in again. Then reopen Gmail and check whether messages load. - 6
Re-add the account in the Mail app on iPhone
If you use the Gmail account in the Mail app on iPhone, open
Settings > Mail > Accounts > Gmailand remove the account, then add it again. Enter the password or confirm sign-in through the Google page. Check that the "Mail" option is enabled for that account. Messages remain on the Google account. - 7
Turn off VPN and check antivirus
Temporarily turn off the VPN and check whether messages go through. If antivirus or firewall blocks Gmail, add
mail.google.comto the list of allowed sites. Do not turn off protection permanently, only for testing. - 8
Change the password and check account activity
If Gmail does not open or keeps signing you out, open
https://myaccount.google.com/securityand check active sessions. Sign out of unknown devices and change the password. Enable two-factor authentication if it is not already enabled.
If nothing helps
Open Gmail with extensions disabled (in Chrome open chrome://extensions and disable all extensions) and on another network, for example via mobile data. If the problem occurs only on a business account, the Google Workspace administrator can check whether the account is suspended, whether the sending limit has been reached (about 500 recipients per day for a regular account) or whether it is a block on the server side. Also check https://www.google.com/appsstatus/dashboard for reported outages. If messages still do not go through, wait 24 hours because Google temporarily blocks accounts that send too many messages at once.
How to prevent it
- Regularly empty "Trash" and "Spam" and delete large attachments
- Keep the Gmail app and browser up to date
- Do not send bulk messages from a personal account, use BCC or a campaign tool
- Enable two-factor authentication and check active sessions
When to call a professional
Contact IT support if the account is a business one (Google Workspace), if you suspect hacking or if the problem repeats despite all the steps. The administrator can check logs, limits and policies that you cannot see.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why is Gmail not receiving messages even though there is space?
Most often it is a filter that automatically archives messages or moves them to another folder, or the sender is blocked. Check `Settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses` and review the folder that shows all messages.
Is the problem in Gmail or in my internet?
If Gmail opens in the browser but not in the app, the problem is most likely in the app or the cache. If it does not open in the browser either, check the internet connection and the status of Google services.
How many messages per day can I send from a Gmail account?
A regular Gmail account has a daily limit of about 500 recipients, and a Workspace account about 2,000. If you exceed the limit, sending is temporarily blocked for 24 hours.