Millions of people use the Gmail platform every day to communicate within personal and professional relationships. Unfortunately, the software can occasionally run into delays and loading issues. These errors can be incredibly frustrating to deal with. What can you do?
First, try logging out and back in again and restarting the Gmail platform. You can also try a different browser and restart your device. Otherwise, you might have to clear your browser’s cache and cookies or adjust your internet settings. You can also consult the Gmail Help Center for more advice.
If your Gmail platform isn’t loading or you’re experiencing delays, it’s easy to quickly get yourself back to work. These issues are not typically severe and are simple to resolve. Let’s walk through how it’s done.
How to Troubleshoot When Gmail Isn’t Loading
Log Out and Log Back In
One of the first troubleshooting methods you should consider is to log out of your Gmail account and log back in. Simply log out of your profile, wait for about 30 seconds, and log back into your account. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, move on to the next troubleshooting steps below.
Force Shut Down Gmail
Besides logging out and back in, you can forcefully shut down the Gmail application. You can simply restart your browser and reopen it if you’re using a desktop computer.
You can forcefully shut down the Gmail app if you’re on a mobile device and restart it. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, move on to the next troubleshooting steps below.
Try a Different Browser
The next troubleshooting method is to try logging into Gmail in a different browser. For example, you might want to use Firefox if you normally use Google Chrome.
If Gmail works in a separate browser, you can start to narrow down your issue to your standard web browser. The same process can be used if you’re using a mobile app. You can switch to a desktop browser to see if that resolves your issue.
Restart Your Device
If none of the troubleshooting methods above worked, try shutting down and restarting your device. Restarting your device can resolve minor bugs and issues, regardless of whether you’re using a desktop computer or smartphone.
Try the Gmail platform once more after restarting your device to see if the error is resolved. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try the solutions below.
Disable Your Antivirus Software
You can try temporarily disabling any antivirus software if it applies to your situation. In some instances, antivirus software can conflict with the Gmail platform. Other software like parental control tools and scanning systems can also cause minor bugs.
Try temporarily disabling the applications one at a time to see if there are any issues. You can re-enable the software after you’re finished troubleshooting.
Clear Your Cache and Cookies
Keep in mind that clearing your Google Chrome cache will delete your saved information, and you’ll have to re-enter it. However, clearing your web browser’s cache can resolve minor issues and bugs. Here’s how to do it:
- Launch the Google Chrome browser.
- Select the three vertical dots button on the top-right-hand corner of the screen.
- Hit “More tools” from the drop-down menu and select “Clear browsing data.”
- Choose a time range. You can delete everything by selecting “All time.”
- Check the boxes next to “Cookies and other site data” and “cached images and files.”
- Select “Clear data,” save your settings, and restart the Google Chrome browser to finish.
Enable Cookies
Web cookies save your information and make your browsing experience easier. You won’t stay signed into your Google Chrome or Gmail account if you don’t have cookies enabled. Here’s how to do so:
- Launch the Google Chrome browser.
- Select the three vertical dots button on the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Head to the “Privacy and Security” tab.
- Click “Cookies and other site data.”
- Toggle “Allow all cookies” and ensure the “Clear cookies and site data” feature is disabled.
- Save your settings and restart the Google Chrome browser to finish.
Check Your Internet Connection
It’s worth making sure your internet connection is stable and working properly. Slow internet connections can cause the Gmail platform to encounter delays and load partially, or not at all.
You can check your internet by using sites like is my internet working? You can ensure that your connection is stable and text the internet speed is working as normal.
If there are still issues, you can contact your Internet Service Provider for additional assistance. Alternatively, you can restart your router and modem to see if that resolves the problem.
Adjust Your Browser Settings
There are several ways you can adjust your browser settings, and the exact steps will depend on the type of browser you’re using. You can clear your cache, enable cookies, and access the settings in Google Chrome by following some of the steps provided above.
Alternatively, you can disable any browser extensions or plug-ins that might conflict with the Gmail platform. Disabling extensions is straightforward and can easily resolve your issue. The exact steps will depend on your web browser.
You can also adjust your browser’s privacy settings if they’re too high. It’s unlikely, but privacy settings can prevent you from accessing the Gmail platform. You’ll need to add the Gmail platform to your browser’s list of allowed sites.
Finally, you can reinstall your browser for a fresh start. You’ll need to completely uninstall and reinstall the browser. Web browsers can become corrupt and run into errors that might prevent you from accessing sites like Gmail.
Enable Gmail’s Offline Feature
One of the reasons you might not have access to offline Gmail is that you haven’t enabled the feature. You can easily enable the offline Gmail feature by following the steps below:
- Launch your Gmail account.
- Locate the “Settings” icon near the upper-right corner of the screen. Hit the Settings icon.
- Choose “See all settings” from the drop-down menu. You’ll be directed to another page.
- From the new page, choose the “Offline” tab at the top.
- Locate the “Enable offline mail” check box and click the box.
- From the “Sync settings” tab, select the timeframe you want Gmail to hold offline mail. You can also deceive whether you want to download attachments or not.
- From the Security tab, select if you want Gmail to delete offline mail when you log out of your Google account.
- Once you’re satisfied, click “Save Changes” to finish your adjustments. You can revisit the Settings menu to adjust if necessary.
Keep in mind that offline Gmail allows you to queue new emails, messages, and adjustments when you’re offline. The actions will be completed once you connect to a stable internet connection, and you’ll receive any new notifications.
When to Contact Gmail
You might want to contact Gmail directly if none of the solutions above are working.
It might also be time to turn to Gmail support if the issue isn’t with your Internet Service Provider and your internet is working fine.
You can use The Gmail Help Center to ask questions and find useful information. From here, you can browse through frequently asked questions, submit queries, and find community forums with helpful solutions.