6 (easy) Fix Gmail Notifications Not Working on Android

Keeping up with your inbox is essential, and Gmail notifications on Android ensure you never miss new emails. But what if they stop working? Don’t worry; this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Let’s start with the ULTIMATE Guide.

How I Fixed It

Whenever you find yourself in a situation where the Gmail app notifications are not working on your PC, Android, or iOS devices, you need to go to the Gmail settings. Tap on your Gmail ID, and you will find the notification section. Click on notifications, and you will see three options: All, High priority only, and None.

Additionally, for Android and iOS devices, go into your mobile phone settings, select the Gmail app from the app list, and make sure you allow all notifications such as lock screen, badge, and pop-up.

screenshot of notifications allowed for the gmail app android

Ensure you enable all three types. Then, clear the cache of the Gmail app, which can help fix the notification issue.

screenshot of storage settings for gmail

Moreover, if there is any app with permission to control your notifications, such as apps that track all your notifications, these might be conflicting with the Gmail app notifications. Make sure to uninstall or stop these applications and then check whether you are receiving notifications.

Make sure you have selected “All notifications” so the app will notify you of all the emails you receive. Another important aspect is notification sounds.

Ensure you have selected a sound that is audible. Choose any sound from the selection to ensure you hear your notifications.

At last, make sure that you have allowed background data usage for the Gmail app, even in data saver mode.

image of phone on the keyboard with gmail app notifications showing from the quick panel

How I Troubleshoot When Gmail Stops Sending Notifications

Having issues with Gmail not sending notifications can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you rely on email for important communications. However, through my experience, I’ve learned that there are several potential reasons behind this issue, and addressing them systematically can often resolve the problem.

Fix 1: Check Notification Settings

screenshot of gmail app all notifications notified selected
screenshot of customizing the gmail app notifications how it shows and sound
  • Within the Gmail app
    • Open Gmail and tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner
    • Go to Settings > select your account > tap Notifications
    • Ensure notifications are enabled and customize them to your preference (sound, vibration, etc.)
  • On your device
    • Some Android devices have notification settings at the system level
    • Check your device’s settings menu for notifications and ensure Gmail notifications are allowed

The first thing I check is whether notifications are disabled within the Gmail app or on my device. Sometimes, these settings can get accidentally changed, preventing you from receiving notifications.

zoomed in image of phone on the keyboard with gmail app notifications showing from the quick panel

Fix 2: Checking Gmail Service Status

One such step I took was checking the Gmail service status. In my experience, the issue might not always be on my end but could be due to a problem with Google’s servers.

screenshot of gmail app working from the google app status

I learned that I could check the current status of Gmail services by visiting the G Suite Status Dashboard (https://www.google.com/appsstatus). If there was an outage or service disruption, I had to wait until Google resolved the issue before notifications would start working again.

Fix 3: Update the Gmail App

updating the gmail from play store screenshot
screenshot of play store with gmail app updates
  • Outdated apps can sometimes malfunction
  • Open the Google Play Store and search for “Gmail”
  • If an update is available, tap “Update” to install the latest version

Using an outdated version of the Gmail app can sometimes cause issues with notifications not working properly. App developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve functionality, so keeping the app up-to-date is crucial.

Fix 4: Trying a Different Gmail Account

screenshot of multiple account logged in gmail app

In one particular case, I had access to another Gmail account, so I tried adding it to my device to see if notifications worked for that account. When they did, it became clear that the issue was specific to my primary account, and I had to contact Google support for further assistance.

Fix 5: Checking Google Play Services (Optional)

Another crucial step I took was checking the Google Play Services app. This app is responsible for many core Android functionalities, including push notifications. I ensured that Google Play Services was up-to-date and running properly on my device. When necessary, I:

  • Cleared its cache and data.
  • Uninstalled updates and reinstalled the app to resolve potential conflicts or issues.

Fix 6: Check Background App Refresh Restrictions

screenshot of application data usage for gmail with allowed background data usage
screenshot of application data usage for gmail with allowed background data usage in data saver

Many Android devices have battery optimization features that can restrict background activity for apps This might prevent Gmail from fetching new emails and triggering notifications To check:

  1. Open your device’s Settings menu
  2. Search for “Battery” or “Battery optimization”
  3. Find Gmail in the list of apps and ensure it’s set to “Not restricted” or “Unrestricted”

Some Android devices have battery optimization features that can restrict background activity for apps, which may prevent Gmail from fetching new emails and triggering notifications. Checking and adjusting these settings can often resolve the issue.

Troubleshoot Sync Issues

  • For notifications to work, Gmail needs to stay synced with the server
  • To check:
    1. Open the Gmail app and tap the hamburger menu
    2. Go to Settings > select your account
    3. Make sure the toggle next to “Sync Gmail” is turned on
screenshot of gmail sync email notifications

If Gmail isn’t syncing with the server, it won’t be able to fetch new emails and trigger notifications. Ensuring that sync is enabled can help resolve this issue.

Basic Fixes

  • Restart your device to resolve temporary glitches
  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection

Sometimes, a simple restart of your device can resolve temporary glitches that might be causing issues with Gmail notifications. Additionally, a stable internet connection is necessary for Gmail to sync and fetch new emails.

Advanced Troubleshooting (Optional)

  • Clear the Gmail app’s cache and data:
    1. Go to your device’s Settings menu
    2. Find “Apps” or “Applications”
    3. Search for Gmail and tap on it
    4. Tap “Storage” and then “Clear Cache” or “Clear Storage” (depending on your device)
  • Reinstall the Gmail app as a last resort
screenshot of storage settings for gmail

If none of the above steps work, you can try clearing the Gmail app’s cache and data. This removes temporary files that might be causing issues. However, be aware that this will also clear your login information, so you’ll need to log in again after. As a last resort, you can also try reinstalling the Gmail app.

image of phone in my hands with gmail app notifications showing from the quick panel

Instant Fixes for the Gmail App

  • Checked if enabled in app and device settings.
  • Updated to the latest Gmail version.
  • Removed battery optimization restrictions.
  • Enabled “Sync Gmail” in app settings.
  • Cleared Gmail app’s cache and data.
  • Checked G Suite Status Dashboard for service disruptions.
  • Cleared device’s cache partition from Recovery Mode.
  • Disabled recent app installations or booted into Safe Mode.
  • Tried another Gmail account to isolate the primary account issue.
  • Ensured Google Play Services was up-to-date and running.
  • Checked for and installed system updates for compatibility.

Additional Tips

  • Customize notification preferences within the Gmail app settings (sounds, vibration patterns, accounts, labels)
  • Consult Google’s official support resources for more detailed troubleshooting steps

Within the Gmail app settings, you can further customize your notification preferences, such as choosing notification sounds, vibration patterns, and even specifying which accounts or labels should trigger notifications. If you’re still having trouble, Google’s official support resources offer more detailed troubleshooting steps.

Facts and Data

By following these steps, I’ve been able to resolve notification issues with the Gmail app in most cases. However, if the problem persists, it’s always a good idea to consult official support resources for further assistance.

Conclusion

So that is it for today’s blog post. In today’s blog, we have dedicatedly shown you how you can fix the Gmail app notification issues. If you haven’t been receiving any notifications from Gmail for the past few days, despite signing up and allowing notification services, this is the blog post you need. Today, I showed you nine practical and proven methods, along with some optional tips and tricks, to help you fix and troubleshoot Gmail notifications.

These methods can be applied to both Android and iOS devices, as well as the desktop version of Gmail. I hope you found the information helpful. If not, please comment in the section below. If you have any additional ideas or methods, do let me know, guys.

Kunal
Kunalhttps://fixing-mostly.com/author/kunal-kashyap/
Kunal Kashyap, the tech guru behind FixItKunal.com, simplifies complex tech issues with clear and user-friendly guides. With expertise in Android, iOS, and more, his tutorials empower users to tackle tech problems confidently. Kunal's engaging style makes technology accessible to both beginners and experts. Beyond tech, he explores psychology and keeps up with tech and business trends awarded by the Government and Namita Thapar.

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