THE SHORT ANSWER

Start with this check.

Confirm that both views show the same account. Swipe down in the Inbox and check that Sync Gmail is enabled for that account.

Clearing Gmail storage can remove drafts and local settings. The checks below start with options that do not require deleting that data.

Which situation matches yours?

The email appears after a manual refreshReceiving works. Check automatic syncing.
The email appears, but there is no alertFollow the notification checks rather than treating it as a missing email.
The email is also missing on the webUse the Gmail not receiving emails guide.

Let’s go step by step.

0 of 4 checks completed

Mark each check to keep track during this visit.

01

Compare exactly the same message

Open Gmail in your browser and check the account address. In the Android app, tap your profile picture and select that address. Search for the subject of the test message rather than checking only the first few emails.

What to look for

If it appears in both views, the issue may concern sorting, labels or alerts rather than delivery.

02

Refresh the inbox and update the app

Swipe down in the Inbox. Check your connection and look for Gmail updates in Google Play. Save any work before restarting your phone.

What to look for

Note whether a manual refresh brings the email in. That distinguishes automatic syncing from the manual check.

Read the official documentation
03

Check syncing for this account

In Gmail, open Menu, then Settings and the affected account. Check Sync Gmail. Also review Google account syncing in Android settings; the names of these menus vary by phone manufacturer.

What to look for

Test with a new email after each change so that you can identify which setting made a difference.

Read the official documentation
04

Check storage and separate missing alerts

Review both your phone storage and your Google account storage. If the message is already in the app but no alert appears, check Gmail notification settings and the permissions allowed by Android.

What to look for

Seeing the email inside the app confirms that this message has synced. The next check should focus on its notification.

Read the official documentation

When to stop and ask for help

If syncing still fails, record the phone model, Android version and the web-versus-app comparison. Partially hide the account address and exclude private email content. For a work account, ask the administrator before removing it from your phone.

Does a step differ from what you see? →

Common questions

Does this guide apply to iPhone?

No. These settings are for Android. Do not apply the same menu paths to iOS.

Do I need to remove my Google account?

Not for these initial checks. Before removing an account, make sure you understand how to sign back in.

What if only one account is affected?

Check that account separately. Gmail syncing can be configured per account.

Sources and review

Project owner: Eudald Ferrer Ibáñez. Report a correction.

This guide uses official documentation and our own troubleshooting sequence. Menus may change between versions. Documentation reviewed on September 27, 2026; practical device testing is still pending.

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