Gmail Not Receiving Emails? Fix Mobile, Filters & Authentication Fast

You're waiting for a crucial job offer or a password reset link, and your inbox is dead silent. We've all been there. When Gmail is not receiving emails, the anxiety is real.

Stop and Read First: Most Gmail delivery issues aren't caused by server crashes. They are usually caused by three things: Full Storage, Accidental Filters, or Mobile Sync Settings.

This guide puts the solutions first. Use the quick diagnostic table below to jump straight to your fix.

Quick Diagnostic: Identify Your Problem Fast

Don't waste time on random fixes. Match your symptom to the solution.

Step 1: Check Your Storage Quota Immediately

Here is the most common reason for a sudden stop in emails: You ran out of space.

Google gives you 15 GB of free storage, but it is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. If your drive is full, incoming emails bounce back to the sender.

How to check and fix:

1. Visit one.google.com/storage.

2. If usage is red (near 100%), you must delete files immediately.

3. Quick Clean: In Gmail search, type has:attachment larger:10M. Delete old large emails.

4. Empty Trash: Deleting emails doesn't free space until you click "Empty Trash Now".

Pro Tip: Use AFFiNE to back up critical text content or project notes before deleting old emails, so you never lose important information during a cleanup.

Step 2: Verify Spam, Trash, and "All Mail"

Gmail's sophisticated AI filtering system is aggressive. It often hides legitimate emails in places you rarely look.

The "All Mail" Trick

Your Inbox view is NOT your entire account.

1. On desktop, look at the left sidebar. Click More > All Mail.

2. Search your missing email here. If it's here but not in the inbox, it was "Archived" (we'll fix that in Step 3).

Check Category Tabs

Gmail sorts mail into Primary, Social, and Promotions.

• Check the Promotions tab (often where password resets land).

• Check the Updates tab.

• Fix: Drag the email to the "Primary" tab and click Yes when Google asks to do this for future messages.

Step 3: Review Filters and Blocked Senders

Did you accidentally create a filter years ago that deletes emails containing the word "Offer"? It happens more than you think.

Audit your Filters:

1. Go to Settings (Gear Icon) > See all settings.

2. Click the Filters and Blocked Addresses tab.

3. Look for filters with actions like "Skip Inbox" or "Delete it".

4. Delete any suspicious filters.

Check Forwarding:

1. Go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.

2. Ensure you aren't forwarding mail to an old address with the setting "archive Gmail's copy" or "delete Gmail's copy" enabled.

Step 4: Fix Mobile Sync Issues (iPhone & Android)

If emails appear on your computer but not your phone, the issue is your app, not your account.

For iPhone (iOS) Users

1. Background App Refresh: Go to iOS Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Ensure it's ON for Gmail.

2. Re-authenticate: Often, a password change breaks the sync token. Remove your account from the mail app and add it again.

3. Check Storage: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If the phone is full, it won't sync data.

For Android Users

1. Sync Settings: Open Gmail App > Menu > Settings > Tap your account. Ensure "Sync Gmail" is checked.

2. Clear Cache: Go to Android Settings > Apps > Gmail > Storage > Clear Cache. (Do not clear Data unless you want to sign in again).

Step 5: Sender Issues and Authentication

If you are receiving emails from everyone except one specific person or company, the problem is likely on their end.

Gmail has strictly updated its requirements for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. If the sender's domain is not authenticated properly, Gmail will block it before it even hits your spam folder.

How to verify:

If you ever receive an email from them (even an old one):

1. Open the email on Desktop.

2. Click the three dots (top right) > Show Original.

3. Look for "SPF", "DKIM", and "DMARC". If any say FAIL or SOFTFAIL, tell the sender to contact their IT department.

Step 6: Advanced Troubleshooting (Google Workspace)

Are you using a business email (e.g., name@company.com) hosted on Gmail? The issue might be your domain's MX Records.

• Check MX Records: Use the Google Admin Toolbox.

• Status Dashboard: Check the Google Workspace Status Dashboard to see if Gmail is down globally.

Preventing Future Email Delivery Problems

Don't wait for the next crisis. Build a system to keep your inbox healthy.

1. Quarterly Filter Audit: Set a reminder to review your filters every 3 months.

2. Whitelist Important Contacts: Add key email addresses to your Google Contacts list. Gmail rarely marks contacts as spam.

3. Document Your Settings: If you manage IT for a team, don't let this knowledge vanish. Use the Multi-Category Help Desk FAQ Template by AFFiNE to create a searchable troubleshooting guide for your employees. Documenting "What to do when email fails" can save hours of panic later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gmail Not Receiving Emails

1. Why is my Gmail not receiving emails from a specific sender?

This is usually due to a Blocked Address or Spam Filter. Check your Spam folder first. If it's not there, the sender likely has an authentication issue (DMARC/SPF fail) causing Google to reject the email entirely.

2. How do I fix Gmail not syncing on my iPhone?

First, ensure Background App Refresh is enabled for Gmail. If that fails, remove the account from your iPhone settings and re-add it. This forces a fresh sync with Google's servers.

3. Why are my emails going to Spam instead of my inbox?

Google's AI adapts to your behavior. If you delete emails without opening them, Google thinks they are spam. Always open legitimate emails in the Spam folder and click "Report not spam" to train the filter.

4. Does a full Google Photos account stop Gmail?

Yes. Google storage (15GB) is shared between Drive, Photos, and Gmail. If your Photos fill the quota, you cannot receive emails.

5. Can I recover emails blocked due to full storage?

Unfortunately, no. If your storage was full, incoming emails were "bounced" back to the sender. They were never stored on Google's servers. You must ask the sender to send them again after you clear space.