8 Ways to Fix the "Unfortunately, Gmail Has Stopped" Error on Android
The "Unfortunately, Gmail has stopped" error message is a common Android problem. This guide outlines eight troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.
1. Reopen the Gmail App:
The simplest solution is often the best. Closing and reopening the Gmail app can clear temporary glitches and free up RAM, allowing the app to reconnect and function correctly.
2. Close Background Apps:
Running too many background apps can consume available RAM, leading to crashes. Closing unused apps frees up resources, improving overall system performance and potentially resolving the Gmail error. This is especially important on devices with less than 4GB of RAM.
3. Restart Your Android Device:
A restart clears all background processes and apps, resolving potential conflicts that might be causing the Gmail app to crash. This is a quick and effective way to rule out background process interference.
4. Force Stop the Gmail App:
If reopening and restarting don't work, force-stopping Gmail terminates all its background processes. This is a more aggressive approach than simply closing the app.
- Steps: Long-press the Gmail app icon, select "App Info," and then tap "Force Stop."
5. Uninstall Android System WebView Updates:
While seemingly unrelated, uninstalling updates for Android System WebView has helped some users resolve Gmail crashes. This suggests a potential compatibility issue between the WebView and Gmail.
- Steps: Go to Settings > Apps > App List/App Management, find "Android System WebView," tap the three dots, and select "Uninstall updates."
6. Sign Out and Back In to Your Email Account:
Account-related problems can trigger app crashes. Signing out of Gmail and then signing back in can resolve issues related to account synchronization or corrupted account data. Note that there's no direct "Sign Out" option within the Gmail app itself; removing and re-adding the account achieves the same result.
7. Clear the Gmail App Cache:
A corrupted cache can prevent the app from functioning correctly. Clearing the cache removes temporary files and data, potentially resolving the issue.
- Steps: Long-press the Gmail app icon, select "App Info," tap "Storage Usage," and then tap "Clear cache."
8. Update the Gmail App:
Outdated apps often contain bugs that can cause crashes. Updating to the latest version from the Google Play Store ensures you have the most stable and bug-fixed version of the app.
If the problem persists after trying these steps, consider:
- Checking for device-specific issues: Certain device configurations or hardware problems might contribute to the error.
- Contacting Google Support: If the problem continues, contacting Google support for assistance may be necessary.
These steps provide a comprehensive approach to resolving the "Unfortunately, Gmail has stopped" error. Starting with the simplest solutions and progressing to more involved steps increases the likelihood of finding a successful fix.