Read time: 7 minutes
Quick Answer: If Apple Mail is not syncing with Gmail, try to check your internet connection, verify Gmail access in Safari, and confirm your Mail settings. If the issue continues, remove the Gmail account from Apple Mail and add it again through Google to complete secure authentication.
Apple Mail allows you to easily manage your Gmail messages directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. However, occasionally, some users face Apple Mail Not Syncing with Gmail issue. It will affect your new incoming emails, cause delayed updates, and repeatedly ask for your Google Password.
The good news is that you can usually fix the problem with a few simple methods. As a mentor, I’ll provide you with all the working manual methods to fix this issue in this guide.
Even many users are reportedly facing the same issue while their system shows different messages, like:
A user complained about facing this error statement while trying to sync:
Why is Apple Mail Not Syncing with Gmail?
There are several issues that can stop Gmail messages from appearing in Apple Mail.
- When you set up your account using old or manual authentication.
- Your iPhone may check for new mail only at set intervals.
- A weak or unavailable connection can stop new messages from reaching your device.
- An old iOS or macOS release can cause account or Mail problems.
- A damaged Mail account setup can stop new messages from arriving.
- Your full Google Account storage can affect new mail delivery.
How to fix the syncing issue?
Here, we are going to mention a few tricks and methods to solve this syncing issue. Let’s check them out:
Method 1: Restart your iPhone
If this issue occurs due to your iPhone, then it can be easy to tackle it. Simply restart your iPhone to shut down all ongoing processes. It will reboot all functionality and can fix the Apple Mail not syncing with Google issue.
Method 2: Check push settings
Another thing that can create this issue is your iPhone’s inaccurate Push settings. Sometimes, the Push settings are configured in a way that the sync will happen only if you perform it manually, and you might not be aware of it. Let’s make the necessary changes and fix this issue:
- Go to the Settings.
- In Settings, locate Passwords & Accounts in the menu.
- Now look for Fetch New Data.
- Select Gmail and finally click on Fetch.
Once done open the App and refresh the page. The sync should be done.
Method 3: Login as a “Test” user
I cannot say it’s a solution because it’s a smart trick. Many users have reportedly said that they fixed the issue after attempting this trick. Let’s perform it:
- Start by opening your System Preferences.
- Check out User and Groups and create a new test user.
- Now, log out of your system and login again, but this time with the newly created test user we have just created.
- Once started, it is suggested to skip all of the app installments if asked and directly head on to sign in to Mail.
If this method works for you just fine, this means that there is no issue with Mail or syncing. There is some app that is stopping the syncing process. So, when you login to your system as the original user, start deleting any recently installed app after which you started facing the issue.
However, if this method doesn’t work on your system, then don’t worry. Go through below mentioned methods.
Method 4: Add Gmail Through Google Option
It is one of the most important fixes for current Gmail accounts. Apple recommends that users add common email providers such as Google through the built-in provider list. On current iPhone and iPad versions, the path is:
Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > Add Account > Google
Then:
Step 1: Select Google and enter your Gmail address.
Step 2: Complete the Google sign-in process.
Step 3: Approve the requested permissions.
Step 4: Turn on Mail and click Save.
Apple confirms that Gmail can be added through the Google provider option, which allows automatic account setup.
It is a much better approach than an old manual setup because Google can handle authentication directly.
Method 5: Remove and re-add your Gmail account
If the problem persists and none of the above suggestions worked for you, then you may need to remove the account and set it up again with Mail. Doing this will permanently remove all of the traces of the account configuration.
After that, try to reconnect your Gmail in Apple Mail and fix the sync problem:
Remove and reconnect your Gmail in your iPhone or iPad
Part 1: Remove Gmail Account in iPhone or iPad
Step 1: Go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts
Step 2: Select your Gmail account and remove it.
Part 2: Reconnect Gmail account on iPhone or iPad
Step 1: Return to Mail Accounts and click on Add Account.
Step 2: Select Google and enter valid credentials to sign in.
Step 3: Allow mail access, enable Mail, and click on Save.
Apple provides the same Google-based account setup path for Gmail on your current iPhone and iPad versions.
Remove and reconnect Gmail account on Mac
Remove and reconnect Gmail account on Mac
Part 1: Remove Gmail from your Mac.
Step 1: Open Apple Mail.
Step 2: Go to Mail > Settings > Accounts.
Step 3: Select your Gmail account and remove it.
Part 2: Add Gmail on Mac
Step 1: Open Internet Accounts and click on the Apple icon.
Step 2: Select System Settings from the menu.
Step 3: Click on Internet Accounts > Add Account.
Step 4: Select Google from the list of email providers.
Step 5: Click Open Browser when prompted to sign in via your web browser.
Step 6: Enter your Gmail credentials and wait till Apple Mail syncs all your emails.
Note: Complete any two-factor authentication (2FA) steps if your account asks. Select the apps you want to use with your Google account (make sure Mail is checked, and toggle on Contacts, Calendars, or Notes if you want them too).
Step 7: Finally, click Done.
Method 6: Update iPhone, iPad, or macOS
An outdated Apple operating system can cause account and Mail problems. Make sure to update your device to fix Apple Mail Not Syncing with Gmail issue.
On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
On Mac: Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
After the update, restart the device and open Apple Mail again.
All these manual methods are enough to sync your Gmail with Apple Mail. However, you are afraid of losing Gmail data while removing your Gmail from Apple Mail or in other scenarios. Then a professional Gmail backup solution is a must for you. With the Gmail backup, you can freely use manual methods and fix your issue.
Most Recommended: Back up the Gmail data
Backing up Gmail data is not crucial using the Google Takeout method. But if you didn’t get your desired output result; alternatively, you need a professional tool to access your backup data. However, Kernel Gmail Backup Tool is such a proficient tool for the same. This tool backs up single/multiple IMAP mailboxes and will easily backup all your Gmail mailbox data to computer in no time. It comes with a lot of cool features, including advanced filters. Keeping your data safe in its original form, this tool backs up every single email without making your system slow or lag. Try this tool for free and back up to 10 items per folder.
Conclusion
If Apple Mail Not Syncing with Gmail issue prevails, start with the simple checks, then focus on Google authentication and the Apple Mail account setup. For current iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices, add Gmail through the built-in Google provider and complete the Google sign-in process. If the issue remains, remove the Gmail account and add it again. But before going to any manual methods, make sure to take a Gmail data backup to secure a hard copy of your essential mailbox on your local computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: No, it is an outdated method. Even nowadays, Gmail has discontinued this method. So, try other manual methods to fix Apple Mail not syncing with Gmail problem.
Answer: It means your Gmail account itself is accessible, while the Apple Mail account setup has an authentication or local configuration issue. Try re-adding your Gmail through the Google provider option.
