How to Check Gmail Issue Status

What to do when you have problems with Gmail

An illustration of an email account that isn't working, shown by an email with a red X over it.

 Getty Images

by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated December 16, 2018

When your Gmail isn't working properly or at all, it is normal to wonder if it is down for everybody or down for you alone. Does Google know about the problem or should you alert the company to the outage?

You can find out whether Google is aware of Gmail service disruptions—login failures, missing data, or certain functions not working—and check for an estimate on how long the outage will last by checking the Google Status Dashboard page.

Check the Google Status Dashboard

If you're having trouble with your Gmail account, it could be that you are not alone. The service may be disrupted or down completely. However, it could be just you. Before you take any other action, check the current status of Gmail. 

Screenshot of outage dot on Google's G Suite Status Dashboard

  1. Go to the Google Status Dashboard webpage.

  2. Look at the Current status column for Gmail. Gmail is usually listed first. A green radio button next to Gmail indicates there are no known issues with Gmail currently. An orange radio button indicates a service disruption, and a red radio button indicates a service outage.

  3. Go across to today's date in the Gmail row of the chart and read any comments that appear there. Usually, when the radio button is red or orange, there is some indication as to what is going on or when it might be fixed.

If the radio button is green, only you are having a problem, and you may need to contact Gmail support for help. If the radio button is orange or red, Google knows about it, and there's nothing you can do until Google resolves the problem.

You can also subscribe to the Google Status Dashboard RSS feed in your RSS feed reader to receive up-to-date status reports.

Go to the Gmail Help Center

Before you contact Google for help, look at the Gmail Help Center to see solutions to frequently occurring problems with Gmail.

A screenshot of the Gmail Help Center.

Click on Fix a problem and choose the category that best matches the trouble you are having. Categories include:

  • Gmail messages are missing

  • Unwanted or suspicious emails

  • Loading & display

  • Account

  • Can't sign in to your Google account

  • Sync & import

  • Rejected messages

You may find a solution at the Help Center. If not, it is time to contact Google.

How to Report an Issue to Google

If you encounter a problem not on the Gmail Help Center list, report it to Google. To do this:

  1. Click the Settings cog icon from within Gmail. 

  2. Select Send Feedback from the drop-down menu.

    Screenshot of Send Feedback menu item in Gmail Settings menu

  3. Describe your issue in the Send feedback screen that opens. 

  4. Include a screen shot of the problem if you have one. 

    Screenshot of feedback form in Gmail settings, highlighting the Send button

    You can use the provided tools to hide and highlight things in your screenshot.

  5. Click Send.

You will receive a response from a technician who will assist with your problem.

If your Gmail is part of a paid G Suite account, you have additional service options that include phone, chat, and email support.