Suddenly Apple Mail Not Syncing with Gmail – Between iphone and Mac

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  • Updated on February 22nd, 2025

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Are your Apple Mail not syncing with Gmail between your iPhone and Mac? If Gmail messages aren’t updating, appearing, or sending properly, it can disrupt your workflow and cause unnecessary issues. This syncing issue is a common problem for Apple users. But the good news is that it can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. In this blog, we’ll walk you through clear step-by-step solutions including the Gmail Backup Tool to restore email synchronization between Apple Mail and Gmail.

Reasons Why Mac Mail Not Syncing with Gmail

Several factors can cause Apple Mail to stop syncing with Gmail. Understanding the main reason behind the problem is the first step in resolving it. Let’s go over the most common reasons behind this problem.

  • If your Gmail IMAP settings are incorrect, syncing issues can occur.
  • Apple Mail might not be authorized to access your Gmail account.
  • Also, a glitch in Apple Mail settings can prevent proper synchronization.
  • Security software or other apps might block Apple Mail from syncing Gmail.

Top Ways to Fix Apple Mail Not Syncing with Gmail

Fixing Apple Mail not syncing with your Gmail requires a step-by-step approach to resolve the issue. By checking your internet connection, verifying IMAP settings, and re-adding your Gmail account, you can restore proper synchronization. Follow the troubleshooting methods below to get your emails syncing smoothly again.

Solution 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure your iPhone and Mac are connected to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network. Restart your router if needed and switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the issue persists.

Solution 2: Verify Gmail IMAP Settings to Fix Apple Mail isn’t syncing with Gmail

Gmail uses IMAP for syncing emails across multiple devices. Ensure IMAP is enabled:

  1. Firstly, open Gmail in a web browser.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner and select See all settings.
  3. Then, go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
  4. Ensure that IMAP is turned on, then select Save Changes to apply the settings.

Solution 3: Remove and Re-add Gmail Account

If syncing issues persist, removing and re-adding your Gmail account can help:

On iPhone:

  1. Firstly, open Settings >> Mail >> Accounts.
  2. Tap on your Gmail Account and select Delete Account.
  3. After that, restart your iPhone.
  4. Go back to Settings >> Mail >> Accounts.
  5. Finally, click on Add Account >> Google and Sign in again.

On Mac:

  1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
  2. Afterwards, click Internet Accounts.
  3. Further, select your Gmail account and click Remove.
  4. Then, restart your Mac.
  5. Re-add your Gmail account by selecting Google under Add Account.

Solution 4: Update macOS and iOS to Fix Apple Mail Not Syncing with Gmail

Make sure your iPhone and Mac are running the latest software updates:

On iPhone: 

  1. Firstly, go to Settings >> General.
  2. In the end, click on Software Update.

On Mac: 

  1. Click the Apple menu >> System Settings.
  2. After that, press General >> Software Update.

Solution 5: Try as a Test User

This method helps determine if the issue is related to your current user profile or a system-wide problem. It also serves as a temporary fix to restore email syncing. Follow these steps to test it:

  1. Open System Preferences on your Mac.
  2. Click on Users & Groups and create a new user profile. Name it Test User.
  3. Then, Log out of your current account and Sign in using the Test User profile.
  4. Set up your Gmail account in Apple Mail and check if syncing works properly.

Solution 6: Check Push Settings

  1. Firstly, open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Click on Passwords & Accounts (or Mail on newer iOS versions).
  3. Then, select Fetch New Data and look for your Gmail account.
  4. Afterward, choose Fetch instead of Manual or Push to allow automatic syncing.
  5. Once done, restart your device and check if your emails are syncing properly.

Drawbacks of Fixing the Issue Manually

  • Fixing the issue manually requires multiple steps, which can take a lot of time.
  • Some methods, like modifying IMAP settings or resetting preferences, may be difficult for non-technical users.
  • Manual solutions may not always fix the problem, especially if the issue is server-related.
  • Incorrect settings or account removal might lead to email loss if not backed up properly.

Solution 7: Simple & Effective Way to Fix Apple Mail Not Syncing with Gmail

Manual methods have certain limitations and may not always provide a 100% effective solution for fixing this issue. In such cases, using a professional Gmail Backup Tool to restore emails can be a more reliable option. Creating a backup ensures that no important emails are lost during the troubleshooting process. Additionally, it allows users to recover data easily if any issues persist. The top-notch utility provides a more secure and efficient way to manage email synchronization problems.

Related Post: Outlook for Mac Not Syncing with Gmail.

Conclusion

Fixing the issue of Apple Mail not syncing with Gmail can be frustrating, as it prevents users from accessing their emails smoothly. However, by following the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, users can effectively resolve the syncing problem and restore seamless email communication. Moreover, these methods help in rebuilding synchronization while ensuring that no important data is lost in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why is my Apple Mail not syncing with Gmail?

Ans: Apple Mail may not sync with Gmail due to incorrect IMAP settings, outdated macOS, or authentication issues with Google. In addition, checking your account settings and updating your software can help fix this problem.

2. How do I fix Apple Mail not updating Gmail inbox?

Ans: To fix this, ensure IMAP is enabled in Gmail settings, and remove and re-add your Gmail account in Apple Mail. Also, checking for software updates, verifying your internet connection, and restarting your device can also help resolve syncing issues.

About The Author:

Raj is a skilled technical writer who makes complicated topics easy to understand. With experience in email and cloud migration, he creates clear and engaging content that helps readers learn about technology. His work is trusted by many and has been featured on well-known tech sites.

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