Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team
1. Introduction
It can be frustrating with you can't get your email using your web-based mail system. In some cases, this is someone's only way to check their email. This guide will take you through the basics to getting your mail back working properly.
Each fix is listed in order. Try each one individually and then test to see if you are able to access your email. If successful, you can discontinue use of this guide. If you're still having trouble, try the next fix until you find one that resolvesyourissue.
Before You Begin:
- Make sure your computer is connected to the internet.
2. Restart Your Device
Many basic problems can be solved simply by restarting your device. This clears caches, and forces the device to re-load the program or web page you may be having issue with, rather than use something that may be partially wrong.
Before you restart or shut down your device, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.
Windows
- Select the Start menu, then select Power.
- Select Restart.
Apple macOS
- From the menu bar across the top of the screen, select the Apple menu, thenRestart...
Android
- Hold down the power button on your Android device.
- Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
- Select Power Off.
- If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Push and hold the Power button for a few moments, and your Android device will start back up.
Apple iOS
- Push and hold the Power button for a few moments.
- Depending on the model of iPhone you have, the location of the power button may be on the top or on the right-hand side.
- Slide the Power symbol on your screen to the right to shut down your iPhone.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Push and hold the Power button for a few moments to turn your iPhone back on.
After rebooting, check if you are still having the same problem again. Many times, this is all that's needed to fix issues you may have!
3. Make Sure the Internet Connection Works
- Open your browser. In the address bar at the top, type in google.com, then push Enter or Return.
- Make sureyou're able to loadGoogle.com. Once this loads, make sure you're able to search. Type something in the Search box,then selectGoogle Search.
- Make sure search resultsload properly.
- If searching doesn't work, then there's reason to believe that you're not connected to the Internet. Fix the connection issue before proceeding.
- How to Fix My Internet Connection
Learn how to troubleshoot Internet connectivity issues for any device(s) you have that are struggling to access the Internet. - My Internet Doesn't Work
4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Many problems with more active websites, such as webmail or database access pages, there can often be a problem with the information your browser caches, or saves to make it load faster, and what the site itself is trying to display. The simple solution is to tell your browser to delete whatever it has in its cache, so it can get a fresh copy that's more likely to work properly.
On top of that, cookies, or little tokens of information, can also get out-of-sync, and cause similar problems when a site is changed a little. Again, telling the browser to clear cookies is the simplest solution to this issue.
After clearing cookies, you will need to sign back into sites you use regularly.
If you have your browser set to remember your passwords, this won't be lost, and your browser will automatically fill in the prompts for you.
Each browser is a little different in where the cache and cookie settings are kept. Select your browser from the list below for tailored instructions to clear the cache and cookies.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome, and select the Menu in the top-right corner.
- Point to More tools, and select Clear browsing data.
- For Time range, select All time. Place a check mark for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files. Select Clear data.
Safari
- Select the Safari menu, then select Clear History.
- Select Clear all history, then select Clear History.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox, and select the Menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Library.
- Select History, then select Clear Recent History.
- For Time range to clear, select Everything. Under History, select all boxes, then select Clear Now.
Opera
- Select the Opera O menu in the top-left corner, point to History, then select Clear browsing data.
- For Time range, select All time. Place a check mark for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files. Select Clear data.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge, and select the Menu in the top-right corner.
- Select the Menu in the top-right corner, and select History.
- Select Clear history.
- Place a check next to Browsing history, Cookies and saved website data, Cached data and files, and Tabs I've set aside or recently closed. Then select Clear.
Safari on iOS
- Open Settings, and select Safari.
- Select Clear History and Website Data.
- Select Clear History and Data.
Chrome on Android
- Open Chrome, and select the Menu in the top-right corner.
- Select History.
- Select Clear browsing data.
- Place a check mark next to each item, then select Clear data.
- You'll be asked to confirm you want to clear site storage for pages that may store data for you. Make sure each item is checked and select Clear.
5. Check the Status of the Website
It's a good idea to test if the site you're trying to access is down for everyone, or just you. There's a website that facilitates doing just that!
- Open your preferred browser, and visita website checker page, such as "Down for Everyone or Just Me".
- Down for Everyone or Just Me
- Down for Everyone or Just Me(External)
- On the site, type in the website address you're having problems reaching, then then push Enter or Return.
- Look at the result from the site, to determine if the site is down.
- Site Down
- If the result says that "It's not just you!", that means the site is down for everyone.
- Site Up
- If the result says that "It's just you.", that means there's a problem with the connection between your computer and the site, but other people can get to the site.
6. The Website is Having Problems
It appears your web browser and computer are working fine because youare ableto reach Google. There is a problem with the website itself that you are trying to reach.
You can wait and try accessing the site in a little while, or you can contact the person or company that controls the website to find out more about why the site is having problems, and when it will become available again.
7. Test the Website with a Different Browser
The issue you are experiencing may not be due to an Internet or website issue. It may actually bean issue with theweb browser you are using. Some websites, especially interactive ones such as webmail services, may work better when accessed with a particular browser. Some websites actually recommend or require a specific browser in order to function properly. Depending onthe device you are using and what it currently has installed, you may have a backup or alternative web browser already available.
Common Browsers
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft's Edge browser comes pre-installed and setup on your Windows computer.
If you don't see an icon for Edge on your Desktop or Taskbar, you should see one in your Start Menu.
Apple Safari
Apple's Safari browser comes pre-installed and setup on your Mac computer, or iOS phone or tablet.
If you don't see an icon for Safari on your Dock, you can find one in your Applications folder.
Google Chrome
Google's Chrome browser comes pre-installed and setup on your Android phone or tablet, and is available for Windows and Mac computers as well, and is exceptionally popular as both a primary and secondary browser for many people.
Setup Google Chrome
We have guides available if you wish to setup Google Chrome as a second browser on your computer.
- How to Download and Install Google Chrome on Windows
- How to Download and Install Google Chrome on a Mac
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is available for Windows and Mac computers, and is a popular browser used by many people.
Setup Mozilla Firefox
We have guides available if you wish to setup Mozilla Firefox as a second browser on your computer.
- How to Download and Install Firefox on Windows
- How to Download and Install Firefox on a Mac
Opera
Another browser, often installed because Opera tends to lay out a great many features on the screen at all times.
Setup Opera
We have guides available if you wish to setup Opera as a second browser on your computer.
- How to Download and Install Opera on Windows
- How to Download and Install Opera on a Mac
8. The Web Browser is the Issue
It appears that the first web browser you tried to access the website with is having problems. Either because the website you tried to visit is incompatible with it, some sort of misconfiguration, or some type of deeper issue that will require service.
This is not a problem with your Internet Service Provider, but rather with the software (the web browser) on your computer.
You may choose to use the web browser that was able to successfully view this website. To get your primary web browser working with the site, your device will require service.
Google Chrome
If you are using Google Chrome, this guide may help you resolve issues you are having with your browser.
Microsoft Edge
If you are using Microsoft Edge, this guide may help you resolve issues you are having with your browser.
Opera
If you are using Opera, this guide may help you resolve issues you are having with your browser.
Mozilla Firefox
If you are using Mozilla Firefox, this guide may help you resolve issues you are having with your browser.
Safari
If you are using Safari, this guide may help you resolve issues you are having with your browser.
9. The Internet Service Cannot Reach the Page
It appears that your device and your internet connection are fine because you can get to Google. The issue in this case is the routeyour internet connection uses to reach the website in question.
You can wait and try to access the page later, or contact the company who provides your Internet access tofind out why that particular route is down and when it will come back up.