A manual refresh checks whether Gmail can retrieve new messages from the configured server at that moment. Use it to investigate a delayed message without changing the account's background sync preferences.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What you need before you begin
Confirm the business address and have webmail available on a working connection. Use one new test message with a distinctive subject and record when it becomes visible on the server.
01 Refresh an Android business mailbox and diagnose missing sync
- Select the business mailbox in Gmail and open its Inbox. Pull down on the message list to refresh it.
- Note any sign-in, certificate or connection error instead of repeatedly retrying without changing the cause. Check that the device has a working connection.
- Open the same mailbox in webmail. Search for the expected sender and inspect Junk and filtering rules.
- If webmail has the message, compare the app's account selection, saved password, available device storage and sync state.
Confirm the expected result
Use one uniquely titled test message and compare the time it appears on the server and phone. A successful refresh should show the message without changing its sender, folder or timestamp.
Troubleshoot unexpected results
If no new messages arrive in webmail either, inspect mailbox quota and server delivery rather than Android settings. If only the phone is affected, update the app and resolve its specific error. Preserve drafts and any local-only mail before removing or rebuilding an account.
A common question
Is this the same as changing the sync interval?
No. Refresh checks now. Background settings control checks when the app is not actively being used and are documented in the related sync scheduling guide.