How to Use Gmail Offline in Chrome
Gmail offline lets you read synced messages and prepare replies in Chrome. New mail and queued messages need an internet connection.
Enable offline mail before you disconnect
Use Chrome on a computer in a normal browser window. Google’s Gmail offline instructions exclude Incognito mode.
While online, open Gmail’s offline settings, select Enable offline mail, choose how much mail to sync and save the settings. Keep Chrome open while messages sync.
Open your saved mail
Bookmark Gmail before leaving the connection. When offline, open Chrome and use that bookmark to reach the messages stored for the account you set up.
Check that the conversations you need are available before a flight or an unreliable connection. For a meeting, that might mean reviewing the agenda and the last exchange with the client.
Replies wait in the Outbox
You can write a reply offline. Pressing Send puts it in the Outbox; Gmail sends it automatically when the internet connection returns.
Allow time to reconnect if a message has a deadline. The recipient cannot receive a reply that is still waiting on your computer.
If your mail has not synced
Google recommends syncing fewer days or excluding attachments when browser storage is insufficient. Closing Chrome also stops synchronization. A second Gmail account needs its own offline setup.
If the problem is the connection itself, our Mac Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide separates joining a network from getting online. Browse Digital Tools for more practical software guides.
