How to Fix Gmail’s ‘Action failed due to an error’

Are you frustrated with encountering the “Action failed due to an error” message when trying to mark all emails as read in Gmail? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. This issue can be quite annoying, but fortunately, there are several ways to resolve it. Follow these simple tips to get your Gmail back on track:

gmail action failed due to an error
action failed due to an error on Gmail

Gmail is a popular email service from Google, used by millions of users around the world. You may be using Gmail to check email for your work or personal accounts. However, there is a chance for you to get an error message while attempting to mark all emails as read in Gmail.

unread emails Gmail

Fix Action failed due to an error on Gmail

1. Change Layout to Default and Adjust Density:

Start by changing your Gmail layout to the default setting.

  • Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Quick Settings
  • and select “Density” as  “Default.”

change Gmail interface density to default

Sometimes, layout customizations can lead to conflicts causing the “Action failed due to an error” problem.

2. Set Theme to Default:

Switching to the default theme can help fix any theme-related issues that might be causing the error.

Go to Settings > Themes and select the default theme.

set Gmail theme to default

3. Check and Dismiss Notifications:

Ensure that there are no notifications, such as unsubscribe messages, displayed after opening Gmail. If any notifications are present, dismiss them. Some notifications may interfere with Gmail’s functionalities.

4. A Neat Trick for Unread Messages:

If you want to quickly mark all unread messages as read, try this neat trick.

  • In the search bar, type “label:unread,”
  • then click on the three-dots menu and select “Mark all as read.”

This can be useful if the “Action failed” issue persists while marking all emails as read.

5. Be Persistent with Marking as Read:

If the error continues to appear, don’t give up just yet. Try marking all emails as read a couple of times, even if the error message shows up.

Sometimes, persistence pays off, and you might succeed on the third attempt.

6. Try Incognito or Private Browsing Mode:

Open Gmail in Incognito or Private browsing mode to see if the issue is related to your browser’s cache or extensions.

This mode doesn’t use your regular browser settings, so it can help identify if the problem is specific to your browsing environment.

7. Clear Browser Cache:

A cluttered browser cache can interfere with Gmail’s functionality. Clear your web browser’s cache to ensure a fresh start. This step can often resolve various issues with web applications.

What’s your take on this? Have you faced this error with Gmail while trying to mark unread emails as read? Let us know in the comments below.

Venkat Eswarlu

Venkat is an independent technology journalist and the founder of Techdows. He has been covering web browsers, Windows, and software news since 2009. His exclusive scoops on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge features have been cited by Forbes, TechCrunch, Wired, CNET, and other major publications.

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