Why Is Gmail Reading Pane Not Working? Tips to Fix the Error

Approved By Anuraag Singh

Published On June 26th, 2024

Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Whether the question is Gmail not receiving emails or the Gmail Reading pane not working, the consequences of both are bad for Gmail users. Unfortunately, it is unable for users to access their Gmail mailbox efficiently. This error certainly brings several queries to your mind. Reading this article will provide a detailed understanding of this issue.

Further, we will provide simple troubleshooting steps guidance to fix this error with no change in crucial email data. Hence, Gmail users can implement those tips to restore the smooth working of Gmail services. Now, let’s move down to begin the discussion.

Why Does My Gmail Preview Pane Not Working? Common Issue

Certainly, the issue of the Gmail Reading pane not working carries an adverse impact, especially in managing emails and streamlining communication. In the absence of a Preview pane, Gmail users need to switch between inbox and individual email interface, offering disruption in workflow.

Here are the common yet potential factors behind showing the error of the Gmail Preview pane missing:-

Preview Pane Not Enabled:- Playing with the Gmail setting falls users into a trap of chaos and dilemma. Unknowingly, many users have not enabled the feature of the Reading pane from the Gmail inbox setting. As a result, it will not show Gmail emails in preview mode.
Browser Issue:- Often few Gmail functionality might not work with outdated web browsers. Therefore, Gmail users must check the updated version and even switch to a different browser if facing the same issue.
Poor Connection:- It seems unimportant and usually, many users don’t pay attention to the poor connection. Similar to other issues, it is yet another pesky problem. To avoid the Gmail Preview pane not working error, ensure better connectivity.
Corrupted Cache Data:- Often the cached history and cookies trouble while accessing the Gmail emails on the Reading pane. Therefore, it is suggested to review the corrupted cached data to prevent these issues.
Gmail Email Server Issue:- If there is any Google or Gmail outage problem, then users can’t access or preview Gmail emails. In this case, there is no way to fix the glitches manually, hence, users need to wait till it is resolved.

Overall, these are common issues behind the Gmail Reading pane not working on Mac. Now, before uncovering the solution, let’s first find out the impact of this problem on Gmail users.

What If the Gmail Reading Pane Not Working? Know Potential Consequences

The impact of the Gmail Preview pane missing offers inconvenience in managing Gmail emails. Here, read the consequences of this issue:-

Say No to Email Management:- In the absence of a Reading pane, Gmail users need to access each email message on an individual window. It certainly decreases the efficiency when organizing Gmail emails.
Missing Out Advanced Features:- If the Gmail Preview pane not working, users can miss out on features such as quick forward, reply, and another email call to action. Hence, it significantly slows down the workflow.
Add Inconvenience:- This issue offers inconvenience for users to effortlessly manage the emails, adversely impacting users’ experience. Moreover, it prevents users from handling large emails with multiple email options.

In a nutshell, these are the common consequences of Gmail email Reading pane settings getting greyed out. Now, seeking the answer: how to get Gmail to show previews of emails. Read the next section to discover the troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue of “Gmail Reading pane not working”.

Simple Ways to Fix the “Gmail No Longer Showing Preview Mode” Error

If addressing the issue of the Gmail Reading pane is missing on Mac. Follow the below step-by-step instructions to perform troubleshooting. Now, let’s dive into it:

Turn Off/ On Reading Pane
Check Your Network Connection
Shift to Different Web Browser
Login to Gmail via Incognito Mode
Check for Recent Gmail Outages

Tip 1 – Turn Off/ On Reading Pane

If you encounter the issue of the Gmail Reading pane not working, quickly enable the Reading pane settings. For the same, take the help of the below step guidance:-

On your Mac, open Gmail on any web browser.
From the displayed top menu, select Settings > tab on See all settings.
Go to the Inbox bar and scroll down to click on the Reading pane.
Now, uncheck and again click on the checkbox of Enable Reading Pane.
Choose the desired Split Pane Mode.
At last, press Save Changes.

Tip 2 – Check Your Network Connection

To prevent the issue of the Gmail preview pane not showing on Mac, it is suggested for Gmail users to ensure stable network connectivity. It is necessary for users to seamlessly access the emails in their Gmail inboxes easily.

Tip 3 – Shift to Different Web Browser

Sometimes the problem of the Gmail Preview pane not working on Mac commonly happens due to an issue with the browser. Often the few features of Gmail remain unsupported on web browsers. For the same, it is recommended for Gmail users to either update the browser or shift to other platforms to access the Gmail emails on the Reading pane.

Tip 4 – Login Gmail Via Incognito Mode

Yet another troubleshooting tip for this error includes opening your Gmail account in the Incognito window. As this mode doesn’t save the cached history, ensuring the accessibility of the Gmail preview feature easily.

Tip 5 – Check for Recent Gmail Outages

Visit the Gmail Help Center if nothing works against the issue of the Gmail Reading pane not working. As the issue comes when Gmail experiencing an outage issue. Hence, it is recommended for users to login to their Gmail account.

Concluding Words

In the above discussion, we have provided the best troubleshooting guidance for Gmail Reading pane not working issue. Implementing these steps enables users to access the emails on Gmail preview mode irrespective of any data loss. Besides this, Gmail users can reach out the Google Support to look for assistance.

Gmail Preview Pane Missing – Know Commonly Asked Queries

Q. Why is Gmail not showing preview on my iPhone?
If facing the issue of the Gmail Preview pane not working error, then follow these steps:-

Re-login to your Gmail account.
Enabled the Gmail Reading Pane on iPhone.
Check for the Stable Network Connection.
Use the Different Browser.
Check for Recent Update of the Gmail App.

Q. Why is my Gmail Reading pane not working on Mac?
There are multiple reasons behind Gmail preview mode not working:-

Browser Compatibility Problem
Cached History Issue
Unstable Network Connection

Q. What is the benefit of using Gmail Reading Pane?
Gmail message preview allows users to read the email without leaving the Gmail inbox interface. It offers a quick email preview, improves the workflow, and adds convenience to access the data.