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Quick fixes: the 3-step answer for 100 app problems

In a hurry? Each card shows the first three things to try. Open the full guide for every step, FAQs and the official source.

Gmail

Gmail Not Receiving Emails? How to Fix It

  1. Check if Gmail is down for everyone.
  2. Check the Spam, Trash, and "All Mail" folders; mail may be arriving but skipping the inbox.
  3. Open Settings > See all settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses and delete or edit any filter that archives or deletes the missing mail.

Gmail Not Loading in Your Browser: Fixes That Work

  1. Check if Gmail is down for everyone.
  2. Open Gmail in a private/incognito window.
  3. Disable extensions one at a time (ad blockers and privacy tools are frequent causes), then reload.

Gmail Storage Full: How to Free Up Space Fast

  1. See what is using space at one.google.com/storage.
  2. In Gmail search, type has:attachment larger:10M to find big messages, then delete the ones you don't need.
  3. Empty Trash and Spam; deleted items still count until they are permanently removed.

Outlook

Outlook Not Syncing Email: Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Check if Outlook / Microsoft 365 is down for everyone.
  2. In classic Outlook for Windows, check the status bar.
  3. Click Send / Receive > Send/Receive All Folders to force a sync.

Outlook Keeps Asking for Password: How to Stop It

  1. Confirm your password works by signing in at outlook.office.com or outlook.com.
  2. In Windows, open Credential Manager > Windows Credentials and remove saved entries for Outlook/Office/MicrosoftOffice, then restart Outlook and sign in again.
  3. Update Office (File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now).

Outlook Search Not Working: Fix Missing Results

  1. Run the Windows Search troubleshooter: Windows 11 Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows > Indexer troubleshooter (Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Search and Indexing).
  2. In new Outlook, use search filters or set the scope in Settings > General > Search; older items may be hidden when there are many results.
  3. In Outlook, click in the search box, then Search Tools > Indexing Status to see items remaining.

Outlook.com Not Receiving Email: Fix

  1. Check your mailbox storage isn't full.
  2. Look in Junk Email.
  3. Review rules and filters that might move or delete mail.

iPhone

iPhone Not Charging? Try These Fixes

  1. Try a different cable and power adapter you know work, and a different wall outlet.
  2. Inspect the charging port with a flashlight.
  3. Force restart: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears (iPhone 8 and later).

iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo: How to Fix It

  1. Force restart: press and release Volume Up, press and release Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the logo reappears (iPhone 8 or later).
  2. If it is still stuck, connect it to a Mac (Finder) or a Windows PC (Apple Devices app or iTunes).
  3. With it connected, repeat the force-restart button sequence but keep holding the Side button until the recovery mode screen appears.

iPhone Not Receiving Texts or iMessages: Fixes

  1. Check Settings > Focus and make sure Do Not Disturb or another Focus is not silencing notifications.
  2. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages (or Settings > Messages on older iOS) and turn iMessage off and back on.
  3. Check Settings > Apps > Messages > Blocked Contacts to make sure the sender isn't blocked.

iPhone Storage Full: How to Free Up Space

  1. Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see a breakdown and Apple's recommendations.
  2. Turn on Offload Unused Apps.
  3. Delete large videos, then empty Photos > Recently Deleted (items stay there for up to 30 days).

iPhone Won't Connect to Wi-Fi: Fix

  1. Make sure your router is on and you're within range.
  2. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, check Wi-Fi is on, and tap your network.
  3. Enter the correct password if asked.

iPhone Frozen or Won't Turn On: Force Restart

  1. Face ID iPhones: press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  2. iPhone 7: hold side and volume down together until the Apple logo appears.
  3. If it still won't turn on, charge it for one hour and try again.

Face ID Not Working on iPhone: Fix

  1. Update to the latest iOS.
  2. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and make sure Face ID and the features you use are on.
  3. Remove anything covering the TrueDepth camera: smudges, cases or screen protectors.

iPhone Bluetooth Not Connecting: Fix

  1. Keep the accessory and iPhone close together; put a new accessory in discovery mode.
  2. Turn the accessory off and on, and make sure it's charged.
  3. For accessory apps: Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth, and allow the app.

AirPods Not Connecting: How to Fix

  1. Update your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
  2. Put both AirPods in the case and make sure they're charging.
  3. Check Bluetooth is on.

Forgot Apple Account (Apple ID) Password: Reset It

  1. Choose "Forgot password?" on the sign-in screen.
  2. Follow the prompts to a trusted device or enter a code sent to your trusted phone number.
  3. Or reset at iforgot.apple.com.

Spotify

Spotify Keeps Pausing: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

  1. If someone else is using your account, playback on one device stops when another starts.
  2. Turn off battery saver or Low Power Mode, which can pause background apps.
  3. On Android, exempt Spotify from battery optimization in Settings > Apps > Spotify > Battery.

Spotify Not Working? Quick Fixes

  1. Check if Spotify is down for everyone.
  2. Close and reopen the app, then restart your device.
  3. Check your internet connection by loading another site or app.

Spotify Says You're Offline: Fix

  1. Mobile: tap your profile picture > Settings and privacy > Data-saving and offline, and switch off Offline mode.
  2. Desktop: Spotify menu (Mac) or File (Windows), and untick Offline mode.
  3. Check that other apps and web pages work.

Spotify "Something Went Wrong" Error: Fix

  1. Restart the Spotify app.
  2. Update the app.
  3. Reinstall the app (you'll need to re-download offline music).

Netflix

Netflix Error NW-2-5: How to Fix It

  1. Check if Netflix is down for everyone.
  2. Restart your device: unplug it for at least 15 seconds (3 minutes for a cable box), then plug it back in.
  3. Restart your home network: turn the device off, unplug the modem and router for 30 seconds, plug them back in, wait 1 minute, then turn the device on.

Netflix Not Working on Your Smart TV: Fixes

  1. Check if Netflix is down for everyone.
  2. Fully power cycle the TV: unplug it for at least one minute, then plug it back in.
  3. Restart your modem and router.

Netflix "Your Device Isn't Part of the Netflix Household": What to Do

  1. If you live with the account owner, connect to the home Wi-Fi network and open Netflix on the TV to update the household.
  2. On a TV, select Update Netflix Household from the blocked message, or from the Get Help or Settings menu, while on the home Wi-Fi.
  3. Traveling: choose I'm Traveling (TV) or Watch Temporarily (phone/computer) on a non-Kids profile, send the email or text to the account owner, then enter the 4-digit code.

Netflix Error UI-800-3: How to Fix

  1. Unplug your device, press its power button once and wait 1 minute (or leave it unplugged 3 minutes).
  2. Turn off the device, unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
  3. Sign out of Netflix and sign back in.

Netflix Keeps Buffering: How to Fix

  1. On public Wi-Fi, ask if video services are blocked.
  2. Check your speed in the Netflix app's network test.
  3. Restart your device and home network.

Zoom

Zoom Microphone Not Working: How to Fix It

  1. Check that you're not muted in Zoom (microphone icon in the toolbar) and that the host hasn't muted you.
  2. Click the arrow next to Mute/Unmute and pick the correct microphone, or click your profile picture > Settings > Audio to test the mic and raise Input Volume.
  3. Click "Join Audio" if you see it; you may have joined without connecting audio.

Zoom Camera Not Working: Step-by-Step Fix

  1. In Zoom, click your profile picture > Settings > Video and choose the correct camera from the list.
  2. Close other apps that may be using the camera, such as Teams, FaceTime, or a browser tab.
  3. Grant camera access: Windows Settings > Privacy & security > Camera, or macOS System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera.

Zoom Error Code 5003: How to Fix It

  1. Check if Zoom is down for everyone.
  2. Confirm your internet connection works by loading another site.
  3. Temporarily disable VPN, proxy, or third-party firewall/antivirus software, then try again.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams Not Loading or Stuck: Fixes

  1. Check if Teams is down for everyone.
  2. Fully quit Teams (right-click the taskbar/menu bar icon > Quit), then reopen it.
  3. Try Teams on the web at teams.microsoft.com.

Teams Notifications Not Working: How to Fix

  1. In Teams, go to Settings > Notifications and activity and make sure chat and mention notifications are on.
  2. Check your Teams status.
  3. On Windows, turn off Do Not Disturb/Focus and allow notifications for Teams in Settings > System > Notifications.

Teams Camera Not Working: Fix

  1. Close other apps that might be using the camera.
  2. In Windows, allow camera access for Teams (Settings > Privacy & security > Camera).
  3. Update Teams.

Teams Sign-In Errors: How to Fix

  1. Note the error code shown.
  2. Update Teams and restart your computer.
  3. Sign out and back in, or try Teams on the web.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT Not Working? How to Check and Fix It

  1. Check if ChatGPT is down for everyone.
  2. Refresh the page or start a new chat.
  3. Log out and back in.

ChatGPT "Network Error" on Long Responses: Fixes

  1. Check status.openai.com for incidents.
  2. Use a stable connection; switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa.
  3. Disable VPN and browser extensions that interfere with connections.

ChatGPT "Something Went Wrong" Error: Fix

  1. Refresh the page or start a new chat.
  2. Check status.openai.com for incidents.
  3. Try incognito mode, clear cache and cookies.

Instagram

Instagram "Couldn't Refresh Feed": How to Fix

  1. Check if Instagram is down for everyone.
  2. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test your connection.
  3. Restart your phone, then update Instagram; if it still fails, uninstall and reinstall it.

Instagram Account Hacked? How to Recover It

  1. Check your email for a message from security@mail.instagram.com about a changed email address; it often includes a link to revert the change.
  2. Go to instagram.com/hacked (or tap "Forgot password?" > "Need more help?" in the app) and follow the steps.
  3. You may be asked to verify your identity, for example with a video selfie.

Can't Log In to Instagram: Recovery Steps

  1. Tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen and request a reset link.
  2. Check email/SMS (and spam) for the link.
  3. If you can't receive it, follow the in-app identity verification options.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp Not Connecting or Messages Stuck on One Tick

  1. Check if WhatsApp is down for everyone.
  2. Make sure your phone has a working internet connection; try turning airplane mode on and off.
  3. Check that WhatsApp is allowed to use mobile data and background data in your phone settings.

WhatsApp Backup Stuck: How to Fix It

  1. Use Wi-Fi and keep the phone charging during the backup.
  2. Check that your Google account or iCloud has enough free storage.
  3. On iPhone, make sure iCloud Drive is on and WhatsApp is allowed in Settings > [your name] > iCloud.

WhatsApp Messages Not Sending or Receiving

  1. Check your phone has a working internet connection.
  2. Restart your phone.
  3. Update WhatsApp.

WhatsApp Verification Code Not Received

  1. Enter your number in full international format.
  2. Make sure you can receive SMS and have signal.
  3. Wait for the timer to finish, then request a voice call.

Excel

Excel Not Responding: How to Fix Freezes

  1. Wait a minute; Excel may be finishing a heavy calculation.
  2. Start Excel in Safe Mode (hold Ctrl while opening Excel, or run "excel /safe").
  3. Disable add-ins in File > Options > Add-ins (COM Add-ins > Go).

Excel Formula Showing as Text Instead of a Result

  1. Press Ctrl+` (grave accent) to toggle Show Formulas off, or go to Formulas > Show Formulas.
  2. Right-click the cell > Format Cells (Ctrl+1) > General, then press F2 and Enter.
  3. Make sure the formula starts with = and has no space or apostrophe before it.

Wi-Fi & Routers

Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet: How to Fix

  1. Check whether other devices on the same Wi-Fi can get online.
  2. Restart your modem and router: unplug for 30 seconds, plug the modem in first, wait for it to connect, then plug in the router.
  3. Check your internet provider's outage page or app.

Slow Wi-Fi: 8 Ways to Speed It Up

  1. Run a speed test near the router and far from it to see whether the issue is coverage or the internet plan.
  2. Restart the router and modem.
  3. Move the router to a central, raised spot away from thick walls, microwaves, and metal objects.

YouTube

YouTube Not Working? How to Fix It

  1. Restart your internet connection and run a speed test; YouTube recommends about 5 Mbps sustained for 1080p and 20 Mbps for 4K.
  2. Update the YouTube app, or use the latest Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
  3. Turn off ad-blocking extensions, or open YouTube in an incognito window with extensions off.

YouTube Keeps Buffering: How to Stop It

  1. Switch networks: if you're on mobile data, connect to Wi-Fi, and vice versa.
  2. In the player, open Settings > Quality and pick a lower resolution.
  3. Move closer to your router and reduce other devices using the network.

YouTube Not Working on TV: Smart TV Fixes

  1. Run a speed test next to the TV; YouTube recommends at least 7 Mbps for HD on TVs.
  2. Press Home on your remote and reopen the YouTube app.
  3. Sign out of the YouTube app (profile picture > manage profile) and sign back in.

YouTube TV Location or Playback Area Error: Fix

  1. Open the YouTube TV app and select your Location.
  2. Check Home Area and Current playback location.
  3. To update the playback area on a TV, select Current Playback Area, then on your phone go to tv.youtube.com/verify and allow location access.

Can't Sign In to YouTube: Fix

  1. Make sure you're signing in with the right Google Account.
  2. Use Google's account recovery if you forgot your password.
  3. Update the YouTube app or your browser.

TikTok

TikTok Not Working? Official First Steps

  1. Update TikTok and your phone's operating system.
  2. Restart the app and your phone.
  3. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to rule out a weak connection.

TikTok "No Internet Connection" Error: Fix

  1. Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or the reverse) and reopen TikTok.
  2. Update the TikTok app.
  3. Restart your phone.

TikTok Videos Not Loading: How to Fix

  1. Test another network: switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
  2. Free up space: Profile > ☰ > Settings and privacy > Free up space > Clear cache.
  3. Close TikTok completely and reopen it.

How to Contact TikTok Support About a Problem

  1. In TikTok, tap Profile.
  2. Tap the menu (☰), then Settings and privacy.
  3. Tap Report a problem and choose a topic and subtopic.

Facebook

Facebook Not Loading or Not Working: Fixes

  1. On a computer: refresh the page, then close and reopen it.
  2. Clear your browser cache, or try a different browser.
  3. On a phone: update the Facebook app and make sure you're on reliable Wi-Fi or data.

Facebook Not Sending Login Code: What to Do

  1. Wait a few minutes: SMS codes can be delayed by your carrier.
  2. Approve the login from another device or browser where you're still logged in (check notifications).
  3. Use one of your saved recovery codes if you have them.

How to Get Facebook Recovery Codes (Before You Need Them)

  1. Click your profile picture > Settings & privacy > Settings.
  2. Open Accounts Center > Password and security.
  3. Click Two-factor authentication and choose your account.

Facebook App Won't Download or Update: Fix

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi and retry the download.
  2. Check your phone has enough free storage.
  3. Install any system update for your phone.

Messenger

Messenger Not Working or Not Sending Messages

  1. Make sure you have a working Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
  2. Update the Messenger app.
  3. Close and reopen Messenger, then restart your phone.

Messenger Login Code Not Working: Fixes

  1. Use a saved recovery code if you have one.
  2. Check notifications on another logged-in device and approve the login there.
  3. Wait a little longer: SMS codes can take time to arrive.

Messenger Keeps Crashing: How to Fix

  1. Update Messenger from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Close the app completely and reopen it.
  3. Restart your phone.

Snapchat

Snapchat Not Working or Crashing: Official Fixes

  1. Update Snapchat from the App Store, Google Play or Amazon Appstore.
  2. Completely close Snapchat and reopen it.
  3. Turn your device off and on again.

Snapchat Error C14A (and C13A, C14B): Fix

  1. Disconnect from Wi-Fi and log in using mobile data.
  2. Turn off any VPN.
  3. Update Snapchat.

Snapchat Error SS06 or SS18: What It Means

  1. Understand it's a device ban, not a glitch; reinstalling won't fix it.
  2. Review Snapchat's login-error help page for SS06/SS18.
  3. Don't use third-party "unban" tools; they can cause further bans.

Snapchat Login Error: Codes Explained

  1. C13A, C14A, C14B, C16A, SS14A: a connection/service problem.
  2. SS06, SS18, SS07: the device is banned.
  3. Update the app and restart your phone.

Discord

Discord "No Route" Error: How to Fix

  1. Restart your modem, router and computer.
  2. Check with your internet provider for outages.
  3. Allowlist Discord in your firewall/antivirus or temporarily disable it.

Discord Stuck on "RTC Connecting": Fix

  1. Restart your router, modem and computer.
  2. Turn off your VPN unless it supports UDP.
  3. Allow Discord through your firewall or antivirus.

Discord Not Connecting to Voice: Fixes

  1. Check discordstatus.com for incidents.
  2. Restart your modem, router and computer.
  3. Allowlist Discord in firewall/antivirus.

Discord Mic Not Working: Fix

  1. User Settings > Voice & Video: choose the correct Input Device.
  2. Use "Let's Check" to test your mic.
  3. Make sure your OS allows Discord mic access.

Roblox

Roblox Error Code 279: Failed to Connect to the Game

  1. Check status.roblox.com for an outage.
  2. Try a different experience to see if it's just one game.
  3. Try another network.

Roblox Error Code 277: Lost Connection

  1. Check your internet connection and status.roblox.com.
  2. Restart your router and device.
  3. Try a different network.

Roblox Not Loading or Launching: Fixes

  1. Check status.roblox.com.
  2. Restart your device and router.
  3. Update your device and the Roblox app.

Roblox Error Codes Explained

  1. Note the exact code and ID shown.
  2. Look it up in Roblox's official Error Codes article.
  3. For connection codes (e.g.

Prime Video

Prime Video Not Working: Freezing or Buffering Fixes

  1. Restart your device and router.
  2. Update the Prime Video app and your device software.
  3. Turn off any VPN or proxy.

Prime Video Error 5004: How to Fix

  1. Confirm you're using the correct Amazon account email/phone and password.
  2. Reset your Amazon password if needed.
  3. Update the app, then sign out and back in.

Prime Video Not Working on Smart TV

  1. Unplug the TV/stick for a minute, then plug it back in.
  2. Restart your modem and router.
  3. Update the Prime Video app and TV firmware.

Disney+

Disney+ Error Code 83: How to Fix

  1. Use a supported device and the official Disney+ app.
  2. Close and reopen the app, then restart the device.
  3. Restart your modem and router.

Disney+ Error Code 39: Content Not Authorized

  1. Log out and back in.
  2. Check your plan includes the title.
  3. Check the profile's content rating settings.

Disney+ Not Loading or Buffering

  1. Check your speed against Disney+'s internet speed recommendations.
  2. Restart your router and device.
  3. Move closer to your router or use a wired connection.

Google Chrome

Chrome Crashing or Won't Open: Fixes

  1. Close other tabs, extensions and apps; your computer may be out of memory.
  2. Restart Chrome, then restart your computer.
  3. Check for malware with your security software.

"Aw, Snap!" in Chrome: How to Fix

  1. Check the URL and reload the page.
  2. Check whether other sites load; if not, check your connection and restart your router.
  3. Try the page in Incognito mode.

Chrome Not Loading Pages: Connection Errors

  1. Reload and check the address for typos.
  2. Confirm you're online and reboot your modem/router.
  3. Turn off airplane mode.

Chrome Sync Not Working: Fix

  1. Make sure you're signed in to Chrome with the right Google Account.
  2. Check sync settings and which data types are enabled.
  3. If asked, enter your sync passphrase.

Google Drive

Google Drive Not Syncing (Drive for Desktop)

  1. Check your computer meets system requirements and is online.
  2. Restart Drive for desktop.
  3. Restart your computer.

Google Drive Not Working: Common Fixes

  1. Check the Google Workspace Status Dashboard.
  2. Check your internet connection.
  3. Try another browser or Incognito mode.

iCloud

iCloud Photos Not Syncing: How to Fix

  1. Connect your device to power and Wi-Fi and let it sync overnight.
  2. Make sure you're signed in with the same Apple Account on every device.
  3. Check the library status in Photos (iPhone: Collections > profile button; Mac: Library > All Photos, scroll down).

"Unable to Upload" in Photos: Fix

  1. Open Photos and find the Unable to Upload album.
  2. Export the items, then delete them from the library.
  3. Re-import the exported items into Photos.

Android

Android No Internet: Fix Wi-Fi and Mobile Data

  1. Restart your phone.
  2. Open Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) and switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
  3. Check Mobile data is turned on and you haven't hit a data limit.

Android Connected to Wi-Fi but Not Working

  1. Turn Wi-Fi off and on.
  2. Forget the network, then reconnect with the password.
  3. Restart your router and phone.

Google Play Store Not Downloading Apps: Fix

  1. Use a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
  2. Make sure you have enough free storage.
  3. Install any Android system update.

Windows 11

Windows 11 Not Connecting to Wi-Fi: Fixes

  1. Run the network troubleshooter from Settings > Network & internet.
  2. Make sure Wi-Fi and airplane mode are set correctly.
  3. Forget the network and reconnect.

Windows Update Failed or Stuck: Fix

  1. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough free space.
  2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
  3. Unplug unnecessary external hardware.

Windows 11 Not Detecting Second Monitor

  1. Check the cable and try a different port or cable.
  2. Open Settings > System > Display and select Detect.
  3. Press Win+Ctrl+Shift+B to reset the graphics driver.

Mac

Mac Won't Turn On: What to Do

  1. Check the power cable and outlet; try another compatible adapter.
  2. Press and hold the power button (or Touch ID) for about 10 seconds, then press it normally.
  3. Unplug all accessories and try again.

Mac Connected to Wi-Fi but No Internet

  1. Restart your Mac to renew its IP address.
  2. Check the date and time are correct.
  3. Update macOS.

PlayStation 5

PS5 Not Connecting to the Internet: Fix

  1. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
  2. Choose your Wi-Fi network or wired LAN and enter the password.
  3. Run the connection test.

Xbox

Xbox Not Connecting to the Internet: Fix

  1. Check Xbox status for service outages.
  2. Go to Settings > General > Network settings and select Test network connection.
  3. Restart your console and router.

How to Test Your Xbox Network Connection

  1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
  2. Go to Profile & system > Settings > General > Network settings.
  3. Select Test network connection.