How to fix unfortunately Gmail has stopped error on Android phone or tablet

The unfortunately Gmail has stopped error or Gmail stopped working error can occur if you recently updated your Android operating system to a newer version. This is also a common error among users who flash custom ROMs with incorrect GAPPs package. Due to this error Gmail app force closes every time you try to open it. Usually a simple reboot or wiping cache partition via recovery can fix the unfortunately Gmail has stopped error.  Other times users may need to do some more work. Here are some more methods to fix Gmail stopped working error on Android smartphone and tablets:

 Method 1: Clearing Gmail Cache and uninstalling update 

1. Go to Settings >>  Apps >> All 
2. Scroll down select "Gmail" >> Force stop 
3. Tap "Uninstall updates" >> "Clear Data"

Now try to open Gmail again and see if the error occurs. 

Method 2: For custom ROM users (Cyanogenmod, SlimROM, Paranoid Android etc)

First, download the correct GAPPs package for your Android operating system. Next, boot into recovery and flash the GAPPS package. Go to Advanced and Wipe Dalvik cache and wipe cache partition. Also "fix permissions" if you have that option.

If you have other solutions for the "unfortunately Gmail has stopped" error, please mention them in the comments. Related: How to fix unfortunately Chrome has stopped error on Android