Fix: Gradle Project Sync Failed

Programmers using the IDE Android Studio experience the error message “Gradle Project Sync Failed” when they are compiling their code or running it on their Android device (either real or emulated). Gradle Sync is a Gradle task who’s main function is to check all the dependencies in your build.gradle files which are associated with your Android studio project and then download that specified version (if not downloaded already).

There are many variations in which this error message might occur. You might be facing something as simple as an internet connection to complex issues where your gradle compilation isn’t working. In this article, we will go through all the causes as to why this issue occurs and then move on to the solutions.

What causes the error message “Gradle Project Sync Failed” in Android Studio?

Like mentioned before, there are several reasons as to why your Gradle project might fail to compile or sync. Here are some of the causes (each one of them might not be applicable to you):

Before we start with the solutions, make sure that you have a backup of your current project. Save the file and make a copy elsewhere as well just in case. Also, make sure that you are logged in as an administrator on your computer.

Solution 1: Checking Internet Connection

Gradle requires that you have a working internet connection on your computer. As its main job is to download all the required versions from the internet which are missing on your computer, it is mandatory to have a proper internet connection. You also check the connection by trying to connect other devices to the same network. Once you are absolutely sure that this isn’t the problem, you can move to other solutions.

Solution 2: Disabling Proxy Server

Proxy servers are getting common day by day where they are used in organizations and other institutes to boost the current bandwidth and provide better internet access to all the users. However, proxy servers have their limitations. One of them include issues where syncing modules don’t work as required. This includes Gradle as well. Here is the method to make sure that you are not using a proxy server.

1. Press Windows + R, type “inetcpl.cpl” in the dialogue box and press Enter.
2. Now Internet Properties will be opened. Click on the tab Connections and then LAN settings.

3. Now if you are using a proxy server, the field will be checked with the details inside. Uncheck any proxy servers if enabled. Now restart the Android Studio and check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 3: Installing Missing Components

Before we indulge in more technical methods, you should check if you have some modules missing which are necessary for syncing Gradle. Gradle isn’t standalone itself and it requires other services as well to perform properly.

Now whenever you try to sync Gradle and the error message appears, check if there is any hyperlink underneath the issue with the heading Install missing platform(s) and sync project. After clicking the link, Android Studio will start the download process and install everything which is missing. Try syncing your project now and see if this solves the issue.

Solution 4: Utilizing Local Gradle Distribution

Whenever you build your project and Gradle gets activated, it connects to an online distribution which is latest and downloads all the required modules or versions from there. We came across several cases where the online distribution was not working as expected and failed the Gradle sync. Another workaround to this issue is to download the Gradle distribution manually and make use of that. Follow the steps below:

1. Download the latest version of Gradle from the official Gradle Release Website.
2. After downloading, extract all the files to an accessible folder.
3. Now launch Android Studio and go to File > Settings > Build, Execution, Deployment > Gradle.
4. Now select the option of Local Gradle Distribution. Also, when in the Gradle home, point to the path where you just extracted the files.

Note: If you are using offline work in the Global Gradle Settings, uncheck that option.

5. Now try building your project and check if Gradle syncs properly. You would have to repeat these steps every time you create a new project.

Solution 5: Enabling GPU Debugger

The GPU Debugger enables you to debug and analyze OpenGL ES applications. It has several functionalities where it lets you inspect the GPU state and also understand what caused a rendering outcome. In some Gradle build instances, there is some bug in the system where this is not enabled. In this solution, we will force the modules to refresh and install this component.

1. Click on Tools and then select Android > SDK Manager.
2. Now click on the tab of SDK Tools and then uncheck the option of Android SDK Build-Tools. After waiting for around 5 seconds, enable the option again.
3. Now, wait a little while until the list is refreshed and items are populated.

4. Once new items are populated, look at the list and check the option of GPU Debugging Tools. Press OK when you are done.

Now, these tools will be downloaded into your Android Studio application and you will be able to sync the Gradle properly without any issues.

Solution 6: Refreshing the Cache

Every application including Microsoft Windows has cache’s everywhere to help the application in running smoothly without any issues. They serve as temporary storage where the application stores preferences or temporary data to pick up later on. We determined that this cache, if corrupt, will halt the gradle build process. In this solution, we will refresh the entire cache and after deleting the existing Gradle files, restart Android Studio and see if this fixes the issue.

1. Navigate to File and click Invalidate cache/Restart.

   

2. Now after the process is done, shut Android Studio down completely.
3. Navigate to the .gradle folder in your Android Studio installation directory. Now you can either cut/paste it to some other location or simply rename it.
   Now when Android studio tries to access the Gradle files, it will see that there are none present and it will attempt at downloading the entire thing again.
4. Restart your Android Studio and try Gradle sync again. Now check if the issue is resolved.