When refresh helps and when it does not
Decide whether to refresh the page, wait for sync, or check persisted access and data.
Refresh is useful for stale state, not for missing permission
Refreshing reloads the current page or app view. It can help when ALLO is showing old information, a teammate just shared something, billing state just changed, or a dashboard/widget needs current data. It cannot fix the wrong account, revoked permission, deleted work, failed payment, or storage overage by itself.
Use refresh as a clean check, not as a ritual you repeat twenty times while nothing changes. If the state stays broken after one or two refreshes, troubleshoot the actual cause.
Availability
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Browser, desktop app, and some mobile app views |
| Helps with | Stale page data, newly granted permission, recent billing updates, dashboard/widget refresh |
| Does not fix | Wrong account, missing permission, deleted work, unpaid invoices, unsupported mobile controls |
| Desktop note | Refresh is different from desktop app update |
Refresh helps when
| Situation | Why refresh can help |
|---|---|
| A teammate just shared a canvas, dashboard, project, or file | Your current page may not have loaded the new access yet. |
| Billing was just fixed | The banner or plan state may need to reload. |
| Storage was just purchased or cleaned up | Usage and quota can take a few minutes to update. |
| A widget looks stale | Dashboard data may need to reload. |
| Language or settings changed | Some settings need a page reload. |
| The desktop app loaded old web content | Refresh reloads the current app view. |
Refresh does not help when
| Situation | Better action |
|---|---|
| You are signed into the wrong account | Sign out and use the correct email. |
| The owner has not granted access | Ask the owner to share the item. |
| Workspace membership is deactivated | Ask a workspace admin to restore membership. |
| Work was deleted or archived | Check Trash or archive recovery. |
| Payment failed | Use Fix a payment issue. |
| Storage is over quota | Use Fix storage limits. |
| Mobile control is not supported | Use web or desktop. |
Refresh safely
Before refreshing, avoid interrupting:
| In-progress work | What to do |
|---|---|
| File upload | Wait until it finishes. |
| Payment or checkout | Finish or cancel the secure payment flow first. |
| Long AI action | Wait for completion if possible. |
| Unsaved modal or form | Save or copy important text before refresh. |
| Comment reply | Send or save the text first. |
Most ALLO work syncs continuously, but local dialogs and in-progress uploads can still be interrupted by a refresh.
Refresh in the browser
Use the browser reload button or the standard keyboard shortcut. If a normal refresh does not help and you suspect old browser state, try a private window, another browser profile, or signing out and back in.
If the issue happens only in one browser but not another, extensions, cookies, cache, or browser policy may be involved.
Refresh in the desktop app
The desktop app has its own refresh command. On macOS, Command+R is common. On Windows, Ctrl+R is common. Refresh reloads the current ALLO app view. It does not install a desktop update.
If an update prompt appears, use Update the desktop app. If navigation feels confusing, use Use back, forward, and refresh.
Refresh on mobile
Mobile refresh depends on the screen. Closing and reopening the app, pulling to refresh where available, or reopening a link can reload state. Update the app if mobile repeatedly shows stale access or old sign-in behavior.
If the same item works on web or desktop but not mobile, see Troubleshoot the mobile app.
Wait when systems are processing
Some changes are not instant:
| Change | Why waiting helps |
|---|---|
| Storage cleanup | Usage totals can lag after deletion or restore. |
| Storage add-on purchase | Quota and restriction state may need to update. |
| Payment recovery | Invoice confirmation can take a short time. |
| Permission change | Open tabs may need refresh after the change is saved. |
| Dashboard restore | Active and archived lists may need reload. |
Refresh after a short wait. If the change still does not appear, troubleshoot the specific area.
If refresh made something look worse
Refresh can reveal the current truth. If a canvas was open because old local state had not checked permission yet, refresh may show no access. If a dashboard was archived while you had it open, refresh may move you to an unavailable state. Refresh did not cause the problem. It exposed a state change that already existed.
Use When you can't access work or When work looks missing to recover.
When to contact support
Contact support when refresh, sign-out/sign-in, and the relevant recovery article do not explain the state. Include the link, workspace name, account email, what changed recently, whether the issue happens in browser, desktop, or mobile, and screenshots before and after refresh.
Related articles
- Update the desktop app
- When you can't log in
- When you can't access work
- When work looks missing
- When work is read-only