Top 8 Ways to Fix Gmail Not Attaching Files Error

Gmail makes it pretty easy to attach files to your emails. All you have to do is drag and drop the file into the email and the file will be uploaded and attached. Adding files from Drive is even easier, as both services are owned by Google and well integrated. Still, some users are facing issues as Gmail not attaching files to their emails for some reason.

The fastest way to deal with this issue is to use another email account from a different service provider. Another way would be to upload the file to different cloud storage like Dropbox or even Drive and then share a public link. In the meantime, let’s find out why this happens and how to fix it.

1. Gmail Attachment Limits

Gmail may be the king of email service providers, but it’s not without its flaws, or should I say limits. They are in no particular order here:

• Total attachment size is limited to 25MB (includes all attached files)
• Executable files ending in .EXE are not allowed for security reasons
• The list of supported browsers only includes Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari

Gmail automatically uploads the file to Google Drive and adds a link to the file instead of increasing the attachment size beyond what was anticipated. You can check the mail generated for Google Drive links.

2. Basic Gmail

Basic Gmail takes you through images, Gmail categories, etc. It removes all advanced features such as Designed for slower network connections; this might be one of the reasons why you can’t attach files to Gmail. Check your internet speed or call your carrier.

Visit basic Gmail

3. Switch to Incognito Mode

Be honest and tell me how many add-ons or extensions you have in your browser? Too much? One of the extensions may be blocking or breaking Gmail functionality. Open the private or private browsing window and sign in to your Gmail account again.

Check if you can attach files to Gmail email now. If you can, the problem is with one of the plugins/extensions and you will need to fix it. If not, read on because we’re not done yet.

One way to narrow down the conflicting extensions is to disable half of them to check if the problem persists. Continue with the other half and then disable half of it (8 > 4 > 2 > 1). Continue halving until there is only one left.

4. Try the Gmail Mobile App

What about the browser itself? Are you using an old or maybe a beta version? Open Gmail on your smartphone and check if you can compose, attach files and then send the email. There are many ways to transfer files between desktop and mobile.

If you can attach files to Gmail email from Android/iOS app, something is wrong with your browser. End this email and come back to read the next point.

5. Browser Data and Cache

Clearing browser cache and data can help with many browser-related issues, including the one you’re experiencing like Gmail not attaching files to your email. If you are using Chrome or Chromium browser, there is a nifty little shortcut to clear the browser cache. All browsers have this feature in their settings.

Can’t attach files to Gmail on Android? Clearing app cache and data can help on smartphones. Don’t worry, it won’t delete your emails or other data. All this data is stored remotely on Google servers. You’ll have to sign in to Gmail again and allow syncing, it won’t take long.

6. Different/Update Browser

Can you attach files to Gmail email in a different browser? Some users found that the issue persists in incognito mode but works fine in a different browser. I recommend using an application like Revo Uninstaller to completely remove the browser and reinstall from scratch to get rid of corrupted files and install the latest version.

7. Storage Permissions

Gmail needs storage permissions to access and attach files from your mobile device.

Stage 1: Open Settings > Apps > Gmail > Permissions > Storage. Make sure it is set to Allow so that Gmail can access and attach the files on your phone.

8. Corrupted Files

Are you sure the files you are trying to add are not corrupt? I recommend using an application like Malwarebytes to check its integrity.

Right click on the file, select Scan with Malwarebytes. You should try the free version of Malwarebytes on your Windows 10 PC or Mac.

Get Malwarebytes

google mail

There are so many ways to send a file today that it shouldn’t be a major issue. You cannot attach already large files to Gmail email. There are cloud storage service providers and file sharing platforms to choose from. You have to be patient and choose the one that suits you. Fixing the Gmail attachment error is also pretty simple and not very technical unlike some of the other bugs we’ve come across. It should be working fine like new soon. If you are still encountering this error, let us know in the comments section below.

Next: Looking for a Gmail alternative? Why not try Gmail Go, which is a lightweight version of the original app but works just as well? Click the link below to learn how it differs from Gmail.