How To Fix Gmail Won’t Attach Files Issue

Are you experiencing the Gmail won’t attach files issue? There are several factors that can cause this issue such as exceeding the file size limit, trying to attach executable files, or a browser issue. To fix this you will need to perform several troubleshooting steps.

Gmail is a free email service of Google that was first launched to the public in 2004. Just like nay other email service users will be able to send and receive emails, create an address book, block spam, and perform other email tasks using their Gmail account. Initially providing 1GB of storage space per user it now provides 15GB of space. Today, more than 1.8 billion people worldwide rely on Gmail as their primary email.

Fix Unable to attach files in Gmail Error?

One of the issues that you might experience when using the Gmail app or the Gmail web client is when you get Gmail attachment errors. Attaching files will fail and you will usually get an error message when this happens. This can be a frustrating experience especially if you are trying to send out an important message.

Here’s what you need to do to fix Gmail attachment errors.

Solution 1: Check the file size

The first thing you will want to do when experiencing this attachment failed issue is to check the file size. When you attach files in Gmail you need to make sure that the total size does not exceed 25MB. If you are unable to attach files in Gmail because you are attaching multiple files that exceed 25MB then try to send the files separately.

If you are trying to send one file that exceeds 25MB then you should consider uploading this file to the cloud such as your Google Drive then providing access to the file to the person you are trying to send it to.

Solution 2: Try using the Gmail mobile app

Are you getting an error message when you attach a file to Gmail using a browser? Try to use the Gmail app on your Android or iOS device and check if the same issue still occurs. The app will also allow you to easily compose emails, attach files, reply to emails, and send out emails.

If uploading attachments is not a problem using the app then it’s likely that the browser you are using is the culprit.

Solution 3: Clear browser cache and data

If the problem is browser related then it’s most likely caused by a corrupted browser cache. Your browser will usually store cached data in order to improve its performance when you open websites that you usually visit. This cached data however can get corrupted which can lead to issues. In order to fix this you will need to clear out the browser cache.

Clear cache of Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome.
• Click More found on the top right.
• Click More tools.
• Click Browsing data.
• Choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
• Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”.
• Click Clear data.

After performing this try to check if you can attach files to Gmail.

Alternatively, there’s also a possibility that a corrupted app cache is also causing this problem if you are experiencing it with the Android app. To fix this you will need to clear the app cached data.

Clear Cache of app

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap on Apps.
• Find Gmail and tap it.
• Tap Storage.
• Tap Clear cache at the bottom-right corner.
• Tap Clear data at the bottom-left corner, and then tap OK to confirm you want to reset the app.

Try checking if you can now attach files in Gmail.

Solution 4: Disable web browser proxy server

A web proxy server is usually used as a safety mechanism as it checks and filters out potentially harmful content from websites before reaching your computer. It has several features such as allowing the browser to become its own firewall, filters content, allows you to bypass filters, or even cache websites in order for them to load faster. There are however instances when the proxy server you are using can cause this problem.

If you can’t’ attach files to Gmail and you are using a proxy server then try to disable this.

Disable Proxy server in Chrome

• Open Google Chrome.
• Click More found on the top right.
• Select Settings.
• Click Advanced.
• Click System.
• Click Open your computer’s proxy settings.
• Under Automatic proxy setup, toggle Automatic detect settings Off.
• Under Manual proxy setup, toggle Use a proxy server Off.
• Click Save.

After disabling the proxy try checking if you can mow attach files to Gmail.

Solution 5: Update browser or app

If you are accessing Gmail using a browser or app and you are unable to attach files to Gmail then you need to make sure that the browser or app you are using is up to date. If you are using the app then update this from the Google Play Store. If you are using Chrome then you can update this by clicking the help section then going to “about Google Chrome”.

In case you are having a problem doing the update then just completely uninstall the browser or app then install it again. You can download the Chrome browser using a different browser such as Edge, you will see a small installer window appear that will automatically install Chrome.

Solution 6: Turn off Antivirus Firewalls

There’s a possibility that your antivirus program or Windows firewall is causing the Gmail attachment error. This is usually the case when you use a third party antivirus program or if your firewall has strict settings.

Try to temporarily switch off the antivirus and Windows firewall then check if the Gmail attachment issue still occurs. If it doesn’t then you will need to make certain changes in the settings page of your antivirus or firewall program.

Solution 7: Grant Gmail permissions

One factor that can cause this problem is if an extension that you are using is causing this attachment to fail because it is blocking files from being uploaded. Try to disable any extension active then check if the issue still occurs.

Disable extensions

• Open Google Chrome.
• Click More found on the top right.
• Click More tools.
• Click Extensions.
• Turn off all extensions

Try checking if your Gmail account can attach files.

Solution 8: Switch from Advanced attachment uploader to basic attachment uploader

The advanced attachment features allows you to upload multiple files in Gmail while the basic attachment features allows only one file at a time. If you are using the advanced features then try switching to the basic attachment uploader and check if this fixes the problem.

Switching from advanced to basic

• Open Gmail.
• Click Settings.
• Click See all Settings.
• Select the General tab.
• Find Attachments then select Basic attachment features.
• Select save changes.

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