5 Effective Solutions to the 'Gmail Unable to Attach Files' Error

Gmail is one of the most dependable email services for sending and receiving emails. Furthermore, it enables you to conveniently drag and drop your essential media files and documents to attach them to your messages, making it easy to send them to anyone.

However, like any other service, Gmail is not immune to glitches and has specific limitations on file size restrictions. Even if your file is within the designated limits, you might encounter an "Attachment failed" error. This issue could arise due to various unseen factors, such as a proxy server or firewall.

So, if you're considering switching to a different service, don't overlook this article. It could spare you the hassle of creating a new ID and assist you in promptly resolving the Gmail attachment issue. Stay tuned for an engaging read ahead.

What Causes the "Gmail Won't Attach Files" Error?

Before resolving the issue of Gmail not attaching files, it's crucial to understand the root cause behind this problem. Correctly diagnosing the error often means solving half the issue. Here are a few reasons that might hinder your ability to attach important files to your emails:

1. The firewall is activated. 2. The proxy server is in use. 3. The browser might not be compatible with the Gmail service. 4. Gmail might block a file for security reasons to stop virus propagation. 5. A browser extension or add-on could interfere and restrict Gmail's optimal performance.

However, fear not, as we have got you covered with the five most reliable and appropriate methods to fix your issue instantly.

5 Most Convenient Methods to Fix Gmail Not Attaching Files Error  

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• Method 1: Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
• Method 2: Disable Your Proxy Server
• Method 3: Turn Off Your Firewall
• Method 4: Turn On Storage Permissions
• Method 5: Go Incognito

Here are the step-by-step guides to resolve the issue of Gmail not being able to attach files: 1. **Check File Size Limit**: Ensure that the file you're trying to attach is not larger than the allowed limit, which is typically 25 MB for Gmail. If it exceeds, try compressing the file or using cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. 2. **Browser Compatibility**: Make sure you're using an updated and supported web browser. Try switching to another browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to see if the issue persists. 3. **Clear Cache and Cookies**: Clear your browser's cache and cookies as they can sometimes cause issues with website functionality. This can be done through your browser's settings menu. 4. **Disable Browser Extensions**: Some browser extensions might interfere with Gmail's attachment feature. Temporarily disable all extensions and attempt to attach the file again. 5. **Refresh Gmail**: Simply reloading the Gmail page might solve the problem. Press F5 or click on the refresh/reload button in your browser. 6. **Login Issues**: Ensure you're logged in to the correct Gmail account and that your session hasn't expired. Log out and log back in to refresh your session. 7. **Check Internet Connection**: A poor internet connection could lead to attachment failures. Verify that your connection is stable and fast enough. 8. **Try Incognito Mode**: Open Gmail in an incognito or private browsing window, which disables all extensions and provides a clean environment to test the attachment function. 9. **Update Your Gmail Settings**: Go to Gmail settings (the gear icon in the top right corner) and check if any forwarding or filter rules might be blocking attachments. Also, ensure that the "Allow less secure apps" option is enabled in your account settings if you're using an app to access Gmail. 10. **Contact Support**: If none of the above steps work, reach out to Gmail's official support for further assistance. They may be able to diagnose and fix any underlying technical issues. Remember to always save a copy of the file you're trying to attach, just in case it gets lost during the troubleshooting process.

Method 1: Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Many times, cache and cookies accumulate and unnecessarily clutter your browser, leading to errors when attaching files in Gmail. However, clearing your browser's cache and cookies can be the ideal solution to resolve the issue of Gmail not allowing you to attach files. Follow these practical steps to do so: 1. **For Google Chrome:** - Open Google Chrome. - Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner to access the menu. - Select "More tools" and then click on "Clear browsing data." - Choose a time range, such as "All time" to ensure a thorough cleanup. - Make sure "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files" are checked. - Click "Clear data." 2. **For Mozilla Firefox:** - Launch Firefox. - Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner to open the menu. - Go to "Options." - In the left sidebar, select "Privacy & Security." - Scroll down to the "Cookies and Site Data" section. - Click on "Clear Data." - Check "Cookies and Site Data" and "Cached Web Content." - Hit "Clear." 3. **For Microsoft Edge:** - Open Microsoft Edge. - Click on the three dots in the top-right corner to access the menu. - Select "Settings." - Under "Clear browsing data," click on "Choose what to clear." - Check "Cookies and saved website data" and "Cached images and files." - Click "Clear now." 4. **For Safari (Mac):** - Open Safari. - Go to "Safari" in the top menu bar and choose "Preferences." - Click on the "Privacy" tab. - Click "Manage Website Data" and then "Remove All." - Confirm by clicking "Remove Now." - Next, go to the "Advanced" tab, and under "Web Content," click "Empty Cache." After completing these steps, restart your browser and try attaching files in Gmail again. The issue should be resolved. If the problem persists, consider checking your antivirus or firewall settings, as they might be blocking Gmail's file attachment functionality.

Step 1: Launch the Google Chrome browser and access the browsing history by pressing the shortcut keys Ctrl+H.

Step 2: Click on Clear Browsing History from the left pane menu.

Step 3: Now, select the drop-down list for the Time range and click All Time.

Step 4: Click on the 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files' options.

Step 5: Finally, select Clear Data.

Method 2: Disable Your Proxy Server

Often, a proxy server restricts Gmail from attaching files. However, disabling your proxy server can be an effective solution to fix the 'Gmail won't attach files' error. Instead, try the following steps to resolve the issue promptly: 1. Temporarily disable the proxy: - For Windows: Go to Control Panel > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings. Uncheck the box that says "Use a proxy server for your LAN" and click Apply. - For Mac: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies. Deselect any checked proxy options and click OK. 2. Clear cache and cookies: - In your browser, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data. Choose a time range (e.g., 'the last hour') and ensure 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files' are selected. Click Clear data. 3. Check browser compatibility: Ensure you're using an updated and supported browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. 4. Use a different network: If the issue persists, try connecting to a different network, like a mobile hotspot or a friend's Wi-Fi, to see if the problem lies with your current network. 5. Disable antivirus or firewall temporarily: Some security software may interfere with Gmail's attachment functionality. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and attempt to attach the file again. 6. Try attachments through Gmail's web interface: If using a Gmail app, switch to the web version of Gmail (gmail.com) and attempt to attach the file there. 7. Update your Gmail app (if applicable): Make sure your Gmail app is up-to-date by checking for updates in your device's app store. 8. Contact support: If none of these solutions work, reach out to Gmail support for further assistance. By trying these steps, you should be able to quickly address the issue and successfully attach files in Gmail.

Step 1: Open the Search bar by pressing the Win+S keys.

Step 2: Type internet options and choose Internet Options from the search results.

Step 3: Go to the Connections tab and tap on the LAN settings option. This will open a Local Area Network (LAN) Settings window.

Step 4: Deselect the option to Use a proxy server for your LAN and click OK.

Step 5: Now click Apply and OK on the Internet Properties window.

Method 3: Disable Your Firewall

Sometimes, the firewall can block Gmail from attaching files. To temporarily disable your firewall and check if it resolves the issue, follow these steps:

Guiding Steps:

Step 1: Open the 'Run' dialog box by pressing the keyboard shortcut Win+R.

Step 2: Type firewall.cpl in the Run dialog box and press Enter.

Step 3: Now click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off in the left pane menu.

Step 4: Under Domain Network Settings, Private Network Settings, and Public Network Settings, choose the option to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.

This image depicts the process of turning off Windows Defender Firewall. The text in the image reads: 1. Click on the Start button (Windows logo) located at the bottom left corner of the screen. 2. In the search bar, type "Windows Defender Firewall" and press Enter. 3. In the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security window, click on "Windows Defender Firewall" on the left sidebar. 4. Under "Windows Defender Firewall - On (recommended)", click on "Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall" for both Private and Public networks. 5. A confirmation prompt will appear. Click "Yes" to confirm the change. 6. The status will now show "Off" for both Private and Public networks, indicating that Windows Defender Firewall is disabled. Please note that disabling the firewall may leave your system vulnerable to potential threats. It's recommended to keep it enabled unless there's a specific reason to disable it temporarily.

Step 5: Finally, click OK and close the window once you've selected the correct option.

Note: If you're using a third-party antivirus program, you'll need to disable it temporarily. However, you can reactivate your antivirus immediately after successfully sending your email.

Method 4: Enable Storage Permissions

Normally, to access and attach files on your smartphones, Gmail necessitates storage permissions. If you encounter an issue attaching a file to your Gmail from your mobile device, you must confirm that your storage permissions are enabled. Let's review the quick steps to activate the storage permissions:

Step 1: Open the mobile Settings and navigate to the Apps section.

Step 2: Tap Gmail and click Permissions.

Step 3: Now, review the permissions allowed and denied for the app. If Camera and Microphone permissions are not granted, tap on each of them individually to grant access.

Step 4: Depending on your preference, you can select one of the three options: Allow Only While Using the App, Ask Every Time, or Don't Allow.

Method 5: Go Incognito

Sometimes, browser extensions and multiple add-ons might hinder you from attaching files in Gmail. To resolve this issue, you can log into your Gmail account using incognito mode and attempt to attach the files again. Here's a step-by-step guide to fix the "Gmail won't attach files" error: 1. **Open Incognito Mode:** - For Google Chrome: Press `Ctrl + Shift + N` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd + Shift + N` (Mac). - For Mozilla Firefox: Press `Ctrl + Shift + P` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd + Shift + P` (Mac). - For Microsoft Edge: Press `Ctrl + Shift + P` (Windows) or `Cmd + Shift + P` (Mac). - For Safari: Press `Cmd + Shift + N` (Mac). 2. **Sign in to Gmail:** Visit `https://mail.google.com` and log in with your Google account credentials. 3. **Compose a New Email:** Click on the "Compose" button to start a new email. 4. **Try Attaching Files:** Locate the paperclip icon in the bottom left corner of the compose window and click on it. Now, navigate to the file you want to attach and select it. 5. **Check if the Issue is Resolved:** If the file attaches successfully, the problem was likely caused by an extension or add-on in your regular browsing mode. You can either disable these one by one in normal mode to identify the culprit or continue using Gmail in incognito mode. 6. **Disabling Extensions (Optional):** - For Google Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner, then go to `More tools` > `Extensions`. Disable extensions one by one and test Gmail to see if the issue persists. - For Mozilla Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, choose `Add-ons` > `Extensions`, and follow the same process. - For Microsoft Edge: Click the three dots in the top-right corner, go to `Settings` > `Extensions`, and disable them as needed. - For Safari: Click `Safari` in the menu bar, then `Preferences` > `Extensions`, and uncheck the boxes to disable extensions. By following these steps, you should be able to determine whether browser extensions are causing the issue and, if so, which specific extension is responsible. Once identified, you can either remove or update the problematic extension to prevent future issues.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome. Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and select "New Incognito Window." Alternatively, you can also press Ctrl+Shift+N to open an incognito window directly.

Step 2: Next, sign in to your Gmail account and attach the files to the email you wish to send.

Conclusion

Gmail is an outstanding platform for email services. Should you encounter the "Attachment failed" issue, first ensure that the file size is within the allowed limits. If it's a small file and you're still facing this problem, it's crucial to determine the precise cause in order to resolve it efficiently without wasting time.

We've already presented you with the five most reliable and convenient solutions. We hope these methods assist you in resolving the Gmail attachment issue. These manual steps are straightforward and might promptly address your problem.