Trouble Attaching Files in Gmail? Quick Fixes for Email Attachments

Gmail typically functions well, but occasionally users encounter issues when attempting to attach files to their emails. This problem can occur with images, documents, or any other file types and can be particularly frustrating when sending important files.

Frequently, the problem lies with the buildup of cache in your browser. Similarly, certain extensions may interfere with Gmail, hindering its proper function.

Fortunately, multiple solutions are available, and many users have found them effective. Below is a brief description of these solutions, followed by a detailed step-by-step guide.

Fixes for the Attachment Not Working Issue on Gmail

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Cache and cookie buildup in your browser can affect the performance of your browser and can be the reason why files are not attaching in Gmail. So make sure to clear the cache and cookies before using Gmail again.
2. Check if any Extension is Interfering with Gmail: Some browser extensions may interfere with Gmail’s functionality. To determine if this is the issue, try accessing Gmail in incognito mode. Further details follow in the next section.
3. Update your Browser: Ensure your browser is up-to-date, as older versions tend to be unresponsive and many websites don’t function to their fullest on them.
4. Use Another Supported Browser or Device: If you’re still unable to attach files in Gmail, attempt it on another device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, or use an alternate web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
5. Reset Chrome Settings: Resetting the browser settings often fixes some glitches that are the reason behind Google Chrome behaving unusually and sites like Gmail not functioning like they normally do.

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

1. Open Chrome on your PC.
2. Click the three dots on the top-right.
3. Select More Tools and click Clear browsing data.

4. Select All time in the Time range.
5. Check “Cookies and other sites data” alongside “Cached images and files”.
6. Click Clear Data.

2. Check if any Extension is Interfering with Gmail

1. Open Chrome on your PC.
2. On the top right, click on the three dots.
3. Select New incognito window.

4. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + N.
5. Now attach some files to Gmail and check if they get attached without any issues.
6. If they do, then return to the normal Chrome window.
7. Now keep checking Gmail attachments by disabling the Chrome extensions one by one.
8. To do that, click on the puzzle icon and select Manage Extensions.

9. Toggle off the extensions from here.

3. Update your Browser

1. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots on the top-right.
2. Go to Settings > About Chrome.
3. Install any update if it is available.
4. Wait until the update is installed.

5. Restart your browser and try attaching files in Gmail now.

4. Reset Chrome Settings

1. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots menu.
2. Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
3. Select Restore settings to their original defaults.

4. Click Reset settings.

If you’re still unable to attach files in Gmail, then feel free to contact Gmail Support and let them know about this issue. Also, you can check whether Gmail servers are down, which can be another reason why the website isn’t functioning.