How to Fix: “Attachment Button Not Working in Gmail” Query?
Gmail is the world’s largest email service, thanks to its simplicity and features like offline email drafting and spam filtering. Gmail users sometimes face issues with the Attachment button (a paperclip icon next to the Formatting Options icon). Many users complain about attachment button not working in Gmail i.e., they can’t attach files to Gmail emails using the attachment button or the drag-and-drop option. The following user queries highlight this issue in more elaborate words:
Are you unable to attach files to Gmail like other users? This blog post has the answers for getting rid of this issue. But first, let’s know the reasons behind this “attachment button working failure.”
Reasons For The Attachment Button Not Working in Gmail
- Unsupported Web Browser – The primary reason for the attachment button not working is you are using an unsupported web browser. Gmail supports only Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari as the official web browsers. If you are using the current version of Gmail on an unsupported browser, you are bound to face the issue.
- Account Storage is Full – Gmail account space getting full is another reason for the “unable to attach files to Gmail” error. This situation is so frequent that users often find their Gmail storage full even after deleting emails.
- Unstable Internet Connection – Another reason for this issue is an unsteady internet connection. Your Gmail account may face internet issues due to a backend problem from your internet provider or a power failure where you live. You can’t attach files to your Gmail emails without stable internet connectivity.
- Firewall or Antivirus Interruption – Another reason you may see a greyed-out Attachment button for your Gmail account is your computer’s firewall or antivirus interruption. This interruption also becomes an obstacle in saving the attachment file as well due to which users cannot download Gmail attachments easily.
- Browser Extension or Add-ons – An extension or add-on you have added to your web browser may lead to the “unable to attach files to Gmail” error. For instance, if you have enabled a Chrome extension for writing emails, then this extension may interfere with your Gmail account, leading to the issue.
- Outdated Web Browser – Using an out-of-date web browser for accessing your Gmail emails is another cause for attachments not being added to your emails. You may also confront challenges in sending emails or even receiving new ones.
These reasons show the importance of having a working attachment button for your Gmail account. The following section explains the solutions for resolving the attachment button not working issue, so keep reading the blog!
Unable to Attach Files to Gmail Error – Resolved
We have discussed why the attachment button doesn’t work in Gmail, so let’s explore the solutions for solving this issue and restore a working attachment button!
#1 Clear Cookies/Cache
Web Cookies and Cache are the chief components of any web browser, but having too much data stored through them slows down the browser, leading to problems like the “attachment button not working” in Gmail.
Clearing them will solve the “unable to attach files to Gmail” error and restore the attachment button.
#2 Update Web Browser
Another solution to resolve this error is to update the web browser you are using to access your Gmail emails. Be it Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, regularly updating the browser is the simplest solution to restore the greyed-out attachment button.
You can update your preferred web browser by going into the Settings menu, selecting the About option, and checking for updates. Don’t forget to save any crucial Gmail account data before updating the browser!
#3 Try Another Web Browser
Using another web browser for accessing your Gmail emails is the third alternate solution for resolving the “unable to attach files to Gmail” error. If you use Google Chrome, try switching to Firefox or Edge to see if you can attach documents or images to your emails using the attachment button.
#4 Clear Account Storage
Clearing your Gmail account storage is another way of solving the issue of the attachment button not working in Gmail. Delete all the emails you don’t require with the attachments saved in Google Drive. Clearing the Spam and Trash folders is another way to create space for new emails and restore the functioning of the attachment button.
Corbett Suggestion on Attachment Button Not Working in Gmail
If you’re worried about losing access to attachments due to Gmail issues, having a backup of your files can provide peace of mind. We recommended the Corbett Gmail Backup Tool to safeguard your mailbox data. The application offers you multiple advanced data filters with a separate option to extract attachments, email addresses & contacts from Gmail. Also, on December 2023 Google announced that they will be deleting inactive Google accounts. So, make sure you have a strong backup channel.
So There You Have It
Many Gmail users complain that the file attachment button doesn’t work in the email composing window, hampering their productivity. This blog discussed the reasons for the “unable to attach files to Gmail” error, and the solutions mentioned here are perfect for resolving the error. Gmail users should implement these solutions according to their preferences, restore the attachment button, and solve the issue of the attachment button not working in Gmail.
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