“Cannot Download Gmail Attachments” – Query Solved
Since emails are one of the primary modes of communication, we execute several of our tasks through emails. Whether it is applying for a job or getting a bank account statement, it can be done through emails. And with emails, come attachments. Whether it’s an image or a document file, it can be sent as an attachment with an email. Attachments are an important asset. However, there are situations when the users are unable to download attachments from Gmail in chrome. This could be due to multiple reasons. So, diving straight to the solution, let us quickly know the prominent reasons why Gmail can’t download attachments from your account.
Why Users Can’t Download Attachments from Gmail?
- Confidential Mode ON: If the sender of the attachment has sent it with Confidential Mode ON, the receiver cannot download, print, or save the attachments of the email. To tackle this issue, you will have to ask the sender to remove the Confidential Mode.
- Low Storage Space: If you are struggling with low storage space in your Gmail account, then it will automatically deny receiving any new emails and attachments.
- Attachment File Size is Too Big: If the file size of the attachment you’re trying to download is too big then you cannot download attachments from Gmail and will have to ask the sender to compress the size of the file and resend it.
- Attachment File Contains a Virus: The attachment file you’re trying to download could contain a virus and thus, you should not download Gmail attachments.
- Connectivity Issue: One of the general reasons why a user is unable to download attachments from Gmail in chrome could be due to unstable or slow internet connection interrupting the downloading process and leading to stalled downloads.
- Stuffed Browser Cookies & Cache: Gathered browsing data can sometimes lead to slow down or corrupt the interface of Gmail, influencing the attachment downloads.
- Gmail Server Issue: While this issue is less common, it certainly affects the downloads of the attachments as the server goes under maintenance every now and then resulting Gmail attachments not downloading.
What To Do When Gmail Fails to Download Attachments?
Try the following steps if Google won’t upload or download your attachments:
- Ensure you are using a supported browser on your computer.
- Turn off your browser extensions, one at a time.
- Clear the cookies and cache data of your browser.
- Try using Incognito or Private mode.
- Specifically check for firewall or any antivirus interference.
- Compress the size of the attachments upto 25MB its too large to download it.
- Always manage and keep track of your device storage.
These are some of the troubleshooting methods you can go for if Gmail can’t download attachments. Further in this blog, we will also describe the manual approaches in detail. Stay tuned!
Google itself provides these troubleshooting methods for when users are unable to download attachments from Gmail. As per Google, follow the given steps in the given order if you face such a problem. Furthermore, we are going to share an expert-recommended utility by Corbett Software to assist you save your Gmail attachments securely.
1. Update Your Browser if Gmail is Not Downloading Attachments
The very first solution is to update your browser. Make sure that you’re using a browser that is compatible with Gmail and update your browser to the latest version if you haven’t already. Here’s a tutorial for two of the most popular browsers.
If you use Google Chrome then, click on the three-dot menu icon >> Help >> About Google Chrome. If there are any updates available for your browser, Chrome will automatically start installing them.
On the other hand, if you use Microsoft Edge, then to update it, click on the three-dot menu icon >> Help and feedback >> About Microsoft Edge. Once again, if there are any updates, Microsoft Edge will automatically start installing them.
After you update your browser, restart it and see if Gmail is still not downloading attachments. In addition to that, ensure you are using a stable internet connection if Gmail still fails to download attachments.
2. Turn Off the Extensions of your Browser
If you still cannot download attachments from Gmail, the second solution is to test whether the extensions are causing any problems with the attachments download. Simply turn ON and turn OFF your browser extensions one by one to see if any one of them is causing any problems. If there turns out to be any problem, tackle it by removing the problematic extension from your browser.
3. Clear Cache & Cookies of Your Browser If Gmail Fails to Download Attachments
If you’re unable to download attachments from Gmail, simply clear the unnecessary cache and cookies of your browser. You can do so by heading to the Clear Browsing Data Panel and Clearing the Cache images and files & cookies, and other site data from there. This will help in clearing out unnecessary occupied storage from your Google account and consequently tackle the issue.
The above mentioned are the top troubleshooting methods you can opt for to open and save attachments in Gmail. However, if your Gmail attachments still won’t upload or download, check out the bonus tip shared in the following segment.
Expert Solution to Use If Gmail Can’t Download Attachments
This software tool is an automated utility that is recommended by numerous technical experts. The Corbett Gmail Backup Tool is a splendid utility if you are unable to download attachments from Gmail. It has a plethora of advanced characteristics that help in executing the whole task in a smooth sailing way. Moreover, you can use this utility on any Windows OS version as it is compatible with all of them.
Steps If Gmail Won’t Download Attachments
- Download and install the Gmail Email Attachment Extractor on your Windows system and click on the open button.
- Click on Email Accounts >> Add Account and add your Gmail account to the software.
- Enter your account credentials in the respective fields.
- Preview your mailbox data and use the search settings to filter out emails based on different email fields, for instance, CC, To, and Attachments.
- Then, click on the Extract tab and choose the Attachments option from the list.
- At last, browse a preferred destination to save the resultant files and hit the Save button.
To Conclude
This blog on “Cannot Download Gmail Attachments” discussed the various reasons that could be causing the problem. Thus, to eliminate such problems, we have explained multiple solutions. Additionally, we shared three manual troubleshooting solutions shared by Google itself. Moreover, an automated utility suggested by technical experts was also discussed to use when you fail to download attachments from Gmail smoothly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Why can’t I download attachments from my email?
A) The problem can arise due to multiple factors such as poor internet connectivity, outdated versions or device, unsupported extensions, insufficient storage.
Q) What browser problems can intercept the downloads?
A) The browser might give problems even with good internet. To minimize such issues, make sure to update and clear the cookies frequently from the browser to avoid any sort of data conflict.
Q) Can Attachment files become an issue for failed downloads?
A) It is possible that your files can be the reason why Gmail can’t download attachments. Such contingencies arise when the attachments are corrupted or was backed up in a complicated format by the sender.
Q) What to do when the basic troubleshooting goes wrong?
A) You should attempt to download the attachment either from an alternative device or a different internet connection in order to resolve the issue.