Google Support Forum: Chrome User: “Hi, I’m unable to understand why Gmail won’t allow me to download attachments in Chrome. I tried to delete the cache and storage space but it continues. I tried to contact Google help support, but they did not provide any guidance. Please let me know if you have any suggestions to help me download the important attachments I need from Gmail.
Support Forum user of MS Edge asks: Gmail cannot download attachments to Edge for Windows 8. Anyone had problems downloading attachments from Gmail as PDF documents or other formats? I am unable to download attachments to my computer. I have tried many different keywords in Google to search for an answer.
This technical article will answer the question “Can’t download attachments from Gmail” that many Gmail users frequently ask. Below are multiple solutions that will help you solve your question. The following solution works for all browsers, regardless of whether you’re unable to download Gmail attachments using Opera, Chrome, Firefox or another web browser.
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Why can’t I download attachments from Gmail
Many reasons could cause your Gmail attachments to stop downloading. It is possible that the attachment has not been received by you. This article outlines some common reasons Gmail attachments don’t get downloaded or received.
1. Confidential Mode for Gmail
The sender may turn Confidential Mode ON if they send the message. You will be unable to save, print, or download attachments from an email. If Confidential Mode in Gmail is enabled, there is no way to fix your problem. Ask the sender to turn off the Confidential Mode in Gmail to download the Gmail attachment.
2. Too little storage
The attachment will not be accepted if your mailbox contains many additional e-mail messages or your storage space is limited to a small number of emails. Gmail service providers deny all incoming email messages if they do not have enough storage space.
3. An attachment file is too large
Large attachments are not allowed to be sent or received by Gmail. We recommend that you use Google Drive to store and share files larger than 25MB.
4. Attachment file contains virus
Always ensure that you inspect any attachments you are trying to send or receive for viruses. If the file contains a trojan, virus, or other malware, Gmail will reject it. This is to prevent others from getting infected.
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Solution 1 – To Fix Gmail’s Inability to Allow me to Download Attachment
Once you’re certain that the attachment was received, you will be unable to download attachments via Gmail. These manual solutions are available:
1. Clear Browser Cache
Clearing the browsing history, cache and junk files in your web browser is necessary to allow you to download attachments again.
2. Disable Antivirus
Your computer’s anti-virus program might be preventing files from being downloaded to your system via your Gmail account. You can temporarily turn off the antivirus settings in Antivirus Settings.
3. Search for the supported browser
Some browsers don’t support Google services. If the browser is Maxthon, Opera or Vivaldi, then switch to Chrome, Firefox Safari, Internet Explorer, Edge and Safari.
4. Update your Current Browser
If the user is using the supported browser version, it will be a good idea to upgrade the browser to the most recent version. Navigate to Help or Settings to update your browser version.
5. Labs Settings
Gmail has many experimental settings for Gmail labs. Turning off some settings may fix the attachment problem if most of the lab settings have been enabled. Here are the steps to disable lab settings in Gmail.
- Open Gmail, click on Gear Icon and then go to Settings. Select the Labs tab.
- Click on Lab Options and select Disable radio buttons. Then click on Save Settings.
Why do I cannot open attachments in Gmail?
Sometimes, even after downloading Gmail email using the manual method, the user may not be able to open Gmail attachments. These are possible reasons.
- File format not recognized
- Problem with the program or bad file association
- File compressed
- You have Windows and the sender is using a Mac computer.
- Corrupt file
Professional Solution for Download and Open All Attachments From Gmail Without Any Issue
Many Gmail users can’t download attachments of Gmail from different browsers. Some browsers support Google, while others don’t. Third-party Softmagnat Gmail email Backup software can help you fix this problem. This software allows users to extract attachments directly from Gmail without data misalignment.
It preserves data and allows you to save Gmail email attachments in PDF, MSG and TXT formats on your local computer. You can then use the attached files to complete their work. This Gmail Backup tool can export Gmail email to Thunderbird, MS Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and other email clients.
Final Comment
We hope you now understand the reasons why Gmail won’t download attachments. We have two options to fix this problem. The first is a manual solution that takes a lot more time and technical support. The second is an automated solution that allows you to download all Gmail email and any attachments without any problems. Gmail backup software can be used to save any Gmail attachments on your local hard drive.