4 Ways to Fix Gmail App Not Downloading Attachments

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Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Save Gmail Attachments

When you tap on an attachment, Gmail opens the file on your phone. It doesn’t automatically download the attachment to the device storage. You need to save the file manually.

iPhone

Step 1:Open the Gmail app on your iPhone and select an email.

Step 2:Tap on anattachment. Hit theShare iconat the top and tapSave to Files.

Android

Step 1:Launch theGmail appon your phone and open an email.

Step 2:Tap thedownload buttonto save the file or upload it to Google Drive.

Step 3:Open the attachment and tap thethree-dot menuat the top right corner. SelectDownload.

Also Read:How to fix Gmail not sending emails on Android

Fix 2: Enable Mobile Data for Gmail

Did you disable mobile data permission for Gmail? Gmail fails to download attachments until you connect to a Wi-Fi network or enable mobile data access.

On iPhone

Step 1:Open theSettingsapp and scroll to Gmail.

Step 2:Enable theMobile Data toggleand try downloading the attachment again.

On Android

Step 1:Tap and hold theGmailapp icon, and tap on selectApp Info.

Step 2:Tap onConnection method, and ensure bothWi-FiandMobile dataare selected.

This ensures the app has permission to use both Wi-Fi and mobile data to access the internet. However, these settings may vary on your device – we’ve used a Xiaomi device to illustrate the example.

Also Read:How to attach files on Gmail on iPhone and Android

Fix 3: Check for the Attachment Password

Attachments such as your bank statements and credit card bills come protected with a password to prevent unauthorized access.

When you open or download such attachments, the file asks for a combination of letters and numbers to access it.

Usually, companies send the password combination instructions with the email. You can read the email, look for the relevant password, and use it to open and save the attachment.

Fix 4: Clear Cache

Clear cache to remove junk files that may be causing the issue with the Gmail app on your phone.

On Android

Step 1:Tap and hold theGmailapp icon, and selectApp info.

Step 2:Tap onStorage & cache > Clear Cache.

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Last updated on 26 August, 2024

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