Add attachments, like files or photos, to your emails. To send large files over the size limit, like videos, use Google Drive.
Learn how attachments work in Gmail
If your total attachment size is greater than 25 MB, Gmail automatically adds a Google Drive link in the email instead of including it as an attachment. Learn how to send Google Drive attachments in Gmail.
Attach a file
- On your computer, go to Gmail.
- Click Compose.
- At the bottom, click Attach
.
- Choose the files you want to upload.
- Click Open.
Remove an attachment
After you add an attachment, you can remove it. To the right of the attachment name, tap Close .
Send attachments with confidential mode
Tip: If you're using Gmail with a work or school account, contact your admin to make sure you can use confidential mode.
- On your computer, go to Gmail.
- Click Compose.
- Click Attach
- Choose the files you want to upload.
- In the bottom right of the window, click Turn on confidential mode
.
Tip: If you've already turned on confidential mode for an email, go to the bottom of the email, then click Edit. - Set an expiration date and passcode. These settings impact both the message text and any attachments.
- If you choose "No SMS passcode," recipients using the Gmail app will be able to open it directly. Recipients who don't use Gmail will get emailed a passcode.
- If you choose "SMS passcode," recipients will get a passcode by text message. Make sure you enter the recipient's phone number, not your own.
- Click Save.
Fix issues with attachments in Gmail
Attachments might be unavailable
Your network administrator or Internet provider probably blocked "mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com," the domain Google uses to host attachments.
For more help, contact your internet service provider.
Attachments won't upload (Desktop)
- Make sure you're using a supported browser.
- Try adding the attachment in another browser.
- If you've set up a web browser proxy, try disabling it.
Blocked for security reasons
To prevent viruses, Gmail doesn't let you attach executable files, like files ending in .exe.
Learn about storage limits
Attachments count toward your Google storage. Storage is shared across Drive, Photos, and Gmail. If you reach your storage limit, you can’t send or receive attachments.
To clean up your storage:
- Go through your inbox and delete unneeded large attachments.
- Regularly empty your trash and spam.
Learn how to resolve the ”Gmail’s adding files” error message
- If you upload files from another device, wait until the upload completes. Then send the attachments in your current message.
- To send the message right away, remove the attachments that are uploading from the other device.
Learn how to resolve the “Couldn’t send message” error message
- One or more files didn't upload to Drive. This might be because you don't have enough space, your internet is slow, or something else.
- To send the message, remove or re-add the attachment.