File types blocked in Gmail (2024)

FAQs

File types blocked in Gmail? ›

Workaround: If you're sure the file is safe, you can upload the file to Google Drive . Then send it as a Drive attachment. (If you are the recipient of the message, you can ask the sender to proceed that way).

Workaround: If you're sure the file is safe, you can upload the file to Google Drive . Then send it as a Drive attachment. (If you are the recipient of the message, you can ask the sender to proceed that way).

To prevent viruses, Gmail doesn't let you attach executable files, like files ending in .exe.

Even if you have taken steps to compress files into a Zip file, Gmail will block the attachment if it detects a prohibited file format within the archive file. WinZip Enterprise gives you options for navigating file blocking, such as configuring file extension options using WinZip Courier.

Right-click the file and select Properties. Select Unblock at the bottom-right of the General tab, then select OK. Open the . doc file in Microsoft Word and select Enable editing, then select Yes to all prompts.

Certain browser settings, such as pop-up blockers or security settings, might prevent you from attaching files in Gmail. A firewall or proxy server may be blocking the attachment function in Gmail. Unstable or slow internet connections can disrupt the attachment process and lead to failure.

One of the most common reasons why email attachments are blocked or rejected is that they are too large or have an incompatible format. Many email servers have limits on the size and type of files they can accept, and they might reject anything that exceeds those limits.

Why isn't Gmail allowing me to download files? ›

Attachments won't open or download

On your computer, check that you're using a supported browser. Try turning off extensions you have on your browser one at a time. Clear your browser's cache and cookies.

Storage Quota Exceeded: If your Google Drive storage is running out or has exceeded capacity, it can prevent attachments from being downloaded. Virus or Malware Scans: Gmail may prevent the download if it detects a potential virus or malware within the attachment, ensuring your safety.

The file types to commonly avoid when sending attachments by email are executable files (.exe, . scr, . bat, and so on). These types of files can contain malicious code, which can be used to embed viruses into your computer or the recipient's computer.

Google now blocks ZIP files containing executable files. You can transfer these files by uploading to Dropbox (or any file sharing service), and then sending a link. Here's my quick and dirty solution: Before sending the file, open and read it as hexadecimal, then save it with UTF-8 encoding...

Answer: This is a security feature in Google Chrome that will block certain types of files from being downloaded, such as EXE or zip files. This feature can be disabled, but it is highly recommended to leave it active. You can either temporarily set the security to No protection or choose to keep the dangerous file.

You can send a zip file in Gmail if you want to send a large file or folder to someone without using Google Drive. Gmail has a hard 25 MB limit for sending attachments over email, and if you try to send more data than that, Google will automatically upload it to your Drive and share the files as Drive files instead.

Your email contains an unapproved attachment type.

Gmail doesn't allow certain types of attachments, like .exe files and . zip files. If you're trying to include an attachment that's not allowed, you'll need to find another way to send it.