If you have a file that you wanted to download and you know it’s safe but Gmail has flagged it and not allowing you to download the file? You will also see this error “Downloading this attachment is disabled“. Don’t worry I have faced this exact same issue.
You can fix this “Downloading this attachment is disabled in Gmail” issue by downloading the original email content using the Download original option and then extracting the zip file using a zip file extractor.
Let’s learn in detail how to download Gmail-blocked files or attachments in this tutorial.
Here is a screen of the Blocked file attachment in the Gmail error.
1. Understanding the Issue
Many Gmail users encounter difficulties when trying to download attachments, which can hinder productivity and cause frustration. The reasons behind this issue can vary, including browser settings, security configurations, or Gmail-specific restrictions. It is crucial to identify the specific cause to effectively resolve the problem and regain control over your attachments.
2. Enabling Attachment Downloads in Gmail
To ensure a smooth downloading experience in Gmail, follow these simple steps:
- Sign in to your Gmail account.
- Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the settings menu.
- From the drop-down menu, select “Settings.”
- In the Settings page, navigate to the “Attachments” tab.
- Scroll down to the “Attachments” section and ensure that the “Download attachments” option is selected.
- Save the changes.
By enabling attachment downloads in Gmail settings, you empower yourself to download attachments without any hindrances.
Best Solution for Downloading Disabled or Blocked Attachments in Gmail
- Launch your preferred web browser and open Gmail.
- Locate the email with the blocked attachment and click on it to open it.
- Look for the menu icon (usually represented by three vertical dots) and click on it. From the menu options, select “Show Original.”
- On the new page that opens, find the “Download Original” link and right-click on it. Choose “Save as…” from the context menu.
- When saving the file, ensure that the file extension is changed from .txt to .eml. This can usually be done by modifying the “Save as type” or “File Format” field in the save dialog box.
- Save the file with the modified extension to a location on your computer.
- Now, you can open the saved .eml file using any email client of your choice, such as Mailbird. You can download Mailbird here. Or download and use the Microsoft Outlook email client.
- Within the email client, right-click on the attachment that was previously blocked in Gmail and choose “Save” from the options provided.
- Save the attachment to your desired location on your computer.
- If the attachment is in the form of a compressed archive (e.g., .zip), save the archive file and then use file compression software like WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the files within the archive to your preferred location.
3. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
File Format Compatibility
Some attachments may be in a file format that is not compatible with the software installed on your device. In such cases, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure that you have the necessary software or application to open the file.
- If not, search for compatible software and install it on your device.
- Try downloading the attachment again and open it using the appropriate software.
Browser Settings
Sometimes, browser settings can interfere with the download process. To resolve this, consider the following:
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Disable any browser extensions or plugins that might be causing conflicts.
- Try using a different browser to download the attachment.
Antivirus and Firewall Settings
Overly strict antivirus or firewall settings can block certain attachments from being downloaded. Here’s what you can do:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software.
- Attempt to download the attachment again.
- If successful, modify the settings of your security software to allow attachments from Gmail.
4. Alternative Methods for Downloading Attachments
If the standard download method fails, there are alternative approaches to consider:
Forwarding the Email
One simple solution is to forward the email with the attachment to another email address or service. By doing so, you can often download the attachment from the forwarded email without any issues.
Using Google Drive
Another effective method is to save the attachment to Google Drive and then download it from there. Here’s how:
- Open the email containing the attachment.
- Click on the Google Drive icon, usually represented by a square with a triangle.
- Follow the prompts to save the attachment to your Google Drive account.
- Access your Google Drive and download the attachment from there.
5. Best Practices for Managing Attachments
To optimize your experience with attachments in Gmail, consider the following best practices:
- Regularly clean up your email inbox by removing unnecessary attachments.
- Utilize appropriate naming conventions for downloaded attachments to ensure easy retrieval.
- Keep your browser and security software up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
- Regularly backup important attachments to a secure location.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why does Gmail block attachments?
Can I trust the “Download Original” option in Gmail?
What is the purpose of changing the file extension from .txt to .eml?
Are there any alternative email clients I can use besides Mailbird?
How do I extract files from a compressed archive (e.g., .zip)?
Can I open the blocked attachments directly without saving them as .eml files?
Will downloading blocked attachments pose any security risks?
What should I do if I suspect an attachment is genuinely harmful?
By following these steps, you can access and save blocked attachments from Gmail, allowing you to open them using alternative email clients or extract files from compressed archives.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us for assistance.