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Forum Discussion
'Can not upload the file' error when attaching from Dropbox to Gmail on Android
When I try to add an attachment from dropbox to a mail in gmail, I receive a message in gmail "can not upload the file". This error occurs only on one smartphone with android 12. If I do the same , w...
Hi Everybody,
I've spoken with our Engineering team about this, who have confirmed that the 'Attach from Dropbox' option no longer being available is the result of an update to the Android OS and Gmail app, specifically Storage Access Framework. This means that the option to Attach from Dropbox will no longer be available.
As others have stated, to attach files, you will need to
BenDBX
Community Manager
Community ManagerHi Everybody,
I've spoken with our Engineering team about this, who have confirmed that the 'Attach from Dropbox' option no longer being available is the result of an update to the Android OS and Gmail app, specifically Storage Access Framework. This means that the option to Attach from Dropbox will no longer be available.
As others have stated, to attach files, you will need to
Thanks, Ben -
Does this mean the Dropbox Engineering team is not working on a way to bring the original functionality back at a later date?- BenDBX
Hi Tmdale808,
No, given that this is a result of the change to the Android OS itself, restoring the original attachment functionality is not something we're looking into. As I understand it, Storage Access Framework forces the change in the attachment flow so that users can attach from multiple document sources rather than allowing individual apps to live in the "Add Attachment" menu.
Regards,
Ben
- Hi Ben...
This issue is not linked to the legacy Add file from Dropbox option... it is a real issue with trying to attach a file with the current process flow within the Gmail Mobile App.
I have been unable to attach files to Gmail for several months now - including by selecting the file from the burger / file system approach...
Is this issue being worked on as it is only when attaching from Dropbox that the issue occurs - I can easily attach from OneDrive and G Drive, and from the device storage also so it's 100% a Dropbox fault.
Hi, this solution no longer works either. As a real estate agent I spend a lot of time on the road, and the ability to quickly send a file from my phone is a game changer. The inability to send one is a game ender.
- This is also not working. When I try to use this method and choose dropbox and then the file, I get an error message stating that 'unable to attach'
- I have to download the file to my device and then I am able to attach the files.
- *As others have stated, to attach files, you will need to select Attach File in Gmail, open the hamburger menu on the left, select Dropbox, then choose the files to be uploaded.* Yes, I do this but get the message "couldn't upload file". This sucks! A feature not a bug then, eh?
Is there any way to update the option from dropbox ? i can attached files from a deferent android running v 12
- I don't think it's an option Dropbox will update. It's just slightly different steps to attach to a file. Now that I'm used to it, I actually like the interface better than the old way.
As others have stated, to attach files, you will need to select Attach File in Gmail, open the hamburger menu on the left, select Dropbox, then choose the files to be uploaded by checking the box next to each file you'd like to attach to your email.- Actually, this is a better description:
(1) Click the paper clip in the upper right of your Gmail app
(2) Choose the hamburger on the top left to get the drop-down menu.
(3) Then instead of clicking on the word "Dropbox", click on the arrow just to the right of "Dropbox". This opens Dropbox and lets you navigate to the folder you want.
(4) Choose files by clicking the boxes to the right of the file names.
(5) And then click on on the checkmark at the top to complete.
- Hi, I tried the said method , still can't attached files using phone
That doesn't work either - going through the hamburger menu. Can Dropbox, Gmail and Android fix this? It's a really large step backwards, and makes all three services less attractive.
- I'm using Samsung Email, have repeatedly tried to attach several PDFs from Dropbox, unsuccessfully. In the past, no problems.
How do I rectify this? - I had already figured this out, but it's a "work around" at best.
It still doesn't resolve the issue when you can't attach documents from Dropbox to replies or forwarded emails.
I just experienced it again so I know it hasn't been fixed.
I understand the change to the Storage Access Framework is preventing attaching of files.
I would also believe that Dropbox programmers, in conjunction with Android programmers, should be able to resolve this in some type of coding update, on either or both platforms.
Currently, I keep my business files on another platform that doesn't have this problem.
My other solution, and quite frankly a smoother work around, is to simply "save to device" any Dropbox files you need to attach. They attach fine to Gmail from my Android devices this way.
Is this known issue something the Dropbox team is actively working on to resolve? That didn't work.
