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Original Poster
Jul 16, 2019

iOS Gmail attachments from Google Drive

Hi, I used to be able to choose how I added attachments from Google Drive to a Gmail message. I could either add the file as an attachment or share it. From what I see, this option is gone now and one is forced into sharing.  Please let me know if I’m mistaken. I understand that Google wants everyone and his brother to be using its platform but sometimes it’s not optimal to be sharing files, instead of simply attaching. How do we get Google to understand this?? 
 
What’s even more bizarre is that when I send an attachment from a Google Drive (forced share mode) and view the message I just sent in the Gmail app, it shows my attachment twice - once as an attachment and again as a shared Google Drive link. What does this mean?

Thanks for any insight.
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Composing and Sending Messages,iOS
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Recommended Answer
Somnath
Diamond Product Expert
Diamond Product Expert and Mentor for both Gmail and Google Account.
Feb 13, 2020
I just wanted to share the update that Gmail for iOS now allows you to add attachments from the Files app. I hope this helps address concerns of those who have been asking for this feature for some time.
Diamond Product Expert Somnath recommended this
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All Replies (51)
thierry calvès
Oct 9, 2019
I confirm having same issue, meaning not being able to attach non-GSuite files such as PDF, still widely used by the way, on an email while using Gmail app on IOS 13.1.2.

Alternatives are:
- to use web browser to compose email on mail.google.com/mail, which is still tolerating non-GSuite file types,
- to use Apple Mail or Microsoft Outlook IOS apps
- to use a computer for this ;)

“The highest result of education is tolerance”
- Helen Keller

Cheers
Thierry
Daniel "bdflfun2" Robbins
Dec 11, 2019
This is a horrible new limitation of the iOS/iPadOS app. Google should be ashamed about disabling real attachments. Who does this to their users?
Pawel Müller
Dec 17, 2019
I also miss the option on my iPad with Gmail App. I generally prefer sharing instead of attaching, but the big problem is, when sending documents to official places. Here in Austria and also in Germany they are usually blocked and cannot access Google Drive or Dropbox. So I’d prefer having the option back into the app.... cheers
User 7060042209681670316
Dec 24, 2019
I have to agree this is super annoying. It's so much easier on my Google Pixel - just download file to my phone and attach to Gmail email.

I really wish my iPad would be just as easy. Or ide workflow would be for Gmail to prompt you to attach doc or share Google drive Link.
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