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Stephjaz's avatar
Stephjaz
New member | Level 2
8 years ago
Solved

Can't attach files to emails in iOS

Hi,   I cannot seem to attach a file from my Dropbox into my email using gmail.    When I click on the attachment icon it does not give me the the file source of Dropbox, Just my ipad and Clo...
Mobile
Third Party Integrations
  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    8 years ago
    Hey Steph!
     
    Is the Dropbox folder appearing in the Files app on your device? I’m assuming that you have installed our mobile app? 
     
    What version of iOS are you running? Are you able to export files from your Dropbox app into the mail app? Is this the iOS Mail app, or the official Gmail app?
     
    Thanks in advance!
Daphne's avatar
Daphne
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
7 years ago
 
Can you clarify for me the steps that you’re taking to attach files within your emails? For example are you:
 
  • Exporting the files from the Dropbox app to your email app?
  • From the email app, long tapping and choosing the option “attach” and choosing a file from Dropbox through the Files app?
 
If you wouldn’t mind, could you share a screenshot (excluding any personal info) of where you are located when you are selecting a file to add to the email and see the grey out?
 
I look forward to your reply - Thanks!
Grizzly1's avatar
Grizzly1
Explorer | Level 3
7 years ago

 Sorry, I’ve been away from this for a while.   I simply choose the attach I Cars at the lower portion of the iOS email application, choose dropbox, then the folder, file I’m looking for.  

Frankly, the whole process is frustrating. Again tonight I had an issue that I’ve previously downloaded file would attach and a previously downloaded file would not attach.

  • WorldLanguage's avatar
    WorldLanguage
    Explorer | Level 3
    7 years ago

    I am having the exact same problem. Very frustrating. I used to be able to tap any file and it attaches in the email. Now, if I Previously attached it, the Cloud icon above the file is not there and I cannot attach it. This problem has been happening for a week now. 

    Frustrated, I thought, let me make the file "new", maybe that is the issue. So I made a small change and resaved it. Lo and behold, the cloud symbol appeared above it, but...

    It still will not attach. Just endless circle spin over the file. 

  • Daphne's avatar
    Daphne
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    7 years ago
    Hey Grizzly1 and WorldLanguage, sorry for the late reply here!
     
    When you experience this issue, can you just try closing the email and Files app and try attaching the files again for me? I’m wondering if refreshing the apps will change the behaviour you’re seeing as sometimes it occurs, sometimes not from what I understood. This should help us to narrow down the point where the issue occurs.
     
    Also, if you see no difference there, just to try cover every possibility can you please clear the Dropbox app cache. You can do so with the following steps:
     
    1. Open the Dropbox app on your device.
    2. Tap the Account tab.
    3. Tap the gear icon in the top left corner.
    4. Select the option to “Clear cache”.
     
    Let me know what you find - Cheers!
  • WorldLanguage's avatar
    WorldLanguage
    Explorer | Level 3
    7 years ago

    hello, 

    Thanks for responding. Before I clear cache, I noticed that in that area, the Use Cellular Data was not enabled. Should I do that? I never touched that before. I would attach files to emails all the time and it worked, so I dont know what difference that makes.

    Will Clear Cache erase or delete anything? I never did this operation in this space on the app either. I had dropbox app on all versions of iphone and never had this problem before. I now have an iphone Xr and version 12.3.1. 

    Thanks!

     

  • Daphne's avatar
    Daphne
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    7 years ago
     
    You can enable the Cellular data usage if you won’t have WiFi connection when you need to download files to be offline or update those that are already offline. This setting shouldn’t apply to the situation if you’re using WiFi when attaching files into your emails. Although, if you’re using cellular data, you might want to check in your device settings if the Dropbox app has permission to use data.
     
    In terms of clearing the cache, this wont remove or delete anything from your Dropbox app and won’t affect your offline files. 
     
    Let me know how it goes - Thanks!
  • Mkristan's avatar
    Mkristan
    Explorer | Level 4
    7 years ago

    Daphne,

    Really stuck with this one. I did the clear cache and stil not able to attach files. I am using the Outlook mail app with my gmail account and when I click the paper clip to attach, I choose attach file, scroll down to the Dropbox option and open that. What I get is the attached picture and just get stuck here with the icons fluctuating between white and gray (to suggest it is working on it) but never gets to the point of loading my file and folder options.  This is the same for my iPhone 8 and my iPad Pro.Edited by moderator

  • Daphne's avatar
    Daphne
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    7 years ago

    Hey there Mkristan,

    Do you have Outlook connected with your Dropbox account? Perhaps you can try disconnecting and connecting the account from your Connected Apps page here to see if that will do the trick.

    Also, can you let me know if you have the Dropbox app installed on your devices and which version you have?

    Let me know what you find - thanks!

  • Mkristan's avatar
    Mkristan
    Explorer | Level 4
    7 years ago

    No luck. Tried both things.  White and gray fluctuations an iPad. On my iPhone I can actually pick the attachment have it attached but I cannot send it. It locks up there

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