Need to see if your shared folder is taking up space on your dropbox 👨‍💻? Find out how to check here.

Forum Discussion

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 Cloud are my choices. 

 

I am using an iPad and do a lot of  emailing from it. 

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!

38 Replies

Replies have been turned off for this discussion
Show More
  • Grizzly1's avatar
    Grizzly1
    Explorer | Level 3
    7 years ago

    That’s what I thought, strange. I also use an iPhone and can attach multiple times for the same file...

  • Daphne's avatar
    Daphne
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    7 years ago
    That sounds strange indeed Grizzly1. :thinking:
     
    Can you let me know if you’re not seeing the file to be able to choose it when attaching files or do you see the file and it’s greyed out or gives an error when attempting to attach it to the email?
     
    Looking forward to your reply - Cheers!
  • Grizzly1's avatar
    Grizzly1
    Explorer | Level 3
    7 years ago

    Okay, it gets more strange. I just tried it, to make sure I could provide details. It didn’t work, then it did/does. I just tried it 5 times or so and it works. However this has happened in the past. Works and then doesn’t. The “cloud symbol” is present, those can always be attached. Sometimes file without it cant. A slight grant out then, nothing.

  • Grizzly1's avatar
    Grizzly1
    Explorer | Level 3
    7 years ago

    Sorry, a slight gray out then nothing

  • 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!

About Integrations

Find solutions to issues with third-party integrations from the Dropbox Community. Share advice and help members with their integration questions.

The Dropbox Community team is active from Monday to Friday. We try to respond to you as soon as we can, usually within 2 hours.

If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X, Facebook or Instagram.

For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.

If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!