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How to Fix an Email Attachment That Will Not Download

Tap through each step to troubleshoot a stuck download.

  1. Check the file size

    An unusually large attachment can fail partway through downloading, so check the file size first.

  2. Check your internet connection

    An unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection can cause a download to stall, so verify your connection is stable.

  3. Try a different browser or app

    The issue might be a temporary glitch in your current browser or mail app, so try downloading it again from a different one.

  4. Check your available storage

    If your device is low on storage space, a download may not be able to finish, so make sure you have enough free space.

  5. Ask the sender to resend it

    If none of the above fixes it, the file itself may be corrupted β€” ask the sender to send it again.

Most download failures trace back to one of a few causes

A stuck attachment is usually the result of file size, connection stability, storage space, or an app-specific glitch β€” working through them in order rules out the most common causes quickly.

Some providers cap or scan attachments before delivery

Many email services enforce their own maximum attachment size and automatically scan incoming files for security, which can occasionally delay, quarantine, or block a download entirely β€” checking your spam folder or any security notification is worth doing if a file seems to have vanished.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a size limit on email attachments?

Yes, most email providers enforce a maximum size (commonly around 25 MB), though the exact limit varies by provider, so an especially large file may need to be sent via a file-sharing link instead.

Could a security scan be blocking the download?

Yes β€” some email providers or antivirus tools automatically quarantine attachments that look suspicious, which can prevent a download from completing; checking your spam folder or security alerts can confirm this.