When a Gmail attachment upload appears stuck, preserve the message and identify which file or device is still uploading. Pressing Send repeatedly or closing the only copy of the draft can make the outcome harder to establish.
Keep the original file and draft safe
Record the filename, approximate size, and any displayed error. Keep the original file on its source device and retain a separate copy of important unsent wording before testing another browser or interface.
Check whether the file actually exists locally or is still being downloaded from another cloud service. Selecting a cloud placeholder is different from having a complete file ready to upload. Avoid deleting either copy while the transfer state is unclear.
Check upload state, storage, and connection
Google says an attachment that failed to upload to Drive can reflect insufficient storage, a slow connection, or another upload problem. Check the account’s storage and the current network, and inspect any explicit error before choosing a remedy.
The “Gmail’s adding files” message can concern an upload from another device. Google’s guidance is to wait for that upload to finish before sending the current message, or remove the pending attachments if you deliberately want to send without them.
On iPhone and iPad, Google also documents background upload before delivery after Send is selected. That behavior is not proof that the recipient already received the file. Do not assume identical upload indicators across desktop and mobile.
Test narrowly rather than resetting everything
For a computer upload problem, confirm that the browser is supported and compare a harmless small test file or another supported browser. Remove and re-add only the affected attachment when appropriate, checking that you have not kept two copies.
On a managed network, ask the administrator about relevant upload restrictions; do not disable an organization’s proxy or security controls as a default fix. Once the message sends, inspect Sent and confirm the actual file or Drive link. A changed progress indicator alone does not verify successful delivery.
Browse Gmail & Google Account help
References
Reviewed against the linked official and developer guidance on October 27, 2026. Available options and screen labels can vary by account, device, region, and organization policy.