Mail app on iOS is not the best with its ease of use and features. The interface lacks intuitiveness and categorizing emails is difficult. That's why switching to Gmail as your default email app is a good option. The Gmail app on iOS has many features and has a uniform layout across all platforms. So, if you use Gmail on your computer, you will be familiar with how the app works on your iPhone.
The email attachment process is not similar on Gmail. It's not that simple since iPhone's file system is not completely accessible, unlike Android. Here are the top 3 ways to easily attach files on Gmail from your iPhone.
What files can you attach on Gmail for iPhone
On an Android device or a computer, you have access to the file manager to find any file you want and attach it to an email. On an iPhone, this is not possible. You do have access to the Files app though, so you can attach some files that you saved offline on your iPhone.
Attaching images from the Photos app or directly from the camera is easier. You can also add attachments you received from other emails or even import a file from Google Drive. Let's see how you can do all of this.
1. How to attach photos on Gmail for iPhone
The easiest file to attach in Gmail for iPhone is an image. You can either attach a photo you've already captured or take one directly from the camera in the Gmail app. Here's how.
Step 1: Open the Gmail app on your iPhone and tap on the Compose option.
Step 2: Enter the recipient's email address and all required information in the body of the email.
Step 3: Tap the Join icon on the top right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Now you will see a pop-up window at the bottom of the screen with Photos option. You can now scroll horizontally through photo thumbnails and tap an image to add it as an attachment.
Step 5: If you want to see your gallery better and want to add an image that is not displayed, select the All option to open the Photos app. Choose the images you want to attach here.
Step 6: If you want to click on a new photo to attach, tap on the camera icon from the pop-up menu and it will take you to the camera viewfinder.
Step 7: Take the desired photo or video, then select Use photo.
You have now successfully added a photo attachment on Gmail on your iPhone. Repeat the process to add multiple images.
2. How to attach documents on Gmail for iPhone
This is a more common scenario where you want to send someone a signed document or a presentation for a meeting. Here's how you can do it.
Step 1: Open the Gmail app on your iPhone and tap on the Compose option.
Step 2: Enter the recipient's email address and all required information in the body of the email.
Step 3: Tap the Join icon on the top right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Now you will see a pop-up window at the bottom of the screen. Lightly swipe over it and you'll reveal all the attachment options.
Step 5: Under the Attachments section, you will see your recently received attachments. You can select a file in this section if you wish.
Step 6: If you want to attach a document stored on your iPhone, tap the folder thumbnail to open the Files app.
Step 7: Navigate to the location where your file is stored and tap on it to add it as an attachment.
You will see that iOS adds the document to your email as an attachment. Repeat the process to add multiple documents.
3. How to Attach Files from Google Drive to Gmail for iPhone
You can also attach files from Google Drive account directly in Gmail app on iPhone. Here's how.
Step 1: Open the Gmail app on your iPhone and tap on the Compose option.
Step 2: Enter the recipient's email address and all required information in the body of the email.
Step 3: Tap the Join icon on the top right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Now you will see a pop-up window at the bottom of the screen. Lightly swipe over it and you'll reveal all the attachment options.
Step 5: Your most recent files will be displayed in the Drive section. You can scroll through them to select a file.
Step 6: You can also tap on the All option to open the Drive app and choose the relevant file to attach.
Repeat the process to add multiple files from Google Drive to your email.
Easily Attach Files on iPhone
Now you can attach any file you want on your iPhone regardless of its format. Simply save any file you want from the internet in the Files app and add it as an attachment. You will be good to go!