How to Send an Attachment by Email

Tech Made Simple illustrated cover for sending an email attachment

This is for you if… you need to email a photo, form, bill, letter or document and you are not sure how to attach it properly.

I was helping someone in Hitchin who had filled in a form on their phone but kept pasting it into the email instead of attaching it. Once we found the paperclip button, the whole thing made more sense.

What an attachment is

An attachment is a file sent with your email. It might be a photo, PDF, Word document, screenshot or scanned form. The email message explains what you are sending. The attachment is the actual file.

Before you start

  • Know where the file is saved: Photos, Files, Downloads or Documents.
  • Check the file is the right one before sending.
  • Make sure you know the correct email address.
  • If the file contains personal information, double-check the request is genuine.

Step-by-step: attach a file on a phone

  1. Open your email app.
  2. Tap Compose, New email or the pencil button.
  3. Type the recipient’s email address in the To box.
  4. Add a clear subject, such as “Completed form”.
  5. Write a short message explaining what you are sending.
  6. Look for a paperclip, plus button, or Attach option.
  7. Tap it.
  8. Choose where the file is stored, such as Photos or Files.
  9. Tap the file you want to send.
  10. Wait for the file to finish attaching. You should see its name or thumbnail in the email.
  11. Check the email address, subject, message and attachment.
  12. Tap Send.

Step-by-step: attach a file on a computer

  1. Open your email website or email program.
  2. Click Compose or New message.
  3. Fill in the recipient, subject and message.
  4. Click the paperclip icon.
  5. Find the file on your computer.
  6. Click the file once to select it.
  7. Click Open or Choose.
  8. Wait until the upload finishes.
  9. Check the attachment is shown before sending.

If it will not send

The file may be too large. Try sending fewer photos, choosing a smaller version, saving the document as a PDF, or asking the recipient if they prefer a link from iCloud, Google Drive or OneDrive.

Need help?

My membership supports people across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk with ongoing help and peace of mind. For one specific email problem, you can book a visit.

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