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How to Fix Cannot Send PDF Attachments Error
Question details
The user is unable to send PDF files as attachments and consistently receives an error message during the process.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to send a PDF document via an email client or web application.
- Observed behavior
- An error message appears, preventing the PDF attachment from being successfully uploaded or sent to the recipient.
Check the exact wording of the error message you receive and verify the size of your PDF file, as this will help pinpoint whether the issue stems from an email provider's file limit, browser settings, or a corrupted document.
Verify File Size and Email Provider Limits
Most attachment failures occur because the PDF exceeds the maximum file size allowed by your email service provider.
Email providers typically enforce strict attachment size limits (often 20MB or 25MB). If your PDF file is larger than this limit, the server will reject it and return an error message.
Locate your PDF file on your computer, right-click it, and select 'Properties' (Windows) or 'Get Info' (Mac) to view its total size.
Confirm that the file size is under 25MB. If it exceeds this threshold, you will need to compress the file or share it using a cloud storage link.
If the file size is well within the limits, take a screenshot of the exact error message provided by your email client to identify specific server or network issues.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Use this solution if you are sending the PDF via webmail (like Gmail or Outlook in a web browser) and suspect a browser glitch is causing the error.
Re-save or Repair the PDF File
Sometimes a PDF file becomes corrupted or contains unsupported elements that trigger security errors when attached to an email.
Compress and Share PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a comprehensive suite of built-in PDF tools that allow you to easily reduce large file sizes and share documents directly via email, bypassing common attachment errors.
- 1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file you are trying to send.
- 2. Compress the file: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab and click on 'PDF Compressor' to reduce the file size if it is over 20MB.
- 3. Share directly: Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner and select 'Email' to instantly attach the optimized PDF to a new message in your default email client.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum PDF file size I can send via email?
Most standard email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook, restrict email attachments to 20MB or 25MB. If your PDF exceeds this limit, the email server will block it and return an error message.
How do I send a PDF that is larger than the attachment limit?
You can either use a PDF compression tool to reduce the file size, or upload the document to a cloud storage service (like WPS Cloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox) and share the generated download link with your recipient.
Why does my browser freeze or crash when I try to attach a PDF?
This issue is often caused by a buildup of temporary cache data, conflicting browser extensions, or attempting to upload a file that is too large. Clearing your browser cache or trying an Incognito/Private window usually resolves it.
Can I send a password-protected PDF as an email attachment?
Yes, password-protected PDFs can be attached and sent normally. However, you must provide the recipient with the correct password through a separate secure channel so they can open and view the document.
