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Like other unexpected issues, Outlook for Mac may also fail to download attachments, display attached files, or open attachment files that are associated with an email message. However, the problem may be related to account synchronization, internet connectivity, local Outlook data, file restrictions, or the attachment itself.
This problem needs to be fixed immediately to continue the ongoing work. To fix Outlook for Mac not downloading attachments problem, we’re here to help with the best possible solutions. So, let’s start by understanding the reasons first.
Why is Outlook for Mac Not Downloading Attachments?
There are several reasons behind the Mac Outlook Not Downloading Attachments issue. They are:
- Synchronization problems from the mail server.
- Internet connectivity issues.
- Incorrect or incomplete local cached data.
- Misplaced attachment availability.
- File restrictions blocking file types.
- File-opening problems due to permissions or an application issue.
- Outdated Outlook versions, unresolved bugs, and compatibility limitations.
These causes are possibilities, not a diagnosis. Start with the checks below to narrow down the problem.
Methods to Fix Outlook Not Downloading Attachments on Mac Issue
When your Outlook for Mac refuses to download attachments smoothly, start with the methods given below:
Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection and Account Synchronization
A working internet connection is the most important part so that Outlook can retrieve messages and their content from the mail server. Follow the checks below:
- Open a few emails and check their content.
- Confirm that your Mac has a stable internet connection.
- If you are using a VPN or a restricted office network, turn it off temporarily.
- Make sure that the affected account is not showing connection or synchronization errors.
Read More: How to Resolve Outlook for Mac Not Syncing with Exchange Server?
Method 2: Restart Outlook and Reopen the Email
The first step you should do is restart Outlook and open the email attachment again. For that, save any unfinished work in Outlook and quit Mac Outlook completely via Command + Q.
After that, open Outlook again, locate the affected email or attachments, and try downloading it again. If the file still does not download, open another email with an attachment and test it. You can also configure an account in Outlook for Mac again.
Method 3: Update Outlook Where Updates Are Available
Your Outlook for Mac should always be updated to be free from bugs and compatibility issues. For supported versions of Outlook for Mac, check for remaining updates :
- Open Outlook for Mac, go to Help > Check for Updates.
- If any update is available, follow the instructions and install it.
- Restart Outlook and try to download the attachment again.
You can also set Outlook to the Auto Update option, and this will automatically update your Outlook version once the latest updates are available.
Important for Outlook 2016 for Mac: Microsoft support for Office 2016 for Mac has announced the end of support effective from October 13, 2020. Since then, there has been no regular software or security updates from Microsoft. So, you should not expect a new Outlook 2016 update to fix every attachment problem. If you continue to experience issues with this version, consider moving to a supported version of Outlook (New Outlook or OWA) that is compatible with your Mac and account and security protocols (like OAuth/Modern Authentication).
Method 4: Try to Open Attachment in Outlook on the Web
Outlook for Web is a browser-based application to manage emails. You can also try to open your email attachments in Outlook on the web to confirm their availability or compatibility. Follow these steps:
- Log in to OWA with the same account you use in Mac Outlook.
- Search for the email containing the attachment that is not downloading.
- Open the message and try to download the attachment file.
If the attachment is also missing or unavailable in the browser, make sure that the original sender attached the file or granted permission to access it.
Method 5: Check the Attachment’s Availability, Type, and Size
Not every attachment problem is caused by Outlook. The file itself or the way it was shared may be responsible for the Outlook for Mac not downloading attachments issue. Check the following for the resolution:
- Ask the sender to check that the file was attached correctly in the email.
- Some messages contain links to OneDrive, SharePoint, or another file-sharing service.
- A cloud-hosted file may require you to sign in or request access to label the download button.
- Your email provider or organization’s security policies may restrict certain attachment types.
- Large files may take longer to retrieve, and provider-specific limits may apply.
Prefer to contact your administrator rather than trying to bypass the file restriction. If the sender can download and reopen the original file, ask them to re-share it.
Method 6: Check and Delete Outlook’s Cached Data
Cached data becomes inconsistent with the server; synchronization problems can occur. Here is how to clear the cache for Exchange accounts when it is connected:
- Quit Outlook completely by pressing Command + Q.
- Open Finder, press Command + Shift + G to open the “Go to Folder” window, and run
~/Library/Caches/com.microsoft.Outlook - Check the folder’s size or contents and move them to Trash to delete the local cache.
Note: Do not assume that this procedure is available for every IMAP, POP, or other email account. Clearing cache can include local changes or other unsynchronized information. Make sure important data is safely preserved and synchronized before proceeding.?
What If Attachments Appear But Won’t Open or Save?
An ‘attachment that appears in an email but won’t open’ is not necessarily failing to download. To get rid of this issue, try these checks:
- If Outlook offers a download or save option, save the attachment to a known folder on your Mac.
- Confirm that the saved file has a reasonable size and the expected file extension.
- Open it with a compatible application, like a PDF reader or Microsoft app.
- Make sure your macOS account can access the saved file.
Recommendation: If you are planning to move from Outlook for Mac to Windows Outlook, along with preserving your existing emails and attachments, export them to OLM first. After that, use Kernel OLM to PST Converter to convert compatible OLM data into PST format for use in Windows Outlook. All your Outlook for Mac email and attachments remain intact in the resultant PST file.
Final Say
We hope we have helped to fix Outlook for Mac not downloading attachments issue. If your Outlook for Mac is opening attachments, we advise you to export emails along with attachments to OLM files to make it secure for future access.
You can also make your OLM file contents more widely accessible by converting to PST. So if you’re planning for Windows Outlook, Microsoft 365, or other email applications like Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or others, get OLM to PST converter and save Outlook for Mac data in PST format.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: No. Microsoft support for Office 2016 for Mac ended on October 13, 2020. The applications may continue to run, but they no longer receive regular security updates or software fixes.
A: To fix the issue of not being able to download attachments from the Outlook Web App (OWA):
1. Test downloading attachments in a private window.
2. Clear browser cache and cookie data
3. Turn off browser extensions.
4. Switch to another browser.
A: Check Outlook’s connection and synchronization, restart the application, verify that your version is supported, and check and clear local cached data.
