How to Download Gmail Emails with Attachments? (Best Working Methods)
Whether you're switching devices, preparing for migration, or just want a copy of your emails offline, downloading Gmail emails with attachments is a crucial task many users eventually face. But Gmail doesn’t provide a straightforward bulk option for this. So, if you're looking for effective ways to export emails with attachments, this guide will walk you through step-by-step methods — both manual and automated.
Why Would You Need to Download Gmail Emails with Attachments?
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Access files offline during travel or limited connectivity.
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Backup important documents like agreements, invoices, or records.
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Share or transfer messages and data across devices or between team members.
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Clear Gmail storage while still keeping your data safe.
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Recordkeeping for legal, academic, or work-related documentation.
Note: While Google offers limited native options to download messages, it’s not designed for batch downloads — especially with attachments included. This is where alternative solutions become essential.
Manual Methods to Save Gmail Emails with Attachments
Option 1: Use Google Takeout
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Sign into Gmail and go to Google Takeout.
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Select only "Gmail" and deselect other services.
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Choose folders, click “Next,” then select delivery method and format.
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Create the export.
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Once complete, extract the downloaded ZIP file to get MBOX files.
Option 2: Print to PDF (Includes Attachments)
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Open Gmail and click on an email.
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Hit the three-dot menu and choose “Print.”
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Set the destination as “Save as PDF.”
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Save the file to your local drive.
Option 3: Download Individual Messages
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Open the email you want to download.
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Click the three-dot menu and select “Download message.”
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The email saves as a .eml file (includes attachments).
Challenge: All these methods work only for one message at a time. No bulk download.
Why Attachments Matter to Users
Attachments often contain:
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Bank statements, bills, tax documents
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Client communications and product reports
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Marksheets, syllabi, scanned IDs, or certificates
Losing any of the above can cause inconvenience, data breaches, or legal risks. So, safeguarding them is critical.
The Simplest Way to Download Gmail Emails with Attachments in Bulk
If you're looking for a straightforward and secure way to download all your Gmail messages with attachments, use a professional tool like given below .
Bonus Tip: Try this tool if you find manual processes frustrating or too technical.
BitRecover Gmail Backup Software is designed to do the heavy lifting for you. With options for multiple file formats and selective filters, it ensures that no attachments are left behind — even in bulk downloads.
You can even use its Export Gmail Emails with Attachments guide for a complete walkthrough.
Key Benefits of the Software
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Download emails with attachments in one go
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Export to 30+ formats (PDF, PST, EML, DOC, XLS, etc.)
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Advanced filters like date range, subject, and sender
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Option to save attachments separately
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Works offline after login authentication
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Preserves metadata and formatting
Advantage: No technical skills required. Clean interface.
Conclusion
Manual methods are fine if you're saving one or two emails occasionally. But for business users or large inboxes, they fall short — no bulk actions, no filters, and a lot of manual effort.
If you're serious about protecting your Gmail attachments or want a quick way to move them offline, the professional software mentioned above is worth exploring. It simplifies the entire backup process, making it beginner-friendly and reliable.
