[Updated] Some Google Chrome users on M1 Mac unable to upload or attach files, workaround inside

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on January 25, 2022) follows:

macOS 12 Monterey is Cupertino’s latest version of the operating system for desktops. Release on October 25 last year, it brings in a lot of new features and improves on existing ones.

Users have appreciated the inclusion of spatial audio, improvements to Safari, and the refined Focus mode. However, they also made it clear that certain functionalities might be limited to Apple M1 Mac.

But many M1 Mac owners who use Chrome users are now complaining that they are unable to upload any files. However, other browsers such as Safari and Edge seem to be working completely fine.

For some reason, every few weeks, Chrome stops allowing me to attach files by means of the “attachment/upload” buttons (i.e., in gmail, uploading photos on websites, etc.). When I want to upload a photo or attach something, I can click the paperclip or “add file” buttons, but it just doesn’t do anything; no error messages or anything – literally nothing happens. I tried looking this issue up in the community here, but nobody seems to have the exact same issue.
(Source)

I have the same problem. It is impossible to upload images to websites, Facebook, Twitter, Web-Whatsapp, customer service chat modules; basically anywhere online where it should be possible to upload images. You can click the little icon of the photo camera all day long, but nothing happens. It’s as if the link has been broken, like the camera icon is just another flat image. It’s been like this ever since I bought my 13″ Macbook 2 months ago. And yes, the issue persists in Incognito mode in Google Chrome. I’ve tried looking for access, permissions, security… nothing works and nothing seems to fit.
(Source)

The bug is preventing users from uploading to Google Drive, sharing files, or sending attachments over emails. Some said they tried resetting Chrome and reinstalling the app altogether but it looks like that is not helping either.

Moreover, the issue seems to be limited to those having M1 Macs, which is really weird.

And while Apple and Google are yet to say anything on the matter, a user shared a workaround that might help fix the issue. It involves revoking Chrome’s permission to the Download folder and re-enabling it.

i was having the same issue (m1 mac) and think i found a fix. i went to system preferences > security & privacy > privacy > files and folders, clicked the lock, selected chrome (which already had Downloads Folder permissions), removed it (click the – button), and restarted chrome. then i was getting proper finder pop-ups for file uploads (and downloads were still working too).
(Source)

We hope Apple and Google work together to find a fix for the issue preventing Chrome users on M1 Mac are unable to upload files. As always, we will update this story once we have new information to share so stay tuned.

06:20 pm (IST): Here’s another workaround that the affected users can try to resolve this issue.

Also, this just worked for me on my chrome, and on adobe cc cloud, allow access to all apps you need:

Solution:

> Go to System Preferences
> Security & Privacy
> Click the lock to make changes
> Full Disk Access
> Click “+”
> Select “Applications”
> Select “Google Chrome”

03:20 pm (IST): A user alleged that the latest Chrome update has fixed the issue where users are unable to upload or attach files.

11:14 am (IST): Fresh reports suggest (1, 2, 3) that users are still unable to attach files to websites through Chrome. Apparently, the issue was resolved for some users, but it reappeared after a few days.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Apple Section so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: Google Chrome

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