Why is Gmail deleting href tag on zip download links in emails?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 30 Apr 2025
Updated 16 Aug 2025
10 min read
It can be incredibly frustrating when you send an email with an important download link, only to find that Gmail seems to have deleted the href tag on your .zip download links. While Gmail is known for rewriting links as a security measure, a complete deletion of the href attribute is a more severe action than simple redirection or tracking, indicating a strong suspicion on the part of the email service provider.
This isn't a random occurrence. When Gmail deletes an href tag, it's typically a direct response to perceived security risks associated with the link or the content it points to. Understanding why this happens is crucial for anyone relying on email for file distribution, especially with compressed archives. Let's delve into the layers of security and filtering that can lead to this behavior.
Understanding Gmail's security posture
Gmail maintains very robust security protocols to protect its users from malicious content, including malware, phishing attempts, and viruses. These protections extend beyond simple spam filtering, impacting how various types of content and links are handled within emails. While it might seem overly cautious, Gmail's primary goal is to prevent harmful files from reaching your inbox and devices, even if it means being aggressive with certain link types.
One of the key mechanisms Gmail uses is link protection. This involves scanning and, in some cases, rewriting links to verify their safety. You can read more about Gmail's link protections on Google's support pages. While this usually means redirecting through a Google-controlled URL to check for malicious content, in extreme cases of perceived danger, the link may be stripped entirely. This is more likely to happen if the link points to content that has a known history of being exploited or abused, or if the sending domain itself has a poor reputation.
The reason .zip files are often singled out is due to their nature as archives. They can contain various file types, including executables or scripts, which are prime vectors for malware. Even if the .zip file itself is clean, the potential for it to deliver harmful content makes it a higher-risk file type in the eyes of most email providers, including Gmail. This is why you might see Gmail block a .zip file even if it's not an attachment, but rather a remote download link.
It's not just about the file type, but also the context in which it's sent. Factors like your sender reputation, the domain hosting the file, and the overall content of your email play a significant role. Gmail's algorithms are constantly evaluating these signals. A link to a .zip file from a reputable sender and a well-known hosting service might pass through, while the same file from a new or suspicious sender (or domain) could be flagged or have its href removed entirely.
Gmail's strict filtering
High risk files: Gmail often treats archive files, such as .zip, .rar, or .gz, as potentially dangerous because they can conceal malicious executables or scripts. This is a common practice among email service providers.
Dynamic scanning: Unlike static attachments, links pointing to remote files are often scanned dynamically. If the linked content is deemed suspicious, the link itself may be neutralized.
The .zip file dilemma and link modification
When we talk about Gmail deleting the href tag, it’s a more aggressive action than simply routing the link through their own servers for click-time protection. This indicates that Gmail's internal scanning mechanisms found something highly problematic. This could be related to the content *within* the .zip file itself, even if it's hosted externally and not sent as a direct attachment.
For instance, if your .zip file contains executable files (.exe, .bat), scripts (.js, .vbs), or even certain document types with macros (.docm, .xlsm), Gmail might flag it. Even if these files are legitimate and intended for a specific purpose, their presence within a compressed archive raises a red flag due to the common use of such files in malware distribution. Gmail's filtering is designed to be proactive, often blocking potentially harmful content before it can be downloaded and opened.
Another factor could be the domain hosting the .zip file. If the file is hosted on a shared content domain, a generic file-sharing service, or a domain that has been associated with suspicious activities in the past, Gmail might treat all links from it with increased scrutiny. This is particularly true if the domain allows users to upload content, as malicious actors often exploit such platforms to host their payloads. For example, if you're linking to a file hosted on a subdomain of Shopify or a similar platform that hosts customer content, it might face higher suspicion than a file hosted on your own dedicated server with a strong reputation.
Unlike simple link rewriting, which you might see in other scenarios, the removal of the href tag on a .zip download link is a clear signal that Gmail's security systems have identified a significant potential threat. This action is taken to completely disable the link, preventing any accidental clicks or downloads that could compromise user security. It’s an indicator that your email, its content, or the linked file's origin might be triggering advanced security filters.
Original link examplehtml
<a href="https://downloads.example.com/data_export.zip">Download your data here</a>
Domain reputation, content, and hosting considerations
One of the primary drivers behind link modification or deletion is your sender reputation. If your sending domain or IP address has a low reputation, perhaps due to past spam complaints, being on an email blacklist (or blocklist), or a history of sending suspicious content, Gmail is more likely to apply stricter filtering. This includes aggressive link handling. Keeping a clean sender reputation is paramount for deliverability.
The actual contents of the .zip file matter significantly. If the archive contains files commonly associated with malware or exploits, such as executables (.exe, .bat, .dll), scripts (.js, .vbs), or even certain types of macro-enabled documents, Gmail's scanners may proactively strip the link. Even if these files are benign in your context, their inherent risk profile triggers heightened security alerts. Ensure that your .zip files only contain safe, expected file types.
The domain hosting the .zip file is another critical factor. As seen in the Slack discussion, if you're hosting files on a generic or shared platform where customers can upload content (e.g., a Google Drive link, or a subdomain of a platform like Dropbox), these domains can sometimes be viewed with more suspicion by Gmail. This is because shared hosting environments are frequently abused by spammers and malicious actors to distribute harmful content. Using your own trusted domain for file hosting, if possible, can significantly improve deliverability and link integrity.
Furthermore, the overall context of the email, including subject line, body content, and email authentication (like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC), contributes to Gmail's filtering decisions. If your email is already exhibiting other spammy characteristics, such as triggering suspicious warnings or failing authentication checks, a .zip download link might be the final trigger for a complete href deletion, moving beyond mere link rewriting.
Problem indicators
Poor sender reputation: Your domain or IP is on an email blocklist or has a history of spam complaints.
Suspicious file contents: The .zip file contains executables, scripts, or other high-risk file types.
Shared or untrusted hosting: The linked file is hosted on a domain known for abuse or generic user content.
Review .zip contents: Ensure the archive only contains safe file types. Consider alternative formats for sensitive content.
Use a trusted hosting domain: Host files on your own well-reputed domain or a recognized, secure content delivery network (CDN).
Diagnosing and preventing href deletion
Diagnosing why Gmail specifically deleted an href tag can involve a few steps. First, try sending the exact same email with the same .zip link to other email providers (Yahoo, Outlook) and to different Gmail accounts (personal vs. Google Workspace accounts). This can help determine if the issue is specific to certain Gmail configurations or a broader problem with the link itself. If other providers deliver it fine, the issue is likely rooted in Gmail’s specific filtering for your sender or the linked content.
Next, consider the content of your .zip file. As mentioned, certain file types within the archive can trigger security flags. Try creating a simple .zip file with a harmless text document inside and linking to that. If this simpler .zip link passes through, it strongly suggests that the issue lies with the contents of your original archive. If you must send files that are considered high-risk by email providers, consider alternative methods like secure file transfer services or cloud storage, and then share a link to that service instead of directly to the file.
Finally, review your email authentication. Ensure your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured and aligned. A strong authentication posture reassures Gmail that your emails are legitimate and from a verified source, which can positively impact how your links are treated. Consistent authentication failures can lead to stricter filtering, including potential link manipulation or deletion. Regularly monitoring your deliverability and spam rates can provide early warnings of reputation issues.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always maintain a strong sender reputation by following email best practices and avoiding spam complaints.
Utilize email authentication protocols, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, to verify your sending identity.
Host critical files on your own trusted domain or a reputable, dedicated CDN rather than shared services.
Regularly audit the contents of your .zip files, ensuring they only contain safe, expected file types.
Common pitfalls
Sending .zip files containing executable files or scripts, even if for legitimate purposes.
Using generic or shared file-hosting domains that may have a history of abuse.
Neglecting to monitor your sender reputation or email authentication reports.
Not testing how your links render across different email clients and providers before large sends.
Expert tips
If sensitive file types must be sent, consider password-protecting the .zip file and communicating the password through a separate, secure channel.
For large data exports or risky files, instead of direct links, link to a secure download portal or a cloud storage service with additional authentication.
Review your email template for any other elements that might trigger spam filters, such as suspicious phrasing or excessive links.
Keep your email lists clean by regularly removing inactive or invalid addresses to prevent hitting spam traps and maintain high engagement rates.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says that while Google Workspace often blocks remotely hosted archive files, they successfully sent a link to a zip file hosted remotely on their website from a Google Workspace account to a regular Gmail account without issues.
2022-02-24 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says that they are able to receive DMARC reports, which are attachments, to their Gmail Workspace account without any issues, suggesting that Gmail scans the content and may remove links if something suspicious is found within the linked file.
2022-02-24 - Email Geeks
Key takeaways for reliable file sharing
The deletion of an href tag on .zip download links in Gmail is a strong indicator of perceived security risk, not merely a formatting error. It points to a combination of factors, including the reputation of your sending domain, the contents of the .zip file itself, and the trustworthiness of the hosting domain. By prioritizing your sender reputation, carefully managing the content within your archives, and ensuring robust email authentication, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering this issue and improve your overall deliverability.
Gmail seems to have deleted the href tag on your .zip download links. While Gmail is known for rewriting links as a security measure, a complete deletion of the href attribute is a more severe action than simple redirection or tracking, indicating a strong suspicion on the part of the email service provider.
Shopify or a similar platform that hosts customer content, it might face higher suspicion than a file hosted on your own dedicated server with a strong reputation.
Google Drive link, or a subdomain of a platform like 
Dropbox), these domains can sometimes be viewed with more suspicion by Gmail. This is because shared hosting environments are frequently abused by spammers and malicious actors to distribute harmful content. Using your own trusted domain for file hosting, if possible, can significantly improve deliverability and link integrity.
Outlook) and to different Gmail accounts (personal vs. Google Workspace accounts). This can help determine if the issue is specific to certain Gmail configurations or a broader problem with the link itself. If other providers deliver it fine, the issue is likely rooted in Gmail’s specific filtering for your sender or the linked content.
