Gmail – Can’t search drive files within Gmail anymore

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I've noticed my queries using the search bar in Gmail don't return files in my Google Drive anymore. The files used to appear as a suggestion below the bar while I was typing. Is there a way to turn that feature on again?

I found some questions regarding this around 2016, when apparently Google started to demand the activation of a Gmail lab for this to work (Labs are defunct now). I have the impression this feature stopped working for me way after 2016 though.

Best Answer

A Google representative confirmed this feature was discontinued in late 2020:

That bar is only an email search bar now. It no longer does web searches, nor finds Contacts, Drive files, nor anything else. -tony_b (Platinum Product Expert)

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