Gmail Attachment Size Limit And How To Share Files That Bypass It

AceJanuary 22, 2024
using gmail to send large files via email

Gmail is a popular email service by Google. Since its launch in 2004, it has become one of the most frequently used email services around the world. 

Gmail’s easy-to-use interface makes it a great option for new email users, which explains its popularity. In fact, Gmail has a whopping 1.8 billion active worldwide users as of late 2021.

However, one of the features that could potentially hamper its widespread use is the restriction on email attachments that can be sent and received through it. The Gmail attachment size limit on the files that can be sent or received through its servers, can prove problematic when sharing large files.

This restriction may be a problem and impede the sharing of large files like spreadsheets, presentations, music tracks, and videos. Fortunately, there are methods that can bypass the limit.

In this blog post, we will take a look into how you can bypass this size limit to send large emails with large attachments through Gmail. Let’s dive in!

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Why Do Emails Have Size Limits?

There are mainly two reasons why Gmail has this restriction on file sizes.

The first reason is to ensure that files do not take too long to upload or download. Keeping in mind that it takes about 14 seconds for a 1 MB file to upload, sending large files through emails could end up taking a lot of time, which is why Gmail has this restriction.

Gmail also has this size limit because larger files can contain viruses or malware that could infect your computer if you download them. Keeping these risks in mind, Gmail restricts the sending and receiving of large files to ensure that its users are safe. However, there are ways around this size limit.

file size limits

Email Attachment Size of Top Email Providers

Top free email providers such as Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook and others have limits on the size of the file that can be sent or received via its servers. Let’s take a look at how various service providers stack against Gmail when it comes to file sizes.

Email Provider

File Attachment Size Limit (MB)

Outlook.com / Hotmail.com34
Gmail.com25
ProtonMail.com25
Yahoo.com25
AOL.com25
Mail.com30

As you can see from the list, there is a common size of 25 MB that almost all top email providers have imposed on attachments. This is because they have their servers configured to handle such large files and they want to keep things consistent.

However, Gmail has one of the lowest limits when it comes to email attachments. This is the reason why you may have problems sending large files through Gmail. But don’t lose heart, as there are ways to send large emails through Gmail.

bypass gmail attachment size limit

How to Bypass Gmail's File Size Limit

There are many different ways to send large emails through Gmail. You just need to know the right workaround. Let’s take a look at some of the methods that you can use to send large files through Gmail.

compress and reduce file size

1. Compress Your Files

Compressing your files to bypass Gmail’s size limit is one of the easiest methods. You just need to compress your file into a ZIP or RAR format so that you can send it to your Gmail contact. When they receive the file, all they have to do is extract it before opening it. It really is as simple as that.

To zip your file, all you need to do is right-click on the file and select the option to “Send to” > “Compressed (zipped) folder.” It will take a few seconds for the file to get compressed and you can send it across to your Gmail contact. Once they receive it, all they need to do is right-click on the file and select the option to “Extract All.”

use file splitters

2. File Splitters

You can also use file splitters to bypass the size limit of Gmail. File splitters are applications that allow you to break up your files into smaller chunks and send them in separate emails. 

For example, you can split a 25 MB file into 5 parts of 5 MB each and send it in 5 separate emails. This ensures that the file reaches your intended recipient without any issues.

There are many different file splitters available online, but finding the one that works best for you is key. A few things to consider when choosing a file splitter are:

1. File formats supported

You need to make sure that the file splitter supports your file format. It should also be able to handle large files, such as videos and images.

 

2. Multiple emails

You should look for a file splitter that allows you to quickly separate and send your large files into multiple emails. This way, you won’t run into any issues when sending large files through Gmail.

 

3. Ease of use

The whole point of using a file splitter is to make the process quick and easy. So, you should look for a file splitter that makes it simple to separate your files into multiple emails. You can also look for a free file splitter that you can use without having to pay any fees.

cloud storage

3. Cloud Storage Options

Cloud storage options have quickly become the preferred choice of users looking to share large files. With cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox, you can upload your file and send a link to your recipient. They can then download the file from their respective cloud storage accounts.

 

OneDrive

OneDrive is one of the most popular cloud storage services out there. OneDrive lets you store, share, and sync your work or school files in one place. You may save your documents to OneDrive and access them from any device. You can share files in OneDrive with others, no matter where they are.

 

Google Drive

As one of Google’s most popular services, Google Drive enables you to store and share your files across all your devices. You can create, upload, and edit your files in the cloud and even collaborate with others to work on a single file. You can choose from Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms to create your file.

 

Dropbox

Dropbox lets you store and share your files, including photos. You can define who sees each file or folder and keep them private with a password. Dropbox can help you protect your content. You don’t have to worry about the size of the file when using these options, as they are designed to handle large files.

cloud computing

4. Cloud-Based File Transfer Service

If you want to share large files with your business associates, friends, or family members, using cloud-based file transfer services can be a great idea. These are services that provide you with a large amount of cloud storage space to share your files with other users all over the world.

Cloud-based file transfer services work just like cloud storage services. You can access them from any device and they are especially useful when you’re on the go. There are many different services available, so finding the one that best fits your requirements can be a bit challenging.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a cloud-based file transfer service:

1. File Size Limit

Make sure the file transfer service you choose supports all your files and doesn’t limit the size of your files. It’s also a good idea to test the file transfer service before using it on your files, as some of these services may cause problems.

 

2. File Format Support

You need to make sure that the file transfer service you choose supports all your file formats. It should also be able to handle large files, such as videos and images.

 

3. Channels Supported

You should make sure the file transfer service you choose supports the communication channels you use, such as email and social media.

 

4. Security and Privacy Features

You should look for a file transfer service that lets you send secure files, offers end-to-end encryption, and prevents third parties from intercepting your files.

 

5. Pricing

Before choosing a file transfer service, you should consider its pricing plans. You don’t have to pay for the file transfer service, but it’s important to look at its pricing structure.

 

Filemail file sharing app

Filemail

Filemail is one of the most viable options out there that lets you send large files to anyone through email easily and swiftly. Filemail is entirely free and allows you to send as many files as you want. 

 The free version of Filemail has a 5 GB limitation, but we also have paid options that allow you to send unlimited file size. They support every single format. Make sure you check out Filemail if you’re looking for a way to send large files without worrying about storage space.

Conclusion

Bypassing the Gmail attachment size limit can be a real pain when you’re trying to send someone a file that’s larger than that size. The good news is that you always have options, depending on what it is you’re trying to send.

If your files are too large for Gmail,  and other free email providers, then there are options like Filemail, OneDrive, and Google Drive, that can help you share those files.

Filemail lets you send large files easily and quickly through email, regardless of the format your file is in. We hope this article helped you learn how to bypass the Gmail file size limit and work around it whenever necessary. Thanks for reading!​

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