How to Send a Large File by Email
Send a large file, such as a video or photo album, that is too big for a regular email attachment.
Steps
- 1
Check your file size.
Gmail allows attachments up to 25 megabytes. Larger files need a different method.
- 2
Upload the file to Google Drive
by going to drive.google.com and clicking "New" then "File upload."
- 3
Wait for the upload to finish.
The time depends on your internet speed and file size.
- 4
Get a shareable link
by right clicking the file, selecting "Share," and changing the access to "Anyone with the link."
- 5
Paste the link into your email
and send it. The recipient clicks the link to download the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum file size for email attachments?Show
Most email providers allow up to 25 megabytes per attachment. The exact limit varies by provider.
Can I send a video by email?Show
Yes, but most videos are over 25 megabytes. Upload the video to Google Drive or YouTube and share the link instead.
Is Google Drive free?Show
Google Drive gives you 15 gigabytes of free storage. You can buy more space if you need it.
Does the recipient need a Google account to view my file?Show
Yes, if the file is shared through Google Drive. Set the sharing to "Anyone with the link" to let people without an account view it.
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Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated .