Trying to figure out how to send a large file to someone else? Gmail and Yahoo have a 25MB limit, but dont worry; there are other ways to transfer a big file.
Have you ever tried to email a file to someone, only for your mail service to tell you that it’s too big? It is a frustrating but common problem. Most email services restrict the size of file attachments. For example, Gmail and Yahoo limit the size of attached files to 25MB, so that 100MB video isnt going through.
The good news is that email is not your only choice. Many file storage services and standalone file-transfer websites can take on the job. Here are several ways to send large files over the internet.
One easy solution is to upload the file to a cloud storage service, which the other person can then access and use to download whatever you couldnt send over email. Many of these services offer free tiers with enough storage space to solve your issue:
However, these services also have upload limits, which can get in the way of your plans. Check to see if your file can be accommodated on any of these services, otherwise you may need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Need to send a large file online but running into size limits or slow upload speeds? Sending large files can be frustrating when your email provider restricts attachments to just a few megabytes. Moving hefty files like videos, photos, CAD files or other large documents across the web requires some clever tricks to get around constraints.
The good news is you have several great options for sending large files safely, quickly and easily online. Let’s explore some of the top methods for transferring big files through the magic of the internet.
Upload Files to Cloud Storage
One convenient way to share large files is using cloud storage services. Popular platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive provide free storage space to upload your files. You can then share a download link that lets recipients access the file from the cloud.
Most cloud services do have caps on maximum individual file size But for most large files under 2GB, cloud storage works great Benefits include
- Access shared files from any device
- Built-in file previews (docs, media, etc.)
- Password protect file links
- See who viewed or downloaded the file
- Syncs updated versions automatically
With intuitive interfaces and apps, cloud storage is one of the simplest ways to send big files today.
Use WeTransfer for Free Large File Sharing
If you just need to send a few one-off files, check out WeTransfer. This handy service lets you upload and share files up to 2GB completely free.
WeTransfer has a simple drag-and-drop interface and sends files via one-time links. Your files are auto-deleted from their servers after 7 days, so it’s great for quick sharing.
While WeTransfer lacks collaboration features, the ease of sending big files with no logins required is the big appeal. You can even password protect transfers for an extra layer of security.
Leverage VPN to Boost File Transfer Speeds
Slow upload or download speeds got you down? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) gives your large file transfers a speed boost by encrypting and rerouting your network connection. This allows you to bypass slow default ISP routes.
Connecting to a nearby VPN server can significantly cut lag and ramp up your speeds. Leading VPN providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have thousands of high-speed servers worldwide.
VPN also enhances security and privacy while sending files. Your data remains encrypted and anonymous. VPN is a smart way to slash transfer times regardless of the method you use to send hefty files online.
Use FTP for Large File Uploads
The classic File Transfer Protocol (FTP) remains a viable option for efficiently sending larger files today. Most hosting providers offer FTP access to upload files to your web server. An FTP client handles the file transfer.
FTP is quick if you have the server space for recipients to download files from. But both parties need an FTP client, adding an extra step. Users also need login credentials for server access.
For an easier FTP option, services like Filemail allow sending files up to 5GB using a web interface. The sender uploads via FTP, and the recipient downloads via a secure link. An alternative like this simplifies sharing while harnessing FTP speed.
Transfer Files With Secure SFTP
For FTP-style transfers with bank-level encryption, check out Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). This is a more locked-down version of FTP that adds a strong layer of SSH encryption.
SFTP secures your login credentials and files for safe transfers. It can achieve faster speeds than standard FTP too. However, both sender and recipient must have an SFTP client installed locally to transfer files.
Some email clients like Outlook allow creating a secure SFTP connection within the app to directly sync large attachments. Overall, SFTP is a secure protocol that also provides reliable and quick large file transfers.
Use File Compression to Reduce Size
If you have flexibility around file sizes, you can shrink files using compression. This allows you to meet stricter size limits for email attachments and web uploads.
File compression tools like 7-Zip and WinRAR let you easily zip up single or multiple files. This bundles them into one compressed archive. The original files remain intact.
Common compressed formats like 7z, RAR and ZIP can achieve up to 70% compression on media files and documents. Just be sure recipients can open the archive format you choose.
File compression saves bandwidth and speeds transfers. The recipient then extracts the full-size original files on their end. This is a simple trick to effectively reduce transfer size when needed.
Send Big Files the Old School Way with USB Drives
External storage devices like USB flash drives and external hard drives provide another way to transfer large files. Simply copy the files directly and hand-deliver the drive.
USB 3.0 flash drives can store up to 1TB for under $100. Higher-capacity external hard drives offer sizes from 2TB to 16TB. This remains one of the most reliable ways to send enormous files.
The drawbacks are slower transfer speeds and physical delivery. But if you need to routinely send files too big to handle online, external media is a proven, economical option.
Choose Jumpshare for Sending Big Files to Groups
Finally, check out Jumpshare as a handy service for sending big files – especially to groups. You can upload files up to 100GB and share with up to five recipients.
Helpful features include:
- Files encrypted end-to-end
- Access controls and file expiration
- Real-time transfer monitoring
- Password protect shares
- View download receipts
With intuitive management and security controls, Jumpshare simplifies sending big files to teams. Users even get 2GB of free storage for file requests.
While email attachments stop short of a few megabytes, the services above show there are now plenty of excellent ways to send even huge files. Just choose the right method for your specific needs. With everything from FTP to external drives, you have options to transfer large files smoothly and securely.
Upload to a File Transfer Site
Instead of relying on email, you can instead turn to a third-party file transfer website. Upload the file you wish to send and enter your name and email address along with the name and address of your recipient. The site houses the file online and sends your recipient a download link.
How large can the file be? That depends on the service, and in some cases, what you are willing to pay.
The DropSend file transfer site lets you compose an email to your recipient and attach the file you want to send. Your recipient receives an email with a link to the file for viewing or downloading. DropSend offers multiple tiered pricing plans, though you can still sign up for free.
The free Lite plan allows you to share files as large as 4GB with up to five sends a month. If you need to send larger files, any paid plan will remove the upload limit. The Basic plan costs $5 a month and allows 25 sends per month and 10 GB of online storage. The Standard and Professional plans will add more sends, storage space, and other features.
With MyAirBridge, you can upload a file and email a link to a specific recipient or just upload the file and generate a link to share with anyone. You can send a file as large as 20GB for free. A basic $2.99-per-month plan covers files up to 50GB, the $10.99-per-month Pro plan handles files as hefty as 250GB, and the $65.99-per-month Enterprise plan allows files of an unlimited size.
Filemail is a quick and simple website. Fill out an email form with your address and its destination, compose your message, attach your file, and send your message. The recipient will then receive a link to the file so they can download it or view it online.
The free option allows files as large as 5GB, the $10-per-month Filemail Pro plan supports sizes as large as 25GB, and the $15-per-month Business plan handles unlimited file sizes.
The popular WeTransfer service lets you select the file you want to send from your computer, add the email addresses, and then compose your message. When ready, click the Transfer button to send your file to the recipient.
A free ad-supported WeTransfer account allows file sizes up to 2GB. You don’t need to create an account, but guests have to enter an emailed verification code for each transfer. For $11 per month, a WeTransfer Pro account allows files as large as 200GB as well as other benefits. And for $19 a month, a Premium account allows for unlimited file transfers.
Operated by Rakuten Symphony Korea based in Seoul, Send Anywhere is an ad-supported file transfer site that can send files as large as 10GB for free. You can upload a file, then secure it with a six-digit key or create an account to generate a shareable link or send an email.
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If you need to transfer even larger files, a Rakuten Drive Pro plan supports file sizes up to 50GB at a cost of $7.99 a month.
The Bitwarden password manager also offers a way to securely send large files over the internet with Bitwarden Send. You can share text with a free account. The ability to send files is included with a $10 annual subscription.
To share a file as large as 500MB, go to the Send page at Bitwarden’s site and click the Create a New Send button. Enter a name for the file you want to share, then attach the file. You can also set a deletion date, an expiration date, and a password before sharing.
Once you send the file, it will be uploaded to Bitwarden. You then send a link to the file to your recipients, and they download the file through that link.
Wormhole is a simple but effective site that helps you securely share files up to 10GB in size using end-to-end encryption and links that automatically expire. Just upload the file you want to share, and a link is generated. Share that link with your recipient, who can then download the file. The shared link conveniently expires after 24 hours.
SendBig lets you share files as large as 30GB for free. Just drag and drop the file or folder you want to send onto the email panel, add the address for the recipient, write a message, and then send the email.
By signing up for a free Pro account, you can password-protect your files, change their expiration date, receive an email when someone downloads a shared file, and set the maximum number of downloads per file.
Offering a different spin on the file sharing website, ToffeeShare is a free service that uses a peer-to-peer sharing method, which means your file isn’t stored online but is sent directly to the recipient. For this to work, you simply drag and drop or manually upload your file at the site—the size doesn’t matter.
A link to your file is generated, which you then share with the recipient. You just need to keep the page open while the other person downloads the file directly on their end. You can also opt to share your file just with nearby devices, similar to Apples AirDrop.
How to Send Large Files
How do I send large files?
Send large files via email or create a simple sharing link from any device (smartphone, tablet, computer) using just a web browser. Get a TransferNow account to transfer large files and other sizable documents! The files are available up to 365 days before being automatically and permanently erased from our servers. Track your sent files.
Can I send a large file via email?
While documents and media files can usually be sent to contacts by attaching them to an email, the email size limit imposed by many email services, usually around 25MB, can often make sending large files via email difficult and seemingly impossible. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions to this problem.
How do I send a large file through Yahoo?
If you try to send a large file through Yahoo, an alert prompts you to save the file to either Google Drive or Dropbox. Choose your preferred service and then manually upload the file to it. You can then return to your email, click File Attachment, and then choose Share Files From Google Drive or Share Files From Dropbox.
How do I upload and send large files online for free?
There are plenty of free online services that make uploading and sending large files both easy and incredibly quick. Jumpshare, for instance, lets you send up to 250 MB worth of files with a free account — simply upload a file or folder, and Jumpshare provides you with a link to share the files.
