How to Send Large Files by Email for Free

January 20, 20265 min read

We've all been there. You've just finished working on an important presentation, a high-resolution video, or a collection of photos, and you need to email it to a colleague or client. You attach the file, click send, and then... an error message appears telling you the file is too large to send.

Why Do Email Attachments Fail?

The frustrating reality is that most email providers impose strict limits on attachment sizes. These limits exist because email was never designed to transfer large files — it was created decades ago when files were measured in kilobytes, not gigabytes.

Here are the attachment limits for the most popular email services:

Email ProviderAttachment Limit
Gmail25 MB
Microsoft 365 / Outlook20–25 MB
Yahoo Mail25 MB
Apple iCloud Mail20 MB
Even if your email provider allows 25 MB attachments, the recipient's email server may have lower limits, causing your message to bounce back.

Common Workarounds (and Why They Fall Short)

Many people try these approaches when hitting attachment limits:

  • Compressing files into ZIP archives: This might reduce file size by 10–20%, but it's rarely enough for videos, photos, or already-compressed formats.
  • Splitting files into multiple emails: Time-consuming, confusing for recipients, and error-prone.
  • Reducing image or video quality: Defeats the purpose if you need to share high-quality content.
  • Using consumer file sharing services: Often require recipients to create accounts, bombard them with ads, or lack adequate security for sensitive files.

The Solution: Send Large Files for Free with Secure File Exchange

There's a better way. With Secure File Exchange, you can send files of any size — completely free. Here's how it works:

1
Create a Free Account

Sign up in seconds with just your email address. No credit card required.

2
Upload Your Files

Drag and drop files of any size. They're encrypted automatically.

3
Share the Link

We send a secure link to your recipient. They can download instantly.

Why Choose Secure File Exchange?

No File Size Limits

Send files of any size — 100 MB, 1 GB, 10 GB, or more. No restrictions.

Bank-Level Security

Files are encrypted in transit and at rest using AES-256 encryption.

No Account Needed for Recipients

Recipients simply click a link to download. No sign-up required.

Download Notifications

Get notified when your recipient downloads the file.

Get Started Today — It's Free!

Stop struggling with email attachment limits. Create your free Secure File Exchange account today and start sending large files instantly. Whether you're sharing business documents, creative projects, or personal memories, we make it simple, secure, and free.

Create Your Free Account

No credit card requiredFree forever plan available


Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our free plan lets you send files with no size limits. We also offer premium plans with additional features like team collaboration and advanced security options.

Free accounts include 30 days of storage. Premium accounts offer longer retention periods and additional storage space.

Absolutely. All files are encrypted using AES-256 encryption, both in transit and at rest. We store your files across three separate data centres for maximum reliability and security.

No! Recipients receive a secure link via email and can download files instantly without creating an account or signing in.

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