Gmail is undoubtedly the best email platform with all the necessary features. However, there is a limitation for attachments. The maximum file size of attachments that users can send in one mail is 25MB. But there are alternatives users can follow to send files over 25MB in Gmail. It includes the use of Google Drive and Compression tools to send big files through Gmail.
Email is an important part of our lives and is used for work, school, invitations, and even for informal messaging. And using Gmail is the easiest among all mail platforms. It’s because almost everyone who uses a Phone or Computer has a Google account which is all they need to use Gmail.
Along with many advantages, the file size limit could be one big disadvantage that can make your day bad if you are trying to send an important file that weighs more than 25MB. Fortunately, some ways can help overcome this limitation.
Let’s start with the recommended and easy method.
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Use Google Drive to Send Files over 25MB through Gmail
Google Drive needs no introduction. You can use Google Drive to send big files over Gmail. And it’s quite easy. As you know you can host big files on Google Drive, we are going to use this feature to our benefit. In the process, we need to upload the file to Google Drive and then link it to the email. Here is the process in steps.
Upload File to Google Drive
Step 1: Open Google Drive on your PC or Phone.
Step 2: Now upload the file that you want to share in the mail. If you have a phone, tap on the + icon and then tap Upload. Choose the file and wait. And if you have a PC, click on New > File Upload or drag and drop the file.
You can upload the file in a folder or even outside the folder. You can also create a New Folder to keep your mail files in one place. To create a new folder you can click on New > New Folder on the browser or tap + followed by Folder in the Drive app.
Send Files on a Computer
Step 1: After uploading the file on Drive, open Gmail on your browser.
Step 2: Click on the Compose button and write your email matter.
Step 3: Now click on the small Drive icon.
Step 4: It will open your Drive, look for the file you uploaded. You can search the file by its name as well.
Step 5: After finding the file, select it, and tap the Insert button. Then send the mail to receiver.
Send Files on a Smartphone
Step 1: Open the Gmail app on your Smartphone.
Step 2: Tap on the Compose button.
Step 3: Now enter your mail matter.
Step 4: To insert the file you want to send, tap on the small pin icon at the top.
Step 5: Select ‘Insert from Drive’. Locate the file you want to send and then tap Select.
Step 6: Now you can send the mail with a file over 25MB.
Send Files over 25MB on Gmail using other Cloud Services
You can also use other Cloud Storage services to send big files on Gmail. Google Drive account has 15GB of free storage, so if your drive storage is already full and not planning to pay for more storage, then you can also make use of other Cloud drives like One Drive, Mega, Dropbox, or another service.
The process for using cloud services for sending larger attachments in Gmail is the same as mentioned in the Google Drive section. The only difference is after uploading the file to storage to your favorite cloud, you need to copy the shareable link and then paste the link into the new mail you want to send to the receiver.
The user on the receiver end will be able to download the file without installing any additional apps.
Use Compression Tools to Send Files larger than 25MB on Gmail
If your file happens to be slightly bigger than 25MB then you can use compression tools to compress the file to bring it under 25MB. Compressing Files on a PC is easier, but it is a bit of work on a Smartphone. It will not work if your file is a lot bigger than 25MB, and in that case, you need to follow the first method.
Compress a File on PC
Step 1: Locate the file that you want to send by mail.
Step 2: Right click on the file and then choose Compress to Zip File. Or you can click on Show more options > Send To > Compressed Folder.
Step 3: If you have 7 Zip installed, Right click on the file then choose Show more options > 7 Zip ZS > Add to archive.
Step 4: Wait for the file to be compressed. And once the file is compressed check its size. If it’s under 25MB, you can send it in mail.
Compress a File on an Android Phone
Step 1: Download and Install a file compressor from the Play Store. You can install RAR which is a popular tool.
Step 2: Open the tool/app on your phone.
Step 3: Now locate the file that you want to send and compress.
Step 4: Select the file and then tap the compress icon. The icon could be different by app or there could be a direct option to compress the file.
Step 5: Now wait for the compress process. And then you can attach the compressed file and send your mail.
Compress a File on an iPhone
If you have an iPhone, the process is going to be the same. Since RAR app is not available for iPhone, you will need to go for another trusted app. There are a couple of good compressor tools in the app store like Zip & RAR File Extractor, and Zip & Rar.
After downloading the file, you can follow a process similar to an Android phone.
There aren’t many options available if you are planning to send files bigger than 25MB on Gmail. The only sensible option I can recommend is using Google Drive or other Cloud storage.
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