Sending large files should be simple, but email still makes it frustrating. A single 4K video, a project archive, or a folder of photos can blow past attachment limits instantly. If you are searching for how to send large files in 2026, the best answer is to stop relying on attachments and use tools built for big transfers.

This guide breaks down the real limits, the best options, and how to choose the right approach for your situation.

Why Email Fails for Large Files

Email providers still cap attachment sizes, and the limits are smaller than most people expect. In 2026, the typical ceiling sits in the 20-25 MB range.

Here are the most common limits people run into:

• Gmail: 25 MB per message; larger files get sent as Google Drive links
• Outlook.com: 25 MB attachments; OneDrive links can be used for larger files
• iCloud Mail: 20 MB per message; Mail Drop can send files up to 5 GB

This is why attachments fail even when they look small. Email also adds encoding overhead, which inflates the size of files as they travel through servers. A 20 MB video can easily push the total message size above the limit.

The Best Ways to Send Large Files in 2026

If your file is larger than a typical email limit, use one of these approaches instead.

1. Cloud Storage Links

Cloud storage works well when you want the recipient to keep access to a file long-term. Upload the file, generate a share link, and send it by email or message. This works across devices and operating systems.

Common choices:

• Google Drive (works seamlessly with Gmail)
• OneDrive (integrates with Outlook)
• iCloud Drive (good for Apple users)

This method is ideal for ongoing collaboration or when the recipient may need access again later.

2. Transfer Services for One-Off Sends

Transfer services are designed for quick, temporary file delivery without collaboration. They are perfect for sending one large video or a batch of files quickly.

Popular options:

• WeTransfer Free: Up to 3 GB total across 10 transfers per 30 days
• Dropbox Transfer: Limits vary by plan, from 2 GB on free plans up to 100 GB on most paid tiers

Transfers usually expire after a set number of days, so they are best for time-sensitive deliveries.

3. Direct-Link Apps for Fast Sharing

If you regularly send large files from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, a direct-link app is often the most frictionless option. These apps let you upload a file directly from your device and instantly generate a download link anyone can open in a browser.

Stash is built for this exact workflow. You pick a file from the iOS share sheet, upload it, and get a link that works on Android, Windows, or any device. Recipients do not need an account, and you are not constrained by small email limits. It is the closest experience to AirDrop that also works everywhere.

4. Compress or Split Files When Necessary

If you must use email, you can sometimes get under the limit by compressing files into a zip archive, lowering video resolution, or splitting a folder into smaller parts. This is a workaround, not a long-term solution, but it can help in a pinch.

How to Choose the Right Method

The right tool depends on what you are sending and how the recipient will use it:

• Need collaboration or recurring access: Use a cloud storage link
• Need a fast one-time send: Use a transfer service
• Need the simplest cross-platform experience: Use a direct-link app like Stash
• Need to stay inside email: Compress or split the files

A Simpler Way to Share Large Files

Email was never built for multi-gigabyte transfers. Today, the best way to send large files is to upload once and share a link. That keeps quality intact, avoids failed sends, and makes the recipient experience easy.

If you frequently share large files from Apple devices, Stash gives you a fast, simple workflow: upload from the share sheet, get a clean link, and send it anywhere. It is a modern alternative to attachments and the fastest way to share large files without the usual friction.