The Gmail attachment size limit is 25 MB per email. However, because Gmail encodes files before sending them, the maximum size of a single file you can actually attach is usually lower than 25 MB.
If you’ve ever tried to send a PDF, a video, or a presentation and hit Gmail’s “attachment too large” error, this is why. The limit applies to all Gmail accounts — including Google Workspace — and it can quickly become a problem when you need to share large documents.
The good news is that this restriction doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Gmail offers built-in alternatives that let you send large files just as easily, without changing email providers or installing extra software.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Gmail attachment size limit is, why it exists, and how to send files larger than 25 MB using simple, reliable methods that work for both one-off emails and regular file sharing.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is the Gmail attachment size limit?
- Why does Gmail limit attachment size?
- How to bypass the Gmail attachment size limit
Sounds good? Then let’s dive in.
- Maximum attachment size (send): 25 MB
- Maximum email size (receive): 50 MB
- Best workaround: Google Drive links
What is the Gmail attachment size limit?
The attachment size limit in Gmail is 25 MB per email. This limit applies to both free Gmail accounts and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite).
It doesn’t matter how many files you add. As long as the total size of your attachments stays under the 25 MB restriction set by Gmail.
For example, you could attach:
- One 25 MB file
- Two 12.5 MB files
- Ten 2.5 MB files and so on
That’s the theory.
Because Gmail encodes attachments before sending them, the usable file size is often significantly lower than 25 MB — especially for PDFs, images, and videos.
If you take a quick look at other email service providers, you’ll see that they all have similar restrictions.
| Email service | Max attachment size |
|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB |
| Outlook | 20 MB |
| Yahoo Mail | 25 MB |
| AOL Mail | 25 MB |
| Proton Mail | 25 MB |
| Hotmail | 10 MB |
But why is there a maximum attachment size to begin with?
Why does Gmail limit attachment size?
Gmail limits attachment size mainly for performance, security, and storage reasons.
Large email attachments slow down message delivery and put unnecessary strain on email servers. By capping attachments at 25 MB, Gmail ensures emails are sent and received quickly, even on slower connections.
There’s also a security factor. Large files are harder to scan efficiently and are more likely to contain malicious content. Limiting attachment size helps Gmail detect threats more reliably before emails reach users’ inboxes.
Finally, email was never designed to act as a file-storage system. Allowing unlimited attachments would significantly increase storage costs and reduce inbox reliability. That’s why Gmail encourages users to share large files through Google Drive.
How to bypass the Gmail attachment size limit (3 proven methods)
Does that mean you can’t send large emails from your Gmail inbox? Not quite. We’ve found (at least) 3 proven ways to get around the Gmail attachment size limit.
Option 1: Send large files with Google Drive
For most users, Google Drive is the fastest, safest, and most reliable way to send large files through Gmail — especially when sharing documents, videos, or folders larger than 25 MB. Instead of attaching files directly, Google Drive hosts them securely online and inserts a shareable link into your email.
Step 1: Open your Google Drive.
Step 2: Click on New.
Step 3: Select File upload.
Step 4: Choose one or several files. And upload them.
Step 5: Next, go to your Gmail account. Click on Compose. And write your email.
Step 6: To add a large attachment, click on the Google Drive icon (at the bottom of your message).
Step 7: Select your files. Or use the search bar to locate them.
Step 8: Choose Insert as a Drive link. And click on Insert.
Step 9: Google will add a link to the file in your email. You can now press Send.
In some cases, Google will ask you to authorize your recipient to access the file. You can choose to grant them access as:
- Viewer (they can view the file)
- Commenter (they can view and comment the file)
- Editor (they can view, comment and edit the file)
Select a role. And press send again.
That’s it. You’ve just sent an email with an attachment larger than 25 MB using Google Drive, the cloud storage service associated with your Gmail account.
Option 2: Compress your files
You can’t increase the attachment size limit in Gmail. But you can reduce the size of your files. To do that, you’ll need to compress them into a zip folder. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open your file explorer.
Step 2: Find the files you want to send and select them.
Step 3: Right-click on your documents. From there select Send to and then Compressed folder (on Windows) or Compress (on Mac).
This will significantly decrease the size of your files.
Step 4: Compose a new email in Gmail. And click on Attach files (the small paperclip icon below your message).
Step 5: Find your zipped file. And click Open to attach them to your email.
Step 6: Press Send.
And voilà. Your recipients will receive a compressed version of your files. They can easily unzip those files to return them to their original size.
Option 3: Use a file-sharing service
Email is not always the best way to send large files. But you have other options. Over the last few years, a lot of free tools have popped up across the internet. And some of them are specifically designed to share heavy files.
You can use large file-sending services such as WeTransfer, Dropbox or TransferNow to bypass the Gmail attachment size limit and send a video, a PowerPoint presentation or a PDF attachment to your family or colleagues. All that in a few clicks.
To do that, simply upload your file on one of these platforms. And click send. Your recipient will receive a link. All they need to do is to click on that link. And they can then download and retrieve your file. Easy, right?
But this solution is not perfect. Some of these tools have size limits of their own. For example, WeTransfer comes with a 2 GB size limitation. Which may still not be enough if you want to send multiple large files.
Additionally, some of these platforms are less secure than others. This might be a problem. Especially if you’re sending sensitive information. To protect your data, you may want to encrypt your files.
Conclusion
Gmail’s attachment size limit can be frustrating — but it doesn’t have to block your workflow. Whether you use Google Drive, compress your files, or rely on a file-sharing service, there are simple ways to send files larger than 25 MB.
And if you regularly send mass emails with attachments, tools like Mailmeteor let you send personalized emails with files at scale — directly from Gmail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I attach a file in Gmail?
To attach a file in Gmail, click Compose, select the paperclip icon, choose your file, and send your email. Gmail allows attachments up to 25 MB per email — larger files must be shared using Google Drive or another file-sharing method.
What is the maximum limit for sending attachments by email?
The max size for sending attachments in Gmail is 25 MB per email. And you can receive emails of up to 50 MB.
How do I increase my attachment limit?
Short answer: you can’t. Google won’t let you increase your attachment limit in Gmail. Even on a business account. However, you can easily bypass that limit. The best way to do that is to use Google Drive.
How can I send large files through Gmail without Google Drive?
Don’t want to use Google Drive? You have 3 options to send large files without using Google’s cloud storage solution. You can compress your files, divide them into smaller bits or use another platform to share large documents.
How to mail merge with attachments?
Mailmeteor is a Gmail add-on that lets you send personalized emails at scale, directly from your inbox. It also supports file attachments, making it easy to include documents in your mail merge campaigns. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to mail merge with attachments using Mailmeteor.
Why is Gmail’s attachment limit only 25 MB?
Large attachments slow down email delivery, increase storage costs, and raise security risks. That’s why most email providers cap attachment sizes and encourage cloud sharing instead.
Can I receive attachments larger than 25 MB in Gmail?
Yes. Gmail lets you receive emails up to 50 MB. If the attachment exceeds 25 MB, Gmail automatically converts it into a Google Drive link.
How can I free up space in Gmail?
Large attachments are one of the main reasons Gmail storage fills up quickly. If you’re running out of space, follow our step-by-step guide on how to optimize Gmail storage by identifying large emails, cleaning up attachments, and reclaiming space safely.
