Send Large Files Securely (Links That Don’t Expire Fast)
Email attachments cap out fast. Use cloud links with expiration and optional passwords, or compress and split big files. Here’s the quick decision guide and step-by-step for each method.
Quick decision: which method should you use?
| Goal | Best method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Share 1–20 GB with a few people | Cloud link (Drive/OneDrive/iCloud/Dropbox) | Fast, resumable uploads; expiration + access control |
| Sensitive docs | Password-protected ZIP + link | Encrypt before upload; share password separately |
| One-off huge file to non-tech recipient | Transfer service (Dropbox Transfer, WeTransfer, Filemail) | Simple, no account for recipient |
| Teams, ongoing | Shared folder with permissions | Versioning, revoke access later |
Avoid sending giant attachments by email—many providers limit to ~20–25 MB and will silently fail.
Method A — Cloud link (most reliable)
Google Drive / OneDrive / iCloud / Dropbox
- Upload files or a .zip folder.
- Right-click → Share → choose Specific people when possible.
- Set Viewer only, disable editing/comments, and add an expiration if available.
- Optional: create a second link that allows download only for trusted contacts.
For very sensitive content, encrypt before uploading (see Method C).
iPhone/Android quick share
- Files/Drive app → long-press item → Share.
- Switch to “Restricted/Specific” access; add recipients by email.
- Tap options to set link expiration or view-only.
Method B — One-time transfer links
- Create a transfer, set expiry date, download limit, and optionally a password.
- Send the link; you’ll get delivery and download notifications.
- Good for clients who don’t use your cloud platform.
Method C — Encrypt first (password ZIP)
Windows/macOS (built-in or 7-Zip/Keka)
- Select files → Add to archive (7-Zip/Keka) → choose Zip or 7z.
- Set Password and Encryption: AES-256.
- Share the password via a different channel (SMS/phone).
Split very large archives
- In 7-Zip/Keka, set Split to volumes (e.g., 2 GB parts).
- Upload parts; recipient reassembles by extracting the first part.
Troubleshooting & tips
- Uploads stall: use the desktop sync app; it resumes better than browser uploads.
- Recipient can’t open: send as .zip; avoid proprietary archives if they don’t have 7-Zip/Keka.
- Corporate firewalls: share via a platform the recipient’s company approves (often OneDrive/SharePoint).
- Revoking access: remove specific users or disable the link after download.
