How to Email a Zip File
Zip files are perfect for email—they bundle multiple files into one attachment and reduce file size. Here's how to send them, plus what to do when they're too large.
Email Attachment Size Limits
| Email Service | Max Attachment Size | Large File Option |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB | Google Drive link (up to 15 GB) |
| Outlook.com | 20 MB | OneDrive link (up to 2 GB) |
| Yahoo Mail | 25 MB | None (reduce file size) |
| Apple iCloud Mail | 20 MB | Mail Drop (up to 5 GB) |
| ProtonMail | 25 MB | None (reduce file size) |
Note: These limits are per email, not per file. If you attach multiple files, their combined size must be under the limit. This is why zipping multiple files is so useful.
Sending a Zip File via Gmail
Compose a new email
Open Gmail and click Compose.
Click the attachment icon
Click the paperclip icon at the bottom of the compose window.
Select your zip file
Navigate to your zip file, select it, and click Open. The file will upload.
Send your email
Add recipients, subject, and message, then click Send.
If the zip file is over 25 MB, Gmail will automatically offer to upload it to Google Drive and send a link instead.
Sending a Zip File via Outlook
Create a new email
Open Outlook and click New Email (desktop) or New Message (web).
Attach the zip file
Click Attach (paperclip icon), then Browse this computer. Select your zip file.
Check size and send
Outlook shows the file size next to the attachment. If it's under 20 MB, click Send. If it's larger, Outlook will offer to upload to OneDrive.
Sending a Zip File via Apple Mail
Compose and attach
Create a new email in Mail, then click the attachment button (paperclip) or drag the zip file directly into the message body.
Mail Drop for large files
If the attachment exceeds 20 MB, Apple Mail will ask if you want to use Mail Drop. Click Use Mail Drop to upload via iCloud (supports files up to 5 GB). The recipient gets a download link valid for 30 days.
Workarounds for Large Zip Files
If your zip file exceeds the email limit, try these approaches:
1. Use cloud storage links
Upload your zip file to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud, then share the link in your email. This works for files of any size.
2. Split the zip into smaller parts
Use 7-Zip to split the archive into parts small enough to attach. See our reduce zip size guide for commands.
3. Increase compression
Re-zip with maximum compression (zip -9) or switch to 7z format. See our compression tips.
4. Use a file transfer service
Services like WeTransfer, Send (by Mozilla), or Filemail let you send large files for free (usually up to 2 GB).
5. Remove unnecessary files
Review what's in your zip and remove anything the recipient doesn't need.
Why Is My Zip File Blocked?
Some email services block zip files that contain certain file types:
- Gmail blocks: Zip files containing
.exe,.bat,.cmd,.msi, and other executable files—even if nested inside another zip. - Outlook blocks: Similar restrictions on executable file types.
- Password-protected zips: Some services block these because they can't scan the contents for malware.
Workaround: Rename the file extension inside the zip (e.g., program.exe to program.ex_) and tell the recipient to rename it back. Or use a cloud storage link instead.
Last updated: March 2026