Looking to share big files in emails via Apple’s Mail Drop on iCloud and wondering just how big the files can be? Find here the limits for Mail Drop: maximum file size, available storage space and download limit.
First, the Hottest and the Heatiest
A flame is hottest, everyone knows, along the outside on its (often blue) bottom. There’s a picture or graphic, after all, in much any textbook with temperatures typed in.
Then, of course, lighting anything is easiest with (just below) the tip of the flame. We’ve all learned that from experience. Have we not?
We have, and the textbooks are correct, too. For while the hottest points are where the graphics show them, it appears most of the heat gathers in the (larger) area at the top.
Now, with the hottest out of the way and the heatiest, too, how about the largest or the siziest?
This Is the Mail Drop File Size Limit
Mail Drop lets you send messages up to 5 GB in size.
The limit applies to the size of the entire email—message text, header, and Mail Drop attachments.
You can send
- one file of 4.99 GB in an empty message, for example,
- or three files of 1.6 GB
assuming the overall Mail Drop limit is not reached.
Overall Mail Drop Storage Limit
iCloud.com also applies an overall storage limit for files shared through Mail Drop.
At any one time, no more than 1 TB per account can be available on iCloud. Each file sent through Mail Drop occupies storage space for 30 days.
This Is the Mail Drop Download Limit
Files sent using Mail Drop are available for 30 days.
Using the link included in the email, each recipient can
- download the file for 30 days starting with the day the email was sent
- as many times as desired.
Using Mail Drop:
How to Send Big Files with Mail Drop in iCloud Mail
How to Use Mail Drop with iPhone Email
Mail Drop Size and Time Limits: Overview
| Single file size limit | 5 GB |
| Overall email size limit | 5 GB |
| Per-account concurrent files | 1 TB |
| Download availability | 30 days |
This Is the Mail Drop File Size Limit: FAQ
Can I delete a file sent through Mail Drop from the iCloud server?
No.
Each file is deleted and space freed after 30 days on the server. You cannot delete the file, disable the download, or free the space manually before.
(The Mail Drop file size limit updated January 2024)