In this article, we will take a step-by-step process of How to send large files on WhatsApp and how this can be done using cloud storage, compression tools to send a file, third party applications, and also best practices of sending a file so that quality of your file is not lost.
WhatsApp is the preferred messaging service for many billions around the globe. Even though everyone is familiar with its convenience, group chats, and voice and video calls, one of the most common downfalls of the service that users encounter involves sharing files that are too large.
By this year end, WhatsApp will enable you to share files of upto 2GB, which is a lot compared to the 100MB limit that was still there. But what happens in the event that you have a file that exceeds 2GB? Be it sending a long video, a zipped project folder, or a high resolution album of the photographs, you can hit the limit and run out of luck.
Quick Overview: WhatsApp File Size Limits (2025)
As of now, WhatsApp allows:
- Documents: Up to 2GB per file
- Videos and Photos (shared in gallery): Compressed versions only
- Original Quality Photos/Videos (as documents): Up to 2GB
If your file exceeds that limit, you’ll need a workaround—and we’ve got plenty.
Method 1: Compress the File Before Sending
Step 1: Use File Compression Software
You can compress files using such tools as:
- WinRAR – https://www.win-rar.com
- 7-Zip – https://www.7-zip.org
- Mac’s built-in zip function
Right-click on the large file or folder and choose:
“Compress or Add to archive on archive → Pick the level of compression → Save zip or rar file.”
Step 2: Check If It’s Under 2GB
Now send it as a document attachment in WhatsApp in case the compressed file is less than 2GB.
Step 3: Open WhatsApp → Attach → Document → Choose File → Send
The quality of the image/video is not lost in compressed folders and also compresses the weight of files. Albums or project folder is great with this.
Pros:
- Third-party app was not required
- Sends files simultaneously
- Maintains quality of files
Cons:
- Might not shrink it down to the point of large files
- Makes recipient unzip
Method 2: Use Cloud Storage Links
If your file is also bigger than 2GB, you can also upload it to a cloud storage that will allow you to share the file (through a download link) on WhatsApp.
Step 1: You Can Also Upload Your File to a Cloud Platform
Here are top choices:
- Google Drive – https://drive.google.com
- Dropbox – https://www.dropbox.com
- OneDrive – https://onedrive.live.com
- WeTransfer – https://wetransfer.com
- pCloud – https://www.pcloud.com
Step 2: Get a Shareable Link
After uploading:
- Right-click the file → Choose “Get link”
- Set permissions: Anyone with the link can view/download
- Copy the link
Step 3: Paste the Link in WhatsApp Chat
Open WhatsApp → Paste the link in the chat box → Hit Send
The recipient can have the option of clicking the link and downloading the file in the cloud irrespective of the size of the file.
Pros:
- No size restrictions on files
- Video, PDFs and zipped folders are a breeze to do
- Keeps the details in full resolution
Cons:
- Needs internet and log in
- Certain sites also automatically remove files after a specified duration (e.g., 7 days in the case of WeTransfer)
Method 3: First, You Need To Split Large Files into Minimal Parts
If the files are more than 2GigaBytes, file splitter may also be used to divide them into small parts.
Step 1: You May Rely on a File Splitter
Here are some of the recommended tools:
- HJSplit – https://www.hjsplit.org
- GSplit – https://www.gdgsoft.com/gsplit
- RAR with multi-part volumes in WinRAR
Divide your large file into either 1GB or smaller (WhatsApp limitation is 2GB but leave margin).
Step 2: Send Each Part Separately on WhatsApp
- Open chat then Tap “Attach” then go to Document
- Choose the first part and send
- Repeat with all parts
The recipient downloads each part and uses the same tool (like HJSplit) to merge them.
Pros:
- Great for large videos or game files
- No quality loss
- WhatsApp-friendly
Cons:
- More manual work
- Recipient must rejoin parts
Method 4: Use WhatsApp Web for Desktop Sharing
Documents can be sent easily since large files are shared using WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop whose interface is easy to use.
Step-by-Step:
- Open https://web.whatsapp.com
- Scan the QR code with your mobile
- In a chat, click the paperclip (📎) icon
- Choose “Document”
- Browse and select your file
- Click Open → Then Send
Since large documents may transfer much easier because your desktop computer may have an increased processing in addition to storage volumes.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Large File Tools (With WhatsApp Integration)
There are also applications that are designed to fill the gap between the large file sharing and instant messengers such as the WhatsApp.
Recommended Tools:
- Smash – https://fromsmash.com
Upload any size of files at no cost. Obtain a linkage. WhatsApp Share.
- Filemail – https://www.filemail.com
Pay free up to 5GB. Provides links and direct mails.
- Terashare – https://www.terashare.net
Link-creation with peer to peer file sharing.
- MediaFire- https://www.mediafire.com
Sharing and upload using mobile through fast link creation.
These services will store the big file and will provide you with a link that can be shared on WhatsApp immediately.
Method 6: Use WhatsApp’s “Send as Document” for High-Quality Media
Normally when you send a photo or video on WhatsApp, it’s compressed heavily. If your priority is quality, not file size, use the “Send as Document” trick.
Step-by-Step:
- Rename your photo or video extension (e.g., .jpg to .pdf) or zip the file
- On WhatsApp, go to the chat → Tap Attach (📎) → Document
- Browse and select the file
- Send it
This avoids WhatsApp’s compression algorithm. The receiver can unzip the file to view it in full quality.
Pros:
- The quality is Full HD
- Easy workaround
- Works for audio and video files too
Cons:
- Only works under 2GB
- Slightly technical knowlege is needed for renaming or zipping
Best Practices For Sending Large Files on WhatsApp
Here are some pointers to ensure the process goes more smoothly and you do not have to deal with broken downloads and misunderstanding:
- Before sending a large file, always inform the recipient
- Make your file names be simple and identifiable
- When making use of cloud services, permissions need to be verified (link needs to be made public or accessible)
- Where the information handled is sensitive, use zipping software, which is encrypted
- To compress video files, you should use HandBrake or VLC & decrease size with slight loss of quality
- Free cloud services such as those that leave links expired quickly should be avoided in case you require them in the long run
What WhatsApp Might Improve in Future
WhatsApp has been developing continuously. In newer releases, the leg jump has been enormous, 100MB to 2GB. The next updates will probably concentrate on:
- Cloud storage integration into the Meta services
- Expiry windows in files LongerCash window In files
- Options of built-in compression prior to sending
- Downloadable content link previews
Anyway, until that time, the most time-saving technique to send big files is with such tools as Google Drive, File Splitters, or WeTransfer.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp might have its restrictions, but there is no difficulty in finding a workaround with minimal creativity and the best app to bypass the limitations and transmit big files, be it a movie, project zip, or a high-resolution photo album.
Whether it is as simple as using cloud links or as complex as compressing and dividing files, this guide has provided you with various options to continue being productive and efficient on the most common messaging app anywhere.
And the next time someone tells you, they can not send it with WhatsApp, you can know what to tell them and teach them how to send large files on WhatsApp.
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