H1 How to Send Large Files on WhatsApp: A Comprehensive Guide
WhatsApp, the ubiquitous messaging app, has become an indispensable tool for personal and professional communication. While it excels at sending text messages, photos, and short videos, sharing large files can be a challenge. The platform has built-in limitations on file sizes to ensure smooth operation and efficient data usage. However, there are several workarounds that allow you to circumvent these restrictions and send large files on WhatsApp. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, providing detailed steps and instructions for each.
**Understanding WhatsApp’s File Size Limits**
Before delving into the workarounds, it’s essential to understand WhatsApp’s file size limitations. Currently, WhatsApp allows you to send media files (photos, videos, audio) up to 16 MB in size. For documents (PDFs, DOCs, spreadsheets), the limit is typically 100MB. These limits are in place to:
* **Conserve bandwidth:** Large files consume significant bandwidth, impacting both the sender’s and receiver’s data usage.
* **Maintain server performance:** Storing and transferring large files puts a strain on WhatsApp’s servers, potentially affecting the app’s overall performance.
* **Ensure a smooth user experience:** Transferring very large files can take a considerable amount of time, leading to a frustrating experience for users.
While these limitations are understandable, they can be inconvenient when you need to share large files such as high-resolution videos, lengthy documents, or software installers. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can employ to bypass these restrictions.
**Method 1: Using Cloud Storage Services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)**
The most reliable and widely used method for sharing large files on WhatsApp is through cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. These services provide ample storage space and allow you to generate shareable links that you can easily send via WhatsApp. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
**Google Drive**
1. **Upload the file to Google Drive:**
* Open the Google Drive app on your smartphone or go to drive.google.com on your computer.
* Click the “+” button (usually located in the bottom right corner) and select “Upload.”
* Browse your device’s storage and select the large file you want to share.
* Wait for the file to upload. The upload time will depend on the file size and your internet connection speed.
2. **Get a shareable link:**
* Once the file is uploaded, locate it in your Google Drive.
* Tap the three dots (ellipsis) next to the file name.
* Select “Share.” A window will appear, showing sharing options.
* Click on “Restricted” (or the current sharing setting). This will open the link sharing settings.
* Change the permission from “Restricted” to “Anyone with the link.” This ensures that anyone with the link can access the file without needing a Google account.
* Choose the appropriate permission level: “Viewer” allows recipients to view the file, while “Commenter” allows them to add comments, and “Editor” allows them to make changes to the file. Select “Viewer” for most sharing scenarios.
* Tap the copy link icon (usually a chain link symbol). This will copy the shareable link to your clipboard.
3. **Share the link on WhatsApp:**
* Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat with the person or group you want to share the file with.
* Paste the copied link into the chat box.
* Add a brief description of the file, if necessary.
* Send the message.
**Dropbox**
1. **Upload the file to Dropbox:**
* Open the Dropbox app on your smartphone or go to dropbox.com on your computer.
* Click the “Upload” button.
* Browse your device’s storage and select the large file you want to share.
* Wait for the file to upload.
2. **Get a shareable link:**
* Once the file is uploaded, locate it in your Dropbox.
* Hover over the file name (on desktop) or tap the three dots (ellipsis) next to the file name (on mobile).
* Select “Share.” A window will appear.
* Click “Create a link.” If a link already exists, it will say “Copy link.”
* (Optional) Customize the link settings by clicking on “Link settings.” You can set an expiration date for the link or require a password to access the file.
* Click “Copy link” to copy the shareable link to your clipboard.
3. **Share the link on WhatsApp:**
* Open WhatsApp and go to the desired chat.
* Paste the copied link into the chat box.
* Add a description if needed.
* Send the message.
**OneDrive**
1. **Upload the file to OneDrive:**
* Open the OneDrive app on your smartphone or go to onedrive.live.com on your computer.
* Click the “Upload” button.
* Browse your device’s storage and select the large file you want to share.
* Wait for the file to upload.
2. **Get a shareable link:**
* Once the file is uploaded, locate it in your OneDrive.
* Hover over the file name (on desktop) or tap the three dots (ellipsis) next to the file name (on mobile).
* Select “Share.”
* Choose the permission level: “Anyone with the link can view” is the most common setting.
* Click “Copy link.” The link will be copied to your clipboard.
3. **Share the link on WhatsApp:**
* Open WhatsApp and go to the desired chat.
* Paste the copied link into the chat box.
* Add a description if needed.
* Send the message.
**Advantages of Using Cloud Storage:**
* **Large file support:** Cloud storage services can handle files much larger than WhatsApp’s limits.
* **Easy sharing:** Generating and sharing links is straightforward.
* **Accessibility:** Recipients can access the file from any device with an internet connection.
* **Version control:** Some services, like Google Drive, offer version control, allowing you to track changes to the file.
* **Security:** Cloud storage services offer security features to protect your files.
**Disadvantages of Using Cloud Storage:**
* **Requires a cloud storage account:** Both the sender and receiver need a cloud storage account (although the receiver can often view the file without logging in).
* **Internet connection required:** Both the sender and receiver need a stable internet connection to upload and download the file.
* **Potential privacy concerns:** Storing files on a third-party server raises potential privacy concerns.
**Method 2: File Compression (Zipping)**
If your file is still too large after removing unnecessary elements, you can try compressing it using a file compression tool. Compressing a file reduces its size, making it easier to share on WhatsApp. This method is particularly useful for documents and archives.
**How to Compress a File:**
* **Windows:**
1. Locate the file or folder you want to compress.
2. Right-click on the file or folder.
3. Select “Send to” and then “Compressed (zipped) folder.”
4. Windows will create a new zipped folder containing the compressed file(s).
* **macOS:**
1. Locate the file or folder you want to compress.
2. Right-click (or Control-click) on the file or folder.
3. Select “Compress [file name]” or “Compress [folder name].”
4. macOS will create a new .zip archive containing the compressed file(s).
* **Android:**
1. Download a file compression app from the Google Play Store, such as “RAR” or “Zip File Manager.”
2. Open the app and navigate to the file or folder you want to compress.
3. Select the file or folder and choose the “Compress” or “Zip” option.
4. Specify a name for the compressed file and select the desired compression level.
5. The app will create a new .zip archive containing the compressed file(s).
* **iOS:**
1. The Files app in iOS 11 and later includes built-in zip/unzip functionality.
2. Open the Files app and navigate to the file or folder you want to compress.
3. Long-press on the file or folder.
4. Select “Compress.”
5. iOS will create a new .zip archive containing the compressed file(s).
Once you have compressed the file, check its size. If it’s now within WhatsApp’s file size limit (16 MB for media, 100 MB for documents), you can send it directly through WhatsApp. If it’s still too large, combine this method with the cloud storage method.
**Advantages of File Compression:**
* **Reduces file size:** Compressing files can significantly reduce their size, making them easier to share.
* **Preserves file integrity:** Compression algorithms ensure that the original file can be restored without loss of data.
* **Convenient for sending multiple files:** You can compress multiple files into a single archive, making it easier to send them as a single unit.
**Disadvantages of File Compression:**
* **Requires decompression:** The recipient needs to decompress the file before they can access its contents.
* **Compression may not be effective for all file types:** Some file types, such as already compressed files (e.g., JPEGs, MP3s), may not be significantly reduced in size through compression.
* **Compression and decompression can take time:** Compressing and decompressing large files can take a considerable amount of time.
**Method 3: Video Compression and Resolution Reduction**
If you are trying to share a large video file, you can reduce its size by compressing it or lowering its resolution. Many video editing apps and online tools can help you with this.
**Video Compression Apps and Tools:**
* **HandBrake (Desktop):** A free and open-source video transcoder that allows you to compress videos and convert them to different formats.
* **Video Compressor (Android):** A simple app that lets you compress videos by reducing their resolution, bitrate, or frame rate.
* **Compress Videos & Resize Video (iOS):** An app that allows you to compress videos and resize them for easy sharing.
* **Online Video Compressor (Online):** Many websites offer online video compression tools, such as Clideo, FreeConvert, and YouCompress. These tools allow you to upload a video and compress it without installing any software.
**Steps to Compress a Video:**
1. **Choose a video compression tool:** Select a video compression app or online tool that suits your needs.
2. **Upload the video:** Upload the large video file to the chosen tool.
3. **Adjust compression settings:** Most video compression tools offer various settings that you can adjust to control the compression level. These settings include:
* **Resolution:** Lowering the resolution of the video will reduce its file size. For example, you can reduce a 1080p video to 720p or 480p.
* **Bitrate:** Lowering the bitrate will also reduce the file size. However, reducing the bitrate too much can negatively impact the video quality.
* **Frame rate:** Lowering the frame rate can also reduce the file size, but it can make the video appear choppy.
* **Codec:** Different video codecs offer different compression efficiencies. H.264 is a widely used codec that offers a good balance between compression and quality. H.265 (HEVC) offers even better compression, but it may not be supported by all devices.
4. **Compress the video:** Start the compression process. The compression time will depend on the video size and the chosen settings.
5. **Download the compressed video:** Once the compression is complete, download the compressed video file.
6. **Share the compressed video on WhatsApp:** If the compressed video is now within WhatsApp’s file size limit, you can send it directly through WhatsApp. Otherwise, you can use cloud storage services to share it.
**Advantages of Video Compression:**
* **Reduces video file size:** Compression can significantly reduce the size of video files, making them easier to share.
* **Maintains acceptable video quality:** With careful adjustment of compression settings, you can achieve a good balance between file size and video quality.
**Disadvantages of Video Compression:**
* **Loss of video quality:** Compression inevitably leads to some loss of video quality, especially if you reduce the resolution or bitrate too much.
* **Compression can take time:** Compressing large video files can take a considerable amount of time.
**Method 4: Splitting Large Files**
Another method for sharing large files is to split them into smaller parts. This can be done using file splitting software. Each part will be within WhatsApp’s size limit, and the recipient can then reassemble the parts to reconstruct the original file.
**File Splitting Software:**
* **HJSplit (Windows, macOS, Linux):** A free file splitting program that’s simple to use.
* **7-Zip (Windows):** While primarily known as a file archiver, 7-Zip also has file splitting capabilities.
* **File Splitter & Joiner (Android):** An app designed for splitting and joining files on Android devices.
**Steps to Split a File:**
1. **Choose a file splitting software:** Select a file splitting program that suits your needs.
2. **Open the software and select the file to split:** Most file splitting programs have a straightforward interface. You’ll typically need to browse to the file you want to split.
3. **Specify the split size:** Determine the size of each part. For WhatsApp, you’ll need to ensure that each part is smaller than 16 MB (for media) or 100 MB (for documents). A safe bet is to split into 10MB chunks to account for any overhead.
4. **Choose an output location:** Select a folder where the split parts will be saved.
5. **Start the splitting process:** The software will then split the file into the specified parts.
6. **Share the parts on WhatsApp:** Send each part individually via WhatsApp. Make sure to number the parts sequentially (e.g., Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, etc.) so the recipient knows the correct order to reassemble them.
**Reassembling the File:**
The recipient will need to use the same file splitting software (or one that’s compatible with the splitting format) to reassemble the file.
1. **Open the file splitting software:** The recipient opens the same program that was used to split the file.
2. **Select the “Join” or “Reassemble” option:** Most programs have a dedicated option for joining split files.
3. **Select the first part of the file:** The software will usually automatically detect the other parts if they are in the same folder and named correctly.
4. **Specify an output location:** Choose where the reassembled file should be saved.
5. **Start the reassembly process:** The software will then combine the parts to recreate the original file.
**Advantages of File Splitting:**
* **Allows you to share very large files:** This method allows you to share files that are significantly larger than WhatsApp’s file size limits.
* **No cloud storage account required:** Unlike cloud storage methods, this method doesn’t require either the sender or the recipient to have a cloud storage account.
**Disadvantages of File Splitting:**
* **Inconvenient:** Splitting and reassembling files can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
* **Requires file splitting software:** Both the sender and the recipient need to have file splitting software installed.
* **Risk of errors:** If one of the parts is lost or corrupted, the entire file cannot be reassembled.
* **Recipient needs technical know-how:** This method requires the recipient to have some technical know-how to reassemble the file.
**Method 5: Using Dedicated File Sharing Services**
Several online services are designed specifically for sharing large files. These services often offer features such as password protection, expiration dates, and download tracking.
**Examples of File Sharing Services:**
* **WeTransfer:** A popular service that allows you to send files up to 2GB for free. Paid plans offer higher limits and additional features.
* **Send Anywhere:** A service that offers various ways to send files, including direct transfer, link sharing, and device-to-device transfer.
* **Smash:** A service that allows you to send files of any size without compression.
* **TeraShare:** A service that uses a peer-to-peer approach, allowing you to share files directly from your computer.
**Steps to Use a File Sharing Service:**
1. **Choose a file sharing service:** Select a file sharing service that meets your needs.
2. **Upload the file:** Go to the service’s website and upload the large file you want to share.
3. **Configure sharing settings:** Most services allow you to set an expiration date for the file, add password protection, and track downloads.
4. **Get a shareable link:** Once the file is uploaded, the service will generate a shareable link.
5. **Share the link on WhatsApp:** Send the link to the recipient via WhatsApp.
**Advantages of Using File Sharing Services:**
* **Large file support:** These services can handle files much larger than WhatsApp’s limits.
* **Easy sharing:** Sharing links is straightforward.
* **Additional features:** Many services offer additional features such as password protection and download tracking.
**Disadvantages of Using File Sharing Services:**
* **Reliance on a third-party service:** You are relying on a third-party service to store and deliver your file.
* **Potential security concerns:** Storing files on a third-party server raises potential security concerns.
* **Limited free usage:** Many services offer limited free usage, and you may need to pay for a premium plan to share large files regularly.
**Choosing the Right Method**
The best method for sending large files on WhatsApp depends on several factors, including:
* **File size:** For moderately large files (up to a few hundred megabytes), cloud storage or file compression may be sufficient. For very large files (several gigabytes or more), file splitting or dedicated file sharing services may be necessary.
* **File type:** Video files can be compressed using video compression tools. Documents can be compressed using file compression tools. Other file types may require file splitting or cloud storage.
* **Recipient’s technical skills:** File splitting requires some technical know-how on the recipient’s part. Cloud storage and file sharing services are generally easier to use.
* **Privacy concerns:** If you are concerned about privacy, you may prefer to use cloud storage services with strong security features or file splitting methods.
* **Convenience:** Cloud storage and file sharing services are generally the most convenient options. File compression and file splitting require more effort.
**Tips for Sending Large Files on WhatsApp**
* **Communicate with the recipient:** Let the recipient know that you are sending a large file and which method you are using. This will help them prepare for the download process.
* **Provide clear instructions:** If you are using file splitting, provide clear instructions on how to reassemble the file. If you are using a cloud storage service, explain how to access the file.
* **Check the file size before sending:** Make sure that the file is actually within the limits of the chosen method. There are many free tools available online to quickly verify file sizes.
* **Use a reliable internet connection:** A stable internet connection is essential for uploading and downloading large files.
* **Consider the recipient’s data plan:** Sending large files can consume a significant amount of data. Be mindful of the recipient’s data plan and consider sending the file when they have access to Wi-Fi.
* **Be patient:** Uploading and downloading large files can take time. Be patient and allow the process to complete without interruption.
**Conclusion**
While WhatsApp has limitations on file sizes, there are several effective workarounds that allow you to share large files. By using cloud storage services, file compression, video compression, file splitting, or dedicated file sharing services, you can easily bypass these restrictions and send large files to your contacts. Choose the method that best suits your needs and follow the steps outlined in this guide. With a little planning and effort, you can overcome WhatsApp’s file size limitations and share any file you need to, regardless of its size.