send large files via email (easy)
Mail Drop is a bit hidden, but this feature has been around since iOS 9.2. This allows you to send large files as attachments via email. We explain in detail how to use Mail Drop.
Read on after the ad.
This is Mail Drop (and you can do this with it)
Mail Drop (sometimes written as MailDrop) is a super useful feature in the Mail app. You can send files of up to 5GB to others with your iPhone or iPad. And the great thing about this is, the feature is automatically enabled when the Mail app detects a large file (or several large files). You will then be given a choice to send the attachment with Mail Drop or to use the normal way.
The benefits of Mail Drop
Why choose Mail Drop when you also get the option to send the attachment in the normal way? Often there are restrictions on the size of attachments that you send via email. Usually this is 10 or 20 MB per email. Sometimes the mailbox of the recipient also has a maximum size and you cannot send an attachment if the mailbox is full.
If you choose Mail Drop, the file in question will be sent to iCloud and a link will appear in the email. This allows the person to whom you send the email to immediately download the file. The big advantage? You are then not bound by the limited restrictions on the size of the attachments. Well, up to 5 GB anyway.
Important to know: files are stored in iCloud for a maximum of 30 days. Also, keep in mind that you must have an iCloud account and have a mail account set up in the Mail app.
Also read: How to set up your Gmail account on iPhone and iPad
Send large files via email with Mail Drop
Mail Drop will therefore appear automatically when you are going to send large files. This may be photos, videos or other files. You don’t need to set anything up on your iPhone or iPad to send them. Once you have selected the files you want to send, you will be presented with two choices. Then choose ‘Use Mail Drop’. Below you can read how you can send multiple photos and videos via Mail.
Send large files via email on iPhone
- Open the Photos app on your iPhone and tap Select;
- Select the videos and photos you want to send via Mail;
- Tap the share icon at the bottom left and choose ‘Email’;
- Type the rest of the email and tap the blue arrow;
- Then choose ‘Use Mail Drop’;
- Please be patient: sometimes it takes a while before the recipient receives the email.
If you don’t want to send photos or videos, it is also possible to ‘MailDroppen’ other files. You can then send the desired files from the ‘Files’ app, for example. Again, select the files and then share them with the Mail app.
More Tips on Mail (and Other iOS Stuff)
Want more tips about Mail and iPhone, iPad or Mac? Then download the iPhoned app and sign up for the free newsletter. Also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Then you will receive the latest tips immediately.
