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How To Send Large Files For Free?

Daisy Raines

Mar 08, 2024 • Filed to: Mirror Phone Solutions • Proven solutions

Sending large files used to be a hassle. However, nowadays there are many great free options for transferring large files up to 10GB or more. Whether you need to share large videos, high-resolution photos, CAD files, or other hefty documents, you have choices that won't cost you anything.

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In this guide, we'll highlight the top free large file transfer services in 2023. With these handy online tools, you can securely share large files with friends, family members, coworkers, clients and anyone else. Read on to find the best free solution for sending large files from the comfort of your home. With the services below, gigabyte-sized file transfers won't slow you down.

Part I: How To Send Large Files For Free Using Zip Files

Compressing files can be a great way to transfer them more efficiently. Let’s walk through the process.

man using PC

Step 1: First, gather all the files you want to transfer and put them in a folder. This keeps things organized.

Step 2: Next, right click on the folder and select "Send to compressed (zipped) folder." This zips up all the files into one neat package, which takes up less storage space.

If you want more control over the compression, you can use free software like 7-Zip, Express Zip or WinZip. These give you more customization options.

On the positive side, compressing:

  • Gives you flexibility in how you transfer files
  • Saves time and possibly money on storage services like Google Drive

The downsides are that:

  • It's a manual process and requires knowing how to compress files
  • You have to remember to compress files each time
  • Already compressed formats won't get smaller
  • The receiver needs to know how to uncompress the files

Part II: How To Send Large Files For Free Using VPN

data transfer symbol with cloud logo

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, can be handy when you need to transfer files. Let's look at how you can send large files for free using VPN:

Step 1: Choose a VPN service

Look for a service that allows P2P/file sharing and does not impose bandwidth limits. Some good options are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost.

Step 2: Install & connect the VPN software

Download and install the VPN app on the devices between which you want to transfer files. Connect to a server.

Step 3: Set up file sharing between devices

On both devices, enable file sharing via a protocol like SMB or FTP. Configure access permissions for the folders you want to share.

Step 4: Locate shared folders from the other device

Once permissions are set up properly, you should be able to locate folders shared from the other device over the VPN connection.

Step 5: Start your file transfer

With the secure VPN tunnel established and file sharing enabled between devices, you can now transfer large files up to the size limit set by your VPN service.

Step 6: Monitor transfer status

Keep an eye on the file transfer to ensure all data transfers fully. With the encryption and bandwidth of a VPN, large transfers may take some time.

Step 7: Disconnect the VPN when done

After fully transferring the files, disconnect from the VPN on both devices to secure the connection.

The key thing is that the VPN creates a private tunnel between your devices so you can securely transfer large files without size restrictions from your ISP.

Part III: How To Send Large Files For Free Using USB Flash Drive

USB flash drives offer a handy way to share big files when you're on a budget. Let's go through it step-by step.

usb flash drive connected to computer

Step 1: First, get a USB flash drive that will fit all the files you want to transfer. Nowadays you can get drives ranging from 2GB all the way up to 1TB. Just keep in mind not to lose a drive packed with important info!

Step 2: Once you have your drive, plug it into the USB port on your computer. Super easy. The computer will pull up the contents of the drive where you can simply drag and drop files over to it. No technical skills needed!

Step 3: After loading up your files, eject the drive safely then hand it off to your recipient. They can plug it in and access the files instantly.

At the pros column:

  • Arguably the simplest way to transfer files
  • True caveman level usability
  • Recipient doesn't need any special software to access files

Downsides to look out for:

  • No built-in security - need encryption to lock down file access
  • Losing the drive means losing the files
  • Requires hand delivering the drive to recipients rather than send over Internet
  • Not optimal for ongoing backups or gigantic file libraries

Part IV: How To Send Large Files For Free Using DropBox

Dropbox can be super handy for sharing big files, especially since it works on both desktop and mobile. Let me walk you through how to use it.

logo of dropbox on mobile device

Step 1: First, sign up for a free Dropbox account. This gets you 2GB of storage to play with. Now download Dropbox on your computer and phone so you can easily add files from anywhere.

Step 2: To upload something to Dropbox, simply drag and drop the files into the Dropbox folder on your computer. Or if you're on your phone, use the Dropbox app. There's no file size limit, so go wild!

Step 3: Once your files finish uploading, share them by right clicking on each one and clicking "Share." Then type in the emails of whoever you want to share with. The recipient just needs to click the shared file Image name to download or view.

Things to look out for:

  • Free account only gives you up to 2GB of space
  • Separating work and personal files can be messy
  • Account switching and permission management can be tricky

Part V: How To Send Large Files For Free Using Chat Apps Like Telegram

Chat apps like Telegram offer a handy way to send big stuff without dealing with email size limits or paying for fancy services. Let me walk you through how to use Telegram to transfer large files on the cheap.

man holding telegram logo

Step 1: First, download the Telegram app on your phone or computer. Then create yourself an account. It'll only take a minute to set up.

Step 2: Next, start a chat with the person you want to send the file to. Or you can create a group chat if you're sharing with multiple folks.

Step 3: To send something, hit the little paperclip icon to attach a file. You can upload pics, videos, documents - you name it. Telegram supports files up to 2 gigabytes in size for free users. Not too shabby! The file will start sending automatically.

If you spring for Telegram Premium, it bumps the limit up to a whopping 4GB per file. But for most needs, the free 2GB is plenty sufficient. It also works nicely for team collaboration since you can create group chats for projects. Beats email threads hands down.

Part VI: Dr.Fone - The Best Paid but Powerful Software To Transfer Large Files

Dr.Fone offers a way to transfer large files up to 700MB in size. Let me walk you through how to use it.

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Wondershare Dr.Fone

One - Stop Solution to Manage and Transfer Data&Files on Your Phone

  • Transfer, manage, export/import your data like music, photos, videos, contacts, etc.
  • Back up your important data to a computer and restore them easily.
  • Works smoothly on the newest iOS and Android devices.
  • Easy-to-follow instructions provided.
Available on: Windows Mac
3981454 people have downloaded it

Step 1: First, download the Dr.Fone app on your computer and create a free account. Just enter your email and choose a password. The app has an easy-to-use interface for uploading files.

dr.fone app home screen on computer

Step 2: To send a file, click the "File" button in Dr.Fone and choose the file you want to transfer from your computer. Pretty much any file type is supported, from images and videos to music, documents, and more.

dr.fone app home screen on computer

Step 3: After picking the file, click on the “export” button to send your files across. You can even export the files on your mobile device by connecting it to your computer via USB Cable.

files transfer on device

Step 4: The file will start uploading to your device and then it’s done! You have now successfully transferred files from your computer to your device.

files transfer on device

Conclusion

When you need to transfer large files but don't want to pay for premium services, there are several solid free options for getting the job done. We looked at tools like file compression, VPN connections, cloud storage platforms, online transfer services, and even manual techniques like external drives. Each has their own pros and cons to weigh.

You may also try a powerful tool-Wondershare Dr.Fone to send your large files. This tool allows seamless sending large files up to 700MB in size straight from your desktop. It brings file encryption to the table for added security compared to approaches like cloud storage or external drives. The tradeoff is Dr.Fone lacks automated syncing or backup capabilities.

With so many viable techniques available, it's less about what single method to use and more about selecting the right approach based on your specific priorities and use case requirements around convenience, speed, security and access. With the insights covered, you should now have a framework for making an informed decision on the best large file transfer solution to suit your needs.

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Daisy Raines

staff Editor

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