Apple Mail & iCloud Mail Drop Attachment Limits
Apple Mail allows attachments up to 20 MB directly. For larger files, it invokes 'Mail Drop', which routes through iCloud up to 5 GB. However, Mail Drop links linger for 30 days and lack client-side encryption.
Send up to 5 GB free right now (Apple iCloud / Mail Drop)
Up to 500 files or folders · Client-side AES-256-GCM encryption · Zero accounts required
Start Free TransferApple iCloud / Mail Drop limit breakdown
| Constraint | Details |
|---|---|
| Stated attachment limit | 20 MB direct, 5 GB via iCloud Mail Drop |
| Encoding overhead | iCloud sync delay before link becomes available |
| Cloud fallback behavior | Requires recipient to download from iCloud web |
| Recipient requirement | Any recipient with browser |
| Privacy & scanning | Encrypted at rest with Apple holding keys; no password protection |
Why files bounce on Apple iCloud / Mail Drop
Non-Apple recipients often experience slow iCloud web download speeds, and senders cannot customize the 30-day expiration window or set passwords.
How to send files larger than 5 GB (Mail Drop) / 20 MB (Direct)
- Use LimeShare on iPhone (Safari) or Mac to encrypt files client-side with AES-256.
- Choose your own retention time: 1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, or 48 hours.
- Enable 'Burn after first download' so your personal files don't stay online for 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Apple Mail Drop links last?
Mail Drop links expire after 30 days and cannot be deleted early. LimeShare gives you control to expire links in 1 hour or burn on read.