Signal 100MB File Limit & How to Send Larger Files
Signal is the gold standard for private messaging, but enforces a strict 100 MB attachment cap to protect server infrastructure. Attempting to share large 4K video clips or backups fails.
Send up to 5 GB free right now (Signal Messenger)
Up to 500 files or folders · Client-side AES-256-GCM encryption · Zero accounts required
Start Free TransferSignal Messenger limit breakdown
| Constraint | Details |
|---|---|
| Stated attachment limit | 100 MB per attachment |
| Encoding overhead | Binary encrypted payload |
| Cloud fallback behavior | Upload fails directly in chat |
| Recipient requirement | Both parties on Signal |
| Privacy & scanning | Signal Protocol E2EE (no third-party cloud access) |
Why files bounce on Signal Messenger
Signal's non-profit infrastructure cannot store or relay gigabytes of media per message, capping files at 100 MB.
How to send files larger than 100 MB
- Upload your file to LimeShare: it is encrypted client-side with AES-256-GCM before upload.
- Copy the sealed link and send it inside your encrypted Signal chat.
- The encryption key lives in the URL fragment (#) and is protected by Signal's end-to-end encrypted transport.
Frequently asked questions
Does sending LimeShare links in Signal preserve privacy?
Yes. The decryption key stays in the URL hash, which Signal transmits encrypted to your contact. Neither our servers nor network intermediaries can read the file.