Send ZIP and RAR Files With Gmail: Limits & Workarounds

Yes, you can send ZIP and RAR files with Gmail, but there are strict size limits and safety filters you need to work around. Gmail caps attachments at 25 MB total, and it blocks certain file types (including .zip and .rar) when they contain executable code. This article explains the exact limits, how to attach compressed files safely, and what to do when Gmail refuses to send them.

Formula

The calculator above estimates the size of a compressed file and how much of Gmail’s 25 MB attachment limit remains. The formula is:

Compressed size = Original size × (1 − Compression ratio / 100)

• Original size (t) – the total size of the files you want to compress, in megabytes (MB).
• Compression ratio (c) – how much the archive shrinks the original data, as a percentage. For example, 60% means the archive is 40% of the original size.
• Compressed size (s) – the estimated size of the ZIP or RAR file, in MB.
• Gmail limit remaining (g) – how many MB you have left before hitting the 25 MB cap (25 − s).

Compression ratios vary wildly. Text files, spreadsheets, and source code often compress to 10–20% of their original size. Already-compressed files like JPEG images, MP4 videos, and MP3 audio barely shrink at all (often 95–100% of original).

Worked Example

Using the default values: original size = 20 MB, compression ratio = 60%.

1. Convert the ratio: 60% = 0.60.
2. Calculate the remaining fraction: 1 − 0.60 = 0.40.
3. Multiply: 20 MB × 0.40 = 8 MB.
4. Check Gmail limit: 25 − 8 = 17 MB remaining.

So a 20 MB folder that compresses to 40% of its size becomes an 8 MB archive, well under the 25 MB limit. The calculator shows the same result.

Gmail’s Attachment Limits and Rules

Gmail’s hard limit for all attachments is 25 MB per email. If your ZIP or RAR file is larger than that, Gmail will not attach it directly. Instead, it offers to upload the file to Google Drive and include a link in the email—this is the built-in workaround for large files.

However, size is not the only obstacle. Gmail (like most email providers) blocks certain file types because they are commonly used to spread malware. The blocked list includes .zip and .rar files, along with .exe, .js, .scr, and many others. When you try to attach a blocked file, Gmail shows a warning: “This file may be unsafe.” You can often click “Send anyway,” but Gmail may still reject the email entirely if it detects executable content inside the archive.

In practice, a ZIP file containing only documents or images usually goes through. A ZIP containing an .exe, .bat, or .msi file will almost certainly be blocked. RAR files are treated similarly.

How to Send ZIP and RAR Files Safely

Here are the steps that work for most users:

1. Check the size first. Right-click the archive on Windows or macOS, select Properties/Get Info, and confirm it’s under 25 MB.
2. Attach the file in Gmail as you normally would. If you see a warning, read it carefully—it means Gmail suspects the file could be harmful.
3. If Gmail blocks it, rename the extension. Change .zip to .zip.txt or .rar to .rar.bin. The recipient must rename it back before opening. This is a common workaround, but it’s not foolproof—Gmail’s filters sometimes inspect file content, not just the name.
4. Use Google Drive for files over 25 MB. Click the Drive icon in the compose window, upload the file, and insert it as a link. Set the sharing permission to “Anyone with the link” so the recipient can download it.
5. For very large archives, use a file transfer service. Many free services allow uploads up to 2 GB or more and generate a download link. This is often more reliable than email for big RAR files.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One frequent misunderstanding is that Gmail’s 25 MB limit applies to the compressed file, not the original data. That’s correct—the limit is on the attachment itself. But people often assume that compressing a 100 MB folder to 20 MB will always work. It will, if the compression ratio is high enough. But video and audio files rarely compress enough to fit.

Another issue: Gmail’s virus scanner may flag a ZIP or RAR file even if it’s clean. This happens when the archive contains a file type that’s on the blocklist, or when the archive is password-protected (because Gmail can’t scan it). Password-protected archives are often rejected outright. If you must password-protect an archive, you may need to use a different delivery method.

Also, be aware that Gmail’s 25 MB limit is per email, not per attachment. You can attach multiple ZIP files as long as the total stays under 25 MB.

ZIP vs. RAR: Which Should You Use?

ZIP is more universal—Windows, macOS, and most mobile devices can open it without extra software. RAR files require a tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip. For email, ZIP is almost always the better choice because the recipient is more likely to open it without hassle. RAR’s advantage is better compression on some data types, but that rarely matters for email-sized files.

If you’re sending to a business or government contact, ZIP is the safer bet. Some corporate email servers block RAR files more aggressively than ZIP.

Alternatives to Email for Large Archives

When email isn’t suitable, here are common alternatives:

• Google Drive – integrated with Gmail, free storage up to 15 GB, and you can share links with expiration dates.
• Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud – similar cloud storage options with their own sharing links.
• WeTransfer – free for files up to 2 GB; the link expires after a few days.
• File transfer via FTP or SFTP – for technical users with their own servers.
• USB drive or external hard drive – for very large files when physical transfer is feasible.

Each has trade-offs: cloud services require the recipient to have internet access and often require a login to download large files. WeTransfer links expire, which can be a security feature or a nuisance. Choose based on file size, recipient’s technical comfort, and how sensitive the data is.

Safety and Security Considerations

Compressed files are a common vector for malware. Always scan any ZIP or RAR you receive with an up-to-date antivirus program before opening. Never open an archive from an unknown sender, especially if it contains executable files.

When sending sensitive data, consider encrypting the archive with a strong password and sending the password separately (e.g., via text message or a different email). But remember that Gmail may block password-protected archives because it can’t scan them. In that case, use a secure file-sharing service that supports encryption instead of email.

Also, be aware that Gmail scans attachments for viruses. If you’re sending a legitimate file that triggers a false positive, you may need to explain the situation to the recipient and use an alternative delivery method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Gmail blocking my ZIP file even though it’s under 25 MB?

Gmail blocks certain file types to prevent malware distribution. .zip and .rar are on that list, especially if they contain executable files. The warning may appear even for clean archives. You can try renaming the file extension, but if the archive contains a blocked file type, Gmail may still reject it.

Can I send a password-protected ZIP file via Gmail?

Sometimes, but it’s risky. Gmail’s scanner can’t read password-protected archives, so it may flag them as unsafe. If the archive is small and contains only documents, it might go through. For reliable delivery, use a cloud service or a file transfer tool that supports encryption.

What’s the maximum size for a RAR file in Gmail?

The same as any attachment: 25 MB. If your RAR file is larger, Gmail will offer to upload it to Google Drive and send a link. You can also split the RAR into multiple volumes (e.g., .part1.rar, .part2.rar) and attach each under 25 MB, but the recipient will need to download all parts and use WinRAR or 7-Zip to reassemble them.

How do I send a ZIP file larger than 25 MB?

Use Google Drive. In Gmail’s compose window, click the Drive icon, upload the file, and set the sharing permission to “Anyone with the link.” You can also use a third-party file transfer service like WeTransfer, which allows up to 2 GB free.

Is it safe to open a ZIP file sent via Gmail?

Only if you trust the sender and you have antivirus software running. Even then, scan the file before opening. If the archive contains an executable (.exe, .bat, .scr), be extremely cautious—it could be malware. When in doubt, don’t open it.

Can I send multiple ZIP files in one email?

Yes, as long as the total size of all attachments is under 25 MB. Each individual file must also be under 25 MB. If you exceed the limit, Gmail will not send the email.

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in t | File size | MB | 20 | 0
in c | Compression ratio | % | 60 | 0
out s | Approximate compressed size | MB | t * (1 - c/100) | 2
out g | Gmail limit remaining | MB | 25 - s | 2