I’ve learned the hard way that trying to send large attachments through SMS or Email can cause real headaches. Sometimes the message won’t go through, or it bounces back with an error. From my own experience, keeping attachments small and within the provider’s limits saves time and frustration.
That’s why it’s important to understand the file size limit of attachment for both SMS and Email, especially when using a reliable SMS and email communication platform.
In this article, I’ll explain the limits for SMS and Email, and answer a few common questions so you know exactly what to expect.
SMS
To send attachments through SMS, your phone number must support MMS. With Twilio, you can send up to 10 attachments, as long as the total size of the text and attachments is under 5 MB.
Using tools with advanced messaging features can help you better manage attachments and improve delivery rates.
However, carriers also have their own restrictions. On average, the file size limit of attachments ranges between 300 KB and 600 KB. Tier 1 carriers such as AT&T and Verizon can allow up to 3.5 MB.
Here’s the reality: even though carriers technically support bigger sizes, delivery depends on the handset, file type, and how the file is processed. That’s why it’s best to keep attachments under 500 KB to ensure smooth delivery.
Supported Image Types
- jpeg
- png
- gif
Note: Since May 2021, toll-free MMS numbers have a stricter limit. For these, attachments must be 600 KB or smaller.
For more technical details, you can check the official Twilio guide here: Twilio Supported File Types and Size Limits.
Email providers also set strict rules on the file size limit of attachments. These rules exist mainly for security and performance reasons. Without them, email servers could easily get overloaded with huge files.
If your email goes over the allowed size, it will bounce back with an error message. Common errors include:
- “Attachment size exceeds the allowable limit.”
- “552: Message size exceeds maximum permitted.”
- “The size of the message you are trying to send exceeds the global size limit of the server.”
Different email providers set different limits. For example, Mailgun supports messages up to 25 MB. Free email accounts may have lower limits, but you can usually increase them by upgrading to a paid account.
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FAQs
No, you cannot send MP4 files directly as attachments via SMS. If you record a video in the mobile app, the system will create a link. The recipient can then click the link to view the video.
The simple answer is no. You cannot bypass the file size limit of the attachment. The best workaround is to upload large files to cloud storage (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) and share the link in your email.
Final Thoughts
From personal experience, keeping attachments small is the smartest way to avoid delivery issues. Whether you’re sending an SMS or an Email, always respect the file size limit of attachments. For SMS, aim for 500 KB or less. For Email, stay under 25 MB unless you know your provider’s exact limit. And when the file is too big, use cloud storage and share the link.
