Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 1.3 billion monthly active users. It allows you to easily communicate with friends and family through text, voice, video calls, and more.
One common question people have is whether you can send zip files through Messenger. A zip file contains one or more compressed files and folders, which makes it useful for sharing large amounts of data. In this article, we’ll take a look at the options for sending zip files via Messenger and some best practices.
Can You Send Zip Files Through Messenger?
The short answer is yes, you can send zip files through Facebook Messenger, with some limitations. Specifically:
- You can send zip files up to 25MB in size
- The files will count towards your overall attachment limit in Messenger
- Zip files may take longer to send and download depending on size and connection speed
So while Messenger does support sending zipped files, there are some restrictions compared to regular document attachments. The 25MB size limit in particular may not be enough for very large zip files containing multiple files and folders.
Messenger Zip File Size Limit
As mentioned above, Messenger allows you to send zip files up to 25MB in size. This is the same limit that applies to most other attachments like photos, videos, and documents.
Some key points about the zip file size limit:
- Applies to both individual and group chats
- Counts towards your total attachment limit per message
- Zips over 25MB cannot be sent and you’ll get an error message
- The 25MB limit includes all files and folders zipped together, not just the zip file itself
So if you try to send a 30MB zip file containing multiple 10MB files for example, it will fail to send. You’ll need to split it into smaller zips under 25MB each to get it through Messenger.
Messenger Attachment Limits
In addition to the 25MB zip file limit, Messenger also enforces some overall attachment limits per message:
- Maximum of 100 attachments per message
- Total attachments can be up to 25MB per message
This further restricts what you can send in a single message. For example, you couldn’t attach 5 x 25MB zip files to one message, as that exceeds the total 25MB attachment limit.
Some options to work around this include:
- Split across multiple messages
- Use a file sharing service like Google Drive or Dropbox
- Only zip and send your most important files
So keep the overall attachment limits in mind when sending zips or other files through Messenger.
Sending Zip Files in Messenger
Now that we’ve covered the size limits, here is the process for actually sending a zip file through Messenger:
- Open your Messenger app and select the chat you want to send the zip file to (individual or group).
- Tap the attach button (paperclip icon) to bring up your attachment options.
- Select the “File” option.
- This will bring up your phone’s file explorer – navigate to the zip file you want to send.
- Tap on the zip file to attach it.
- You’ll get a preview of the file name/size to confirm it’s the correct zip.
- Tap “Send” to send the zip file in the chat.
And that’s all there is to it! The process is the same whether you are on Android or iOS.
One thing to note is that Messenger will display a progress bar while the zip file is uploading and sending. So expect it to take a little longer than a regular message, especially for large zips.
Receiving Zip Files in Messenger
On the receiving end, a zip file shows up in Messenger like any other attachment:
- You’ll see the file name and file size underneath the sent message.
- Tap on the zip file name to download it.
- Messenger will automatically download the zip file and you’ll get a notification when complete.
- Open your device’s file explorer to access the downloaded zip file.
You can now extract and access the contents of the zip file sent through Messenger. One thing to note is the zip will count towards any storage limits you have on your device. So you may need to delete the zip after extracting the files you need.
Sharing Large Files Through Messenger
The 25MB file size limit may be insufficient if you need to share very large files through Messenger. Some options in this case include:
Use a File Compression Tool
A file compression tool like WinZip or 7-Zip can help shrink large files beyond 25MB. This allows you to zip them and meet Messenger’s size limits. However, compression does have its limits, especially for very large files like video.
Split Across Multiple Zips
Another option is to split your bigger files into multiple smaller zips under 25MB each. You can then send these zips one after the other in Messenger. It’s extra work but gets the job done.
Use a File Sharing Service
For very large file transfers, a dedicated file sharing service like Dropbox or Google Drive is better suited. They don’t have the 25MB size limits of Messenger. You can upload large files and share a download link.
Use Messenger Desktop App
The Messenger desktop app supports larger file transfers than the mobile app. You may be able to send bigger zips through the desktop version.
So those are some workarounds to safely share large zip files beyond Messenger’s restrictions. In most cases it’s easiest to stick to 25MB and below.
Downloading Zip Files From Messenger
As mentioned above, Messenger will automatically download any zip file attachments you receive to your device storage.
To access the downloaded zips:
- iOS – Go to Files > On My iPhone > Messenger
- Android – Tap Files/My Files > Messenger
- Windows – Go to This PC > Documents > Messenger Attachments
- Mac – Go to Finder > Documents > Messenger Attachments
You may want to copy or move the zip files out of Messenger storage to a better location on your device. The Messenger folder can use up device storage space over time.
Some Messenger apps also give you options like “Always Save To Camera Roll” for easier access to attachments.
Zip File Privacy in Messenger
One concern when sending zips in Messenger is privacy. Your chats are end-to-end encrypted, which helps keep your zip file contents private during transmission.
However, by default, Facebook may store and use your Messenger files for app improvement purposes. Some measures to enhance zip file privacy include:
- Enable Messenger secret conversations when sharing sensitive zips
- Delete zip files from your message history after sharing
- Extract files and delete the zip after receiving it
- Use a password protected zip for extra security
Also be cautious of any malware risks when opening zip files from untrusted sources. Scan them first with antivirus software whenever possible.
Zip Alternatives to Messenger
While handy, Messenger does have significant size limits when sharing zipped files. Some popular alternative services to consider include:
Google Drive
Lets you upload large zip files up to 5TB and share drive download links. Integrates with Gmail for easy sending.
Dropbox
Another great file sharing service with up to 20GB free space. Share any size zips via shared links.
WeTransfer
Specializes in large file transfers up to 2GB. Emails recipients download links. Files deleted after 7 days.
Supports up to 100MB zips, larger than Messenger’s 25MB limit. End-to-end encrypted like Messenger.
So for your most heavy duty zip sharing needs, a dedicated file sharing service is the way to go. But Messenger works fine for more casual zip sending of photos, documents, and other compressed data.
Conclusion
To summarize, you can absolutely send zip files through Facebook Messenger to share groups of files and folders. There are size limits in place of 25MB per zip file and 25MB total attachment size per message. For larger zips, you’ll need to split them or use a file sharing service without restrictive limits.
Overall, Messenger provides a user-friendly way to compress and quickly transfer files. But be mindful of its size constraints compared to more robust file sharing tools. With the options covered here, you should now have no trouble zipping files and sending them in Messenger to friends and family!