TransferXL sends large files through a download link instead of attaching them to an email. Upload the files, choose the offered sharing method and tell the recipient when the transfer expires. Keep your own originals after sending.
Check the transfer limits
The current TransferXL plan page lists the following for its free plan with an account. Check the page again before a time-sensitive delivery, because plans can change.
| Free-plan item | Listed limit |
|---|---|
| One transfer | 5 GB |
| Number of transfers | Up to 10 per day |
| Total volume | 10 GB daily and 300 GB monthly |
| File retention | One week |
| Email recipients | Up to five |
A transfer-size limit and a daily allowance are different. Several small uploads can use the daily total even if no single transfer exceeds 5 GB. Larger paid allowances are not part of the free plan.
Prepare the files
- Put only the intended files into a working folder.
- Check the total size and remove duplicate copies you do not mean to send.
- Use clear filenames so the recipient can identify the delivery.
- Check whether the recipient needs individual files or a ZIP archive.
- Keep the originals available until the recipient confirms a successful download.
Compressing photographs or videos that are already compressed may save little space. For a large video, our video file-size guide explains why duration and bitrate matter more than the file extension alone.
Upload and send the transfer
- Open the official TransferXL website and select the files.
- Sign in or complete the account step required by the selected plan.
- Choose the email or link-sharing option offered in the current interface.
- Check recipient addresses, any message and the retention or expiry information.
- Review the security options and keep any required access secret separate from the public link.
- Start the upload and wait for the completion confirmation before closing the page.
If you copy a link, send it with a short note naming the files and deadline. For email delivery, ask the recipient to check spam if the notification is missing. A sent notification is not confirmation that the files were downloaded.
Privacy and expiry
TransferXL advertises end-to-end encryption on its plan page. That is the provider’s stated feature, not a reason to send the link and any password to the wrong person. Use the sharing and account controls your transfer actually offers.
A transfer service is temporary delivery, not a long-term backup. Download before the stated expiry and store the received files somewhere appropriate. If the link has expired, ask the sender for a fresh transfer rather than installing a supposed recovery tool.
If sending fails
Compare the total size, remaining daily allowance and connection first. Test a small file if needed. Keep the computer awake during a large upload and check that the browser has not reported an error. If only the recipient has trouble, confirm the exact link and whether the transfer is still available.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I send for free with TransferXL?
The checked free-with-account plan lists 5 GB per transfer, up to 10 transfers per day, and 10 GB daily or 300 GB monthly total volume.
How long does a free transfer stay available?
The checked plan lists one week of retention. Use the expiry shown for your actual transfer and ask the recipient to download before it.
Will putting a video in a ZIP make it much smaller?
Often not. Video is normally already compressed, so a ZIP may save little space. Check the resulting size rather than assuming it fits.
Is a transfer service a backup?
No. Keep your original files and confirm delivery. A link with an expiry is not a long-term backup location.