Messenger File Size Limit 2025 Guide

Messenger file size limit 2025 increased to 100 MB. In 2025 Meta made a small change to Facebook Messenger that has a big impact on how people share documents and collaborate. The company quietly increased Messenger’s file‑transfer limit to 100 MB and expanded the supported file types to include Word, Excel and PDF documents. The update means you can now send larger files directly through the app without switching to email or a separate cloud‑storage service. While this change sounds simple, it has important implications for marketers, small‑business owners and anyone who relies on Messenger for work or personal communication. This in‑depth guide explains how the new feature works, provides a step‑by‑step tutorial for sending large files, offers best practices for managing attachments, and walks you through troubleshooting common problems. Along the way you’ll find links to related guides on th

Why the 2025 file-sharing update matters

hOn such as Word, Excel and PDF. This is a significant leap from the 25 MB attachment limit may apn use. For individuals the upgrade means you can send a multi‑slide presentation, a long PDF manual or high‑resolution images without compressing them. For teams it enables faster approval On 31 July 2025 Tagembed reported that Meta’s Messenger update allows users to share files up to 100 MB directly in a conversation and that the platform now supports common office formats such as Word, Excel and PDF. This is a significant leap from the 25 MB attachment limit many chat apps use. For individuals the upgrade means you can send a multi‑slide presentation, a long PDF manual or high‑resolution images without compressing them. For teams it enables faster approval cycles because collaborators no longer need to jump between email threads and cloud‑storage links; everything lives in the chat window.cycles because collaborators no longer need to jump between email threads and cloud‑storage links; everything lives in the chat window.

Meta’s update is part of a broader trend toward integrating productivity and communication. Analysts at DoIT Software note that AI‑driven smart solutions and productivity integrations are among the top mobile‑app trends for 2025. When messaging platforms act as hubs for file sharing, meetings and task management, they become more indispensable. This also raises the stakes foded apps in July 2025 shows Messenger competing alongside TikTok, Instagram and other leading platforms. These external articles corroborate the significance of Meta’s change and help you understand how it fits into the broader social‑media landscape.

Understanding Messenger’s new file‑sharing limit

Before you start sending large files, it helps to understand the scope and limitations of the new feature. According to Tagembed’s summary of Facebook updates, users can now share files up to 100 MB through Messenger. Supported formats include the typical office suite (Word, Excel and PDFs) and likely other document types that Messenger previously rejected. The feature is available on the latest versions of the Messenger app for Android and iOS as well as the desktop web interface.

What counts toward the limit?

Messenger calculates the file size of the attachment itself, not the total conversation. If you attach a 95 MB PDF and a 4 MB image in a single message, Messenger may reject the second file because the total exceeds 100 MB. To stay under the cap, send large files one at a time. Also be aware that some devices and file systems show sizes in MB (10^6 bytes) while others use MiB (2^20 bytes); Messenger uses decimal megabytes.

Advantages of sending files via Messenger

Immediate delivery: Files appear instantly in the chat, and recipients receive push notifications.
Persistent storage: The documents remain in the conversation until deleted. You can search back through the chat history to find attachments.
Integration with Facebook ecosystem: Messenger works seamlessly across devices and ties into Facebook accounts, which many people already use daily. The update makes Messenger more competitive with productivity‑oriented platforms such as Slack and Teams.

Potential downsides

Privacy concerns: Because Messenger uses a centralized architecture, your files are stored on Meta’s servers. While messages are encrypted in transit, they are not end‑to‑end encrypted by default. Sensitive documents should be shared with caution.
File‑type restrictions: Although Tagembed notes support for Word, Excel and PDF, Messenger may still block executables or uncommon formats. Always verify that your file type is allowed before assuming it will send.
Bandwidth usage: Uploading and downloading a 100 MB file consumes mobile data. If you or your recipient are on a metered connection, consider compressing files or connecting to Wi‑Fi.

Step‑by‑step: How to send large files via Messenger

This section guides you through sending a file using the 2025 Messenger update. The process is similar across mobile and desktop, but the interface may look slightly different.

Update the Messenger app. Ensure you have the latest version of Messenger from the App Store or Google Play. New features often require an updated app.
Open or start a conversation. Navigate to the chat where you want to send the file or start a new one. For business files, consider creating a group chat for all stakeholders.
Tap the paper‑clip or plus icon. On mobile, you’ll find a ‘paper‑clip’ or ‘+’ symbol near the message input. Tap it to bring up sharing options. On desktop, click the file or image icon next to the text box.
Choose “Files” or “Documents.” Messenger will prompt you to choose a file from your device. Navigate to the folder where the document is stored. On Android, you may need to grant file‑system permission the first time.
Select your file (under 100 MB). Tap the file you want to send. Messenger shows a progress bar while uploading. For example, sending a 70 MB PowerPoint on a strong Wi‑Fi network takes a few seconds. On slower connections it may take longer; be patient and avoid leaving the screen until the upload finishes.
Wait for the upload confirmation. Once the file finishes uploading, you’ll see a thumbnail and file name in the chat with a tick mark or status indicator. At this point the recipient(s) can tap the file to download.
Follow up and manage files. If you expect a review or feedback, mention the recipient and set expectations. Messenger’s search function lets you quickly find the document later by searching for the file name or clicking the information icon at the top of the chat and selecting “View Shared Media and Files.”

With these steps you can share full‑length PDFs, spreadsheets or design documents without compressing them. For extra security, consider reading our tutorial on recovering hacked Facebook accounts and enabling account safeguards before sharing sensitive files.

Best practices for efficient file sharing

Even with the new 100 MB limit, thoughtful file management helps ensure smooth transfers and reduces frustration. Consider these best practices:

Compress files when possible

Before sending, compress multi‑page PDFs or large images using built‑in tools or third‑party apps. Compressing reduces file size without significant quality loss. For example, the Preview app on macOS can export PDFs at a lower quality, while Smallpdf and ILovePDF offer free online compression.

Organize your files

Store frequently shared documents in a dedicated “Messenger Attachments” folder on your device. This reduces the time spent browsing for the right file and makes it easier to manage duplicates. Naming files with dates and descriptions (e.g., `2025-10-29_Marketing_Report.pdf`) helps you and recipients identify versions quickly.

plicates. Naming files with dates and descriptions (e.g., `2025-10-29_Marketing_Report.pdf`) helps you and recipients identify versions quickly.

Use Wi‑Fi for large uploads

Uploading a 100 MB file over cellular data consumes a large chunk of your monthly allowance. Connect to a trusted Wi‑Fi network before sending large attachments to avoid unexpected charges. The same is true for recipients downloading the file; if your contact has limited data, warn them in advance.

Maintain privacy and security

If a document contains personal or financial information, think carefully before sending it via a Facebook service. Messenger does not currently provide end‑to‑end encryption for regular chats (though you can switch to Secret Conversations). Always enable two‑factor authentication—our article on Facebook Two‑Factor Authentication walks through the setup process. Also verify you’re sending the file to the correct contact; once shared, attachments cannot be unsent without the recipient noticing.

Keep your Messenger app clean

Large files remain stored in chat threads, taking up space on your device. Periodically clean up old attachments by long‑pressing the file thumbnail and selecting “Remove,” or using Messenger’s storage management tools. This helps maintain device performance and ensures you stay within storage limits.

Troubleshooting common file‑sharing issues

Even if you follow the steps above, you may encounter issues when sending or receiving large attachments. Below are common problems and solutions.

File won’t upload because it’s too large

Messenger enforces a strict 100 MB per‑file limit. If your file exceeds this size, compress it or split the content into multiple parts. For instance, you can divide a lengthy PDF into sections using a PDF editor and send each section separately. Alternatively, upload the file to a cloud service (e.g., Google Drive or OneDrive) and share the link in the chat.

Unsupported file type

Despite the expanded file support, Messenger may reject certain formats (e.g., .exe, .iso or some video files). Convert unsupported files to a widely accepted format such as PDF or .zip before attempting to send. Many conversion tools are free online.

Slow or stalled upload

Slow uploads often result from weak network connections. Move closer to your Wi‑Fi router or switch to a faster network. Restarting the app can sometimes resolve stalled uploads. If the problem persists, try sending the file via the desktop version of Messenger, which sometimes handles large attachments more reliably.

Recipient can’t download the file

If the recipient sees the file but cannot download it, ask them to update their Messenger app to the latest version. Ensure they have sufficient storage space on their device; a full storage drive can prevent downloads. They can check storage in their device settings and delete unused apps or files to free up space.

on their device; a full storage drive can prevent downloads. They can check storage in their device settings and delete unused apps or files to free up space.

Privacy or security concerns

Some users hesitate to accept files from unknown sources. Provide context in your message, such as “Here is the draft contract in PDF format (70 MB), please review.” Encourage recipients to enable security settings. If you suspect your account has been compromised, follow the steps in our account‑recovery guide to regain control before resuming file sharing.

Can’t find the attachment later

Messenger threads can be long. To quickly locate shared files, tap the information icon (an ⓘ) at the top of the chat, then scroll down to “Shared Media” or “Files.” This section lists all attachments in chronological order. You can also use Messenger’s search bar to type the file name and jump to the message containing it. Organizing your files beforehand (as recommended earlier) also makes it easier to locate the original on your device.

Privacy and security considerations

Expanding Messenger’s file limit means more sensitive data could traverse Meta’s servers. Experts caution that while files are encrypted in transit, Messenger’s default chats are not end‑to‑end encrypted. Hootsuite’s analysis of the 2025 Facebook algorithm highlights that Meta is increasingly using artificial intelligence to personalize content and manage feeds. This AI also powers features like Community Notes and content recommendations. When you share files, they may feed into user‑profiling models. To mitigate risks:

Use Secret Conversations: Messenger offers end‑to‑end encryption for one‑to‑one chats. Toggle to this mode when sending particularly sensitive files. Note that you lose some features (like multi‑device sync) in Secret Conversations.
Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra step after your password to verify your identity. Our internal guide on Facebook Two‑Factor Authentication provides step‑by‑step instructions. With 2FA enabled, even if someone guesses your password they cannot access your messages without your secondary code.
Update your operating system: Old OS versions may have security vulnerabilities. Install the latest security patches on your phone or computer before sharing files.
Be cautious with account recovery links: Scammers may impersonate Facebook support and ask for account recovery codes. Trust only official sources and never share your 2FA codes with anyone.

Frequently asked questions

Do group chats support the 100 MB file limit? Yes. Messenger applies the same per‑file limit regardless of whether you send the document to one person or a group. Remember that group chats may have participants with varying connection speeds Yes. Messenger applies the same per‑file limit regardless of whether you send the document to one person or a group. Remember that group chats may have participants with varying connection speeds and storage capacities; check with them before sending large files.

How do I know if my file went through? Messenger displays a small progress bar while uploading. Once complete, a checkmark appears next to your message. Recipients who have seen or downloaded the file will have their profile picture next to the message, just like regular messages.

Can I revoke a file after sending it? Messenger does not allow you to retract a file without leaving a trace. If you delete the message, a note appears in the chat saying that you removed an attachment. Recipients who have already downloaded it will still retain their copy.

What if I need to send files larger than 100 MB? Use a cloud‑storage provider and share the link. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive support files well over 2 GB. Upload the document, generate a sharing link and paste it into Messenger. Most recipients will be able to open the link directly from the chat.

Will Messenger compress my files? Messenger typically does not compress document files like PDFs or Word documents. It may compress images or videos shared outside of the file‑attachment feature (such as sending a photo from your camera roll). For high‑quality image delivery, attach photos through the file‑sharing interface rather than the camera icon.

Conclusion

Meta’s 2025 Messenger update is more than a minor convenience; it reflects the platform’s evolution into an all‑in‑one communication and collaboration tool. By increasing the file limit to 100 MB and adding support for office formats, Messenger reduces friction for everyday users, small businesses and digital marketers. Coupled with other Facebook updates—such as improved algorithmic recommendations and AI‑driven engagement features—the messaging app is becoming a central hub in the Meta ecosystem. Taking full advantage of this feature means understanding its capabilities, following best practices for efficient transfers, and being prepared to troubleshoot occasional hiccups. By keeping your app updated, organizing files thoughtfully and prioritizing privacy, you can leverage Messenger’s new file‑sharing capability to streamline workflows and stay connected without leaving the app. And if you haven’t already, explore our guides on account security and recovery to ensure your Facebook presence remains safe while you share.