How to Transfer Large Files Between Devices: Easy Ways to Try

Are you looking for how to transfer large files between devices such as computers, smartphones, and other devices?

Transferring a few photos between devices is easy, but moving hundreds of gigabytes—or even terabytes—of work files, applications, media, or personal data can be challenging. Email has limits on attachment sizes, and cloud storage can involve lengthy upload times...

So, what methods are available for transferring large files between devices? Which ones are faster and more convenient? Read on to find out.

What Are the Ways to Transfer Large Files Between Devices?

The most common methods include:

• Email
• File compression
• Cloud storage
• File splitting
• Online file transfer tools

The pros and cons of each method are detailed below.

1. Send Large Files via Email

Email is often the first method people think of when they need to send files. It works well for documents, images, spreadsheets, and other relatively small attachments. However, if you're wondering how to send large files via email, you may quickly run into attachment size restrictions imposed by email services.

A file that is hundreds of megabytes or several gigabytes in size may exceed the allowed attachment limit. For reference, Gmail limits attachments to 25MB, while Outlook limits them to 20MB.

Email is insufficient for large datasets, videos, software packages, or massive collections of individual files.

2. File Compression

Compressing files into formats like ZIP or 7z can make them easier to transfer.

When dealing with many small files, bundling them into a single compressed archive can effectively reduce the total size. However, the actual space saved depends largely on the data type: documents often compress significantly, whereas the size reduction for JPEG images or MP4 videos is usually much more modest.

Note the distinction between lossless and lossy compression.

Lossless compression preserves the original data, while lossy compression reduces file size by discarding some information, which may affect the quality of images, videos, or audio. When moving large amounts of data, be aware that compression tools might reduce quality, and there is a risk of data loss or corruption during decompression.

3. Transferring large files via the cloud

When it comes to transferring large files between devices, people often think of cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox.

You upload files from the source device to cloud storage, wait for the upload to finish, and then access or download them on the target device. Cloud transfers generally have no file size limits and allow for download keys, offering a degree of added security and stability.

However, there is a well-known downside: it takes a long time. Moving large files totaling hundreds of gigabytes can take hours; transferring 1TB over a typical home connection could take even longer. Furthermore, the uploading device must remain active and connected to the internet throughout the process, and such a prolonged operation can place a strain on the device.

4. Splitting Large Files

If a large file exceeds the limits of certain transfer methods, splitting it into smaller parts for separate transmission is a common workaround. Once all the parts reach the destination device, they can be merged or decompressed.

The downsides are obvious. You must split the original file, transfer each segment, ensure no parts are lost or corrupted, and finally reassemble or decompress the file on the receiving device. This significantly increases complexity and makes the transfer process cumbersome.

5. Online File Transfer Tools

Online file transfer services such as WeTransfer and Smash are designed specifically for sending large files. Depending on the service, you can upload a file, generate a download link, and then send that link to the recipient. This method is simpler than splitting files and faster than uploading them to cloud storage.

When transferring sensitive documents, business files, personal information, or other private data, you need to consider how the service handles uploaded files, how long they remain available, and how access is controlled.

While online transfer tools may be suitable for sending casual files—such as large videos—to friends, it is best to verify their security and reliability when transferring confidential work files or data from an entire computer.

Which file transfer method would you like to choose? Or would you prefer to explore other options? No problem—we have listed another method below that might be an even better fit.

A Simpler Approach to Secure File Transfer: AweSun

The methods mentioned above each have their own advantages and limitations. If none of them quite meet your needs for transferring large files, AweSun offers a simpler approach to secure file transfer between devices.

AweSun offers a file transfer feature that allows you to move files between connected devices without restrictions on file size, frequency, or duration, all while utilizing high-speed transfer channels. Large files are saved directly to the recipient's device as they upload, and you can specify the exact storage location for the transferred files.

How to Transfer Large Files Between Computers Using AweSun

Easy 3-Step Transfer:

1. Download and install AweSun on both the sending and receiving devices, then log in to the same account.
2. Select the target device and click on [Remote File] .
3. Choose the files you want to transfer and send them to your specified location.

When transferring files between two computers, you can also simply initiate a remote control session and drag files directly from the controlling computer to the controlled computer.

Additionally, AweSun has introduced the [Quick-Send Device] feature for even faster file transfers.

How to Use AweSun's Quick-Send Device

For exceptionally large files, AweSun offers the "Quick-Send Device" feature, providing a fast, simple, and convenient way to transfer files.

Setting up [Quick-Send Device] is easy:

Step 1: Enable Quick-Send

Open the AweSun PC client and navigate to:

Settings → File Transfer → Check the box to agree.

This enables fast file transfer.

Step 2: Select Storage Location

If you wish to change where incoming files are saved, select "Change" and specify your desired storage path.

Step 3: Mark the Receiving Device

Locate the device that will receive the files in your device list. Right-click it and select "Mark as: Quick-Send Device."

Step 4: Transfer Files

Return to your desktop and select the files you want to send. Drag them onto the AweSun floating assistant icon in the bottom-right corner to start the transfer.

For reference, tests showed that a 3.2GB file could be transferred in approximately 18 seconds. However, actual transfer speeds may vary depending on network conditions, device performance, and other factors.

AweSun's file transfer feature is particularly convenient and effective for moving large videos, project folders, and backup files.

Transferring Files from Phone to PC with AweSun

Large file transfers aren't limited to PC-to-PC scenarios; you may also need to move files from your phone to a remote computer.

Transferring large files is simple and takes just a few steps:

1.First, open the AweSun app.

2.Select the device you want to transfer files to.

3.Tap "File".

4.Select the destination location.

5.Tap the upload button in the top-right corner.

6.Select the files you wish to transfer.

The selected files are transferred directly to the chosen location on the remote device, providing a convenient way to handle secure file transfer between your phone and a remote PC.

Conclusion

It is not just file size; upload times, storage limits, transfer steps, security, and device compatibility all impact the experience of transferring large files.

If you frequently move large files between your computer and mobile phone, AweSun offers a more secure and direct solution. Give AweSun a try and transfer large files between devices more efficiently!

FAQ

What is the fastest way to transfer large files between devices?

In terms of pure speed, remote transfer and online file transfer are likely the fastest methods. However, transfer speed depends on the connection, file size, device performance, and the transfer method used.

How to Send Large Files via Email?

Generally, files of this size cannot be sent directly, as email providers typically impose lower size limits on attachments. For files around 1TB or larger, consider splitting the file before emailing it, or use a faster and more secure alternative such as AweSun Remote File Transfer.

Does compressing a large file reduce its quality?

Not necessarily. Lossless compression preserves the original data but can be costly, making it uneconomical unless large files are transferred frequently. In contrast, lossy compression reduces file size by removing information, which may affect file quality.

Is it safe to use online file transfer services?

Security depends on how the online transfer tool handles uploaded data, access permissions, encryption, and file retention. For sensitive files, verify the reliability of your chosen tool before uploading and avoid publicly sharing download links.

Is it more convenient to transfer large files using a USB flash drive?

While transferring large files via a USB drive is feasible, it is often limited by storage capacity and requires you to carry the physical device with you. Additionally, if you are transferring files from a smartphone to a computer, you may need to consider port compatibility. For transfers between a phone and a computer, you can use professional remote access tools like Awesun to move large files securely and quickly.