Table of contents
- How WeTransfer works
- How to send files with the free version
- How to receive and download files sent via WeTransfer
- Security and limitations of the free version
- WeTransfer Pro: what it offers
- Using WeTransfer with the Collect App
- Creating a download link instead of sending an email
- WeTransfer and alternatives: when to use it and When Not
- Advantages of using WeTransfer
In recent years, file sharing has become a daily necessity, not only for those working in the digital world but also for students, creatives, freelancers, and companies. Among the most popular services is WeTransfer, a platform designed to make transferring large files quick and simple.
However, many users do not fully understand its features, the differences between the free and paid versions, or the potential limitations and security issues.
In this guide, I’ll explain how WeTransfer works, what the main benefits are, how to send files up to 2 GB for free, and how to use WeTransfer Pro to send up to 200 GB. You’ll also discover the best alternatives to WeTransfer to get a complete overview.
How WeTransfer works
Understanding how WeTransfer works is much easier than you might think. The idea behind the service is to eliminate the complications of sending email attachments, which often have strict size limits. Instead, WeTransfer allows you to transfer large files without overloading the sender’s or recipient’s inbox.
Here’s how it works: files sent via WeTransfer are temporarily uploaded to the service’s servers, which then generate a unique link. The recipient receives an email containing this link and, by clicking on it, can download the files within a set period. In the free version, files remain available for 7 days before being automatically deleted.
You can access the service in two ways: through the web version on the official site, or via the Collect by WeTransfer app, available for Android and iOS.
How to send files with the free version
Sending files up to a maximum of 2 GB with the free version is extremely intuitive. All you need to do is open the official WeTransfer website, accept the terms of service, and choose whether to send the files directly to an email address or generate a download link to share manually.
Step-by-step procedure:
- Open the official WeTransfer site.
- Click on “Add your files” and select one or more files or folders from your computer (remember: maximum size 2 GB).
- Enter the recipient’s email address and your own address as the sender.
- (Optional) Add a message.
- Press “Transfer” and wait for the upload to finish.
Once completed, the recipient will receive an email with a link to download the files. Alternatively, you can select the “Get transfer link” option to manually create a link you can paste into chats, documents, or collaboration platforms.
How to receive and download files sent via WeTransfer
From the recipient’s perspective, the process is equally straightforward. Once the notification arrives, an email will appear in their inbox indicating who sent the file, the total size, an optional message, and the download link.
By clicking the “Download” button, the recipient is redirected to the official site, where they can download the files in compressed format or individually. No registration or additional software is required: the files can be downloaded directly to a computer or, in the case of mobile devices, to a smartphone or tablet.
Keep in mind, however, that files sent with the free version are only available for 7 days. After this period, the link will no longer work, and a new transfer will be necessary.
Security and limitations of the free version
A common question is: is WeTransfer safe? With the free version, files are not protected by end-to-end encryption. While the service is generally reliable, in sensitive contexts it’s advisable to adopt extra measures. A good practice is to compress files into a ZIP or RAR archive and protect them with a password before sending.
The main limitations of the free version are:
- Maximum file size of 2 GB per transfer.
- No option to customize the download page.
- Files are available for only 7 days.
- No tracking tools for downloads.
For more advanced needs, the solution is WeTransfer Pro.
WeTransfer Pro: what it offers
Users who rely on WeTransfer for professional purposes often upgrade to the paid version. WeTransfer Pro greatly expands functionality, allowing you to send files or folders up to 200 GB per transfer, with 1 TB of cloud storageincluded.
With WeTransfer Pro you can:
- Set a password for each transfer.
- Extend file availability beyond 7 days.
- Create a customized download page with your company’s logo and branding.
- Track downloads to know if and when the recipient accessed the files.
This makes it an ideal tool for photographers, graphic designers, advertising agencies, videomakers, or anyone needing to share large files professionally.
Using WeTransfer with the Collect App
Not everyone knows that there’s also a WeTransfer app, called Collect by WeTransfer, available for free on Google Play and the App Store. The app lets you send photos, videos, and documents directly from your smartphone, with one key advantage: the ability to transfer up to 10 GB at once, even with the free version.
The process is simple:
- Install the app.
- Allow access to photos and files.
- Select the content to send.
- Enter the recipient’s email address (up to 20 contacts in one transfer).
- Optionally add a message.
- Tap “Transfer.”
The recipient will receive an email with a link to download the files.
Creating a download link instead of sending an email
One of WeTransfer’s most useful features is the option to generate a direct download link without having to send an email. This is especially handy when working in teams or sharing files in chats on platforms like Slack, Teams, or even WhatsApp.
The download link can be copied and pasted anywhere, making the experience very flexible. However, even in this case, with the free version, files remain available for just one week.
WeTransfer and alternatives: when to use it and When Not
Although WeTransfer is one of the most widely used services worldwide for quickly transferring files, it is not always the best choice. Its greatest strength is simplicity: no registration required, instant use from the official site, and the ability to send files up to 2 GB in just a few clicks. However, this ease of use comes with limitations, especially for frequent sharing or collaborative document management.
Example
If you need to share smaller files on a regular basis with colleagues, tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive may be more suitable. These platforms don’t just create a download link, but also allow real-time collaboration on the same document, with constant updates and permanent cloud storage.
Imagine preparing a report with teammates: with Drive or Dropbox, you can edit, comment, and save everything in one space, whereas with WeTransfer, you’d need to send a new updated file each time.
Another solid alternative is pCloud, which has gained popularity thanks to its security-oriented approach. Unlike the free version of WeTransfer, which does not include password protection or advanced encryption, pCloud offers higher security standards, making it ideal for sending sensitive material.
Also noteworthy is Smash, a less-known but highly flexible service that allows transfers with no file size limit, eliminating concerns about the maximum size allowed. Smash also lets you customize the download interface, adding a professional touch useful for companies and freelancers who care about branding in the sharing process.
Example
Using WeTransfer is perfect when you need to send large files sporadically, quickly, and without complications sharing a folder of photos with a client or a project video with a friend. However, when sharing becomes daily, collaborative, or requires a history of the files sent via WeTransfer, it’s wise to consider more structured alternatives.
Advantages of using WeTransfer
To sum up, the main strengths of the service are:
- Simplicity
No registration required for the free version. - Speed
Just a couple of clicks to send or receive. - Flexibility
Option to send via email or direct link. - Accessibility
Available on both desktop and mobile.
It is this combination of ease of use and immediacy that makes WeTransfer one of the most appreciated services worldwide.
What now?
Now that you know how WeTransfer works, you can use it more effectively for both occasional transfers and larger projects. The free version is perfect for sending files up to 2 GB, while WeTransfer Pro unlocks professional-grade features, especially for those who regularly handle large files.
If your main need is to share files without hassle, WeTransfer is undoubtedly one of the most practical tools. But don’t forget there are also excellent alternatives to WeTransfer, worth considering depending on your context.
Question and answers
- How does WeTransfer work in practice?
WeTransfer uploads your files to its servers and generates a link for the recipient to download them. - What is the maximum file size allowed?
With the free version you can send up to 2 GB, while with WeTransfer Pro the limit increases to 200 GB. - How long are files available on WeTransfer?
With the free version they remain for 7 days; with Pro you can choose the duration. - Do I need to register to use WeTransfer?
No, the free version requires no registration. - Can I send entire folders?
Yes, you can upload zipped folders or multiple files up to the maximum size allowed. - Is WeTransfer Pro secure?
Yes, it provides advanced features such as password protection and branded links. - Can I create a link without sending an email?
Yes, just select “Get transfer link” to generate a download link. - Is there a mobile app?
Yes, it’s called Collect by WeTransfer and lets you send up to 10 GB from mobile devices. - What happens if I don’t download the file within 7 days?
The link expires, and the file is deleted from the servers. - What are the best alternatives to WeTransfer?
Google Drive, Dropbox, pCloud, and Smash are among the most reliable options for transferring and sharing files.
