Hi, I'm Alex, a tech enthusiast with a passion for all things Apple. I've been using their products for years, helping friends and family navigate the digital world. Let's dive into your question about Mail Drop.

Understanding Mail Drop

Before we jump into enabling it, let's be clear about what Mail Drop is and isn't. Essentially, it's a handy feature by Apple that lets you send large files through email without clogging up inboxes.

Think of it like this: you wouldn't try to send a heavy package through regular mail – you'd use a courier service. Mail Drop acts like your personal courier for big attachments.

Here's the catch: Mail Drop doesn't magically increase your email provider's storage limit. It works by temporarily uploading your large files to iCloud and then sending a link to the recipient. They can download the file from iCloud, bypassing the size limitations of traditional email.

Mail Drop Requirements

Now, to answer your question about enabling Mail Drop, you don't actually "enable" it like a setting. It's more about meeting certain requirements for it to kick in automatically. Here's what you need:


1. Using Apple's Mail App: Mail Drop primarily works when you're sending emails from Apple's Mail app on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. If you're using a different email client (like Outlook or Gmail's web interface), Mail Drop won't be available.


2. File Size Matters: Mail Drop is designed for larger files. While the exact threshold can vary, it generally activates when your email attachment (including the message itself) exceeds 20MB.


3. iCloud Account and Storage: This is crucial. You need an active iCloud account, and sufficient available storage in iCloud to accommodate the file you're trying to send. If you're running low on iCloud storage, Mail Drop might not work.

Mail Drop in Action

Let's say you're trying to send a 500MB video from your Mac using the Mail app. Here's how Mail Drop would work:


1. Automatic Detection: The Mail app recognizes that your attachment is too large for regular email.


2. iCloud Upload: Mail Drop silently uploads the video file to your iCloud storage.


3. Link Generation: Instead of attaching the actual video file, the Mail app inserts a downloadable link into your email.


4. Recipient Download: The recipient receives your email with the link. They click the link to download the video directly from iCloud.

Important Notes

- File Availability: Mail Drop links don't last forever. The recipient typically has 30 days to download the file before the link expires.

- Privacy: Files uploaded through Mail Drop are temporarily stored on Apple's servers. Apple states that these files are not used for any other purpose and are deleted after a certain period.

- Alternatives: If Mail Drop isn't working or you prefer other methods, consider file-sharing services like WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive for sending large files.

Let me know if you have any other questions!
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To activate Mail Drop on non-Yosemite accountsDouble-click the Mail app.Select the Mail menu.Select Preferences...Click on Accounts.Highlight the email account you'd like to use with Mail Drop.Click the Advanced tab.Check "Send large attachments with Mail Drop."read more >>