The maximum size for inbound and outbound messages is tied directly to your e-mail account storage.
Each user is alotted a specific amount of e-mail storage when their account is created. This storage limit plays a role in the sending and receiving of mail. Listed below are the standard outbound message sizes in correspondence with the total storage space.
SENDING
The size of the outgoing message is typically not an issue for the end-user. However, large outbound messages (2MB or larger) may not be accepted by the receiving mail server. If the person you are sending to has a full mailbox, or their mail provider has restrictions on incoming messages, your message may not be delivered. In that instance, you may want to check the following:
- Review the error message that is sent to you. There should be an explanation as to why the message could not be received.
- Check with the recipient to make sure that they are receiving mail. In many instances, mail servers are not functioning properly.
- Take a look at the recipient's e-mail address. If the user has an e-mail account at AOL, Hotmail, Yahoo!, Earthlink, Juno, or any other provider with a large user base, there is a greater likelihood that restrictions have been put in place to curb abuse on their system.
- Your mailbox is FULL and the copy of the Sent message is too large and cannot be saved and sent. If this is the case, you can purchase additional storage, or clean out your mailbox.
RECEIVING
In most cases, message size is something to be aware of when receiving e-mail. Large incoming messages will be accepted or rejected depending upon the overall storage the user has left in their account. If the incoming message is larger than the overall space available on the user's account, the message will be rejected (bounce). If you anticipate receiving large attachments (photos, music files, work files), keep your e-mail storage clear to avoid any storage-limitation issues.