How to Send Documents Securely via Gmail

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Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

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• Using the Mobile App
|
• Using a Computer
|
• FAQ

|Show more |Show less

This wikiHow will teach you how to send documents securely in Gmail on a computer and the mobile app. Just compose a new email, tap the three-dots icon, and select Confidential mode. Toggle it on, and then set the expiration date and password. Those you send confidential emails to are unable to download, copy, paste, or forward from your email.

Quick Guide: Sending Documents Securely with Gmail

1. Tap Compose.
2. Tap ⋮ or •••.
3. Tap Confidential mode.
4. Toggle on Confidential mode.
5. Set the expiration date and password.
6. Tap Save.

For popular FAQs on sending documents over Gmail securely, jump to more common questions.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Mobile App

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1. 1
   Open Gmail. This app icon looks like a green, red, yellow, and blue envelope that you can find on one of your Home screens, in the app drawer, or by searching.

   • Most Android phones and tablets come pre-installed with Gmail; however, if you don't have the app, you can download it for free from either the Google Play Store or App Store.
2. 2
   Tap Compose. It's in the lower right corner of your screen with an icon of a pencil.
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3. 3
   Tap ⋮ (Android) or ••• (iOS). This horizontal or vertical three-dot menu icon is in the top right corner of your screen and will prompt a menu to drop-down.
4. 4
   Tap Confidential mode. It's usually in the top to middle of the menu and will open a page of options.
5. 5
   Tap the switch next to "Confidential mode" to turn it on

   

   . More options will display.
6. 6
   Set the expiration and password features. You can set the email to expire in 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or in 5 years. You can use a "Standard" Gmail password, which for other Gmail users means they can open the email normally; non-Gmail users will receive a separate email with the password in it. If you opt for "SMS passcode," the recipients of your email will get a passcode texted to them, but you need to know their phone number for this to work.
7. 7
   Tap Save (Android) or the checkmark (iOS). It's at the top right corner of your screen.
8. 8
   Create your email. Fill in the "To" and "Subject" fields, then enter your message in the body of the email. Since this is a confidential email, you'll see your settings including when the email will expire displayed in a box at the bottom of the email. If you want to change these settings, tap Edit.

   • Tap the paper clip icon to attach documents and other files to your email.
9. 9
   Tap

   

   . This paper airplane icon is located in the top right corner of your screen.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Computer

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1. 1
   Go to https://mail.google.com. You can use any web browser on your computer to access Gmail and send an email.
2. 2
   Click Compose. This button is next to a multicolored plus sign toward the top left corner of your screen.

   • A mini window will open in the lower right corner of your screen.
3. 3
   Click the lock and clock icon. You'll see this icon next to the image icon at the bottom of the "New Message" window.

   • A new window will pop-up in the center of your screen.
4. 4
   Set the expiration and password features. You can set the email to expire in 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or in 5 years and you'll see the date the email expires displayed to the right of your time limit. You can either opt for "No SMS passcode" or "SMS Passcode". However, every confidential email is locked with a password and the basic Gmail password works normally for other Gmail users; non-Gmail users will receive a separate email with the password in it. If you opt for "SMS passcode," the recipients of your email will get a passcode texted to them, but you need to know their phone number for this to work.
5. 5
   Click Save. The "Confidential mode" window will close.
6. 6
   Create your email. Fill in the "To" and "Subject" fields, then enter your message in the body of the email. Since this is a confidential email, you'll see your settings including when the email will expire displayed in a box at the bottom of the email. If you want to change these settings, click Edit.

   • Click the paper clip icon to attach documents and other files to your email.
7. 7
   Click Send, It's in the lower left corner of the "New message" window.
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Common Questions: Sending Confidential Emails

Why won't my attachment upload?

Gmail has a 25 MB attachment limit. If your file is bigger than this, you can upload it to Google Drive and share it that way.

Why is my attachment blocked?

Gmail doesn't allow you to attach executable (.exe) files for security reasons. If you're trying to attach this file, you'll need to use another sharing method.

Why don't I have Confidential mode?

If your Gmail account is a work or school account, you may need to contact your administrator for permission.

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