How do I search for emails with attachments bigger than 10MB in Gmail?

In the Gmail search bar, type 'larger:10M' or 'size:10MB' and press Enter. Gmail will filter all incoming and outgoing conversations that contain files or embedded attachments exceeding 10 megabytes.

Can I delete only the attachment and keep the email text in Gmail?

Google does not provide a native button to strip an attachment while keeping the email thread. If you want to keep the text, forward the email to yourself without the attachment before deleting the original email. Alternatively, downloading the attached file to your local computer and deleting the thread preserves your document offline.

What is the quickest way to delete emails over 5MB in bulk?

Type 'larger:5M' in the Gmail search box, click the square select checkbox in the top toolbar, click 'Select all conversations that match this search', click the Trash icon, and immediately click 'Empty Trash now' in your Trash folder.

Why is an automated email cleaner safer than third-party desktop apps?

Desktop utilities often require downloading software that demands your full username and password, storing your credentials locally. In contrast, client-side browser tools like AskTechAdvisor Email Cleaner use official Google OAuth 2.0 tokens that execute entirely in your browser without ever transmitting your emails to a third-party database.

How to Find & Delete Large Attachments in Gmail (Free Up GBs)

How to Find Large Emails in Gmail (In 10 Seconds)

Direct Answer: To find emails with large attachments in Gmail, click the search bar at the top of Gmail and type has:attachment larger:10M (or size:5m), then press Enter. This instantly filters all emails containing attachments greater than 10 megabytes.

Standard text emails take up mere kilobytes of space. What fills up your 15GB Google quota are oversized PDF portfolios, video clips, zip files, and photo albums.

Deleting just 100 heavy attachments can free up 2GB to 5GB of storage, instantly preventing your account from locking up.

Option 1: Automated 1-Click Cleaner (Fastest & Easiest)

If you want to quickly free up gigabytes without typing complex search commands or reviewing pages one by one, use our free client-side tool:

Option 2: Manual Search Operators in Gmail (Step-by-Step)

If you prefer to find and delete large attachments manually directly inside Gmail without using any tools, use Google's built-in search operators below.

Gmail Size Search Operators (Cheat Sheet)

Gmail supports powerful hidden search operators that filter emails by file size, file format, and age:

Search Operator	What It Finds
`larger:10M`	All emails exceeding 10 Megabytes
`size:5m`	All emails exceeding 5 Megabytes
`has:attachment larger:20M`	Only emails with attachments over 20MB
`filename:pdf larger:5M`	Heavy PDF documents over 5MB
`filename:mp4` or `filename:mov`	Video files embedded in emails
`larger:10M older_than:2y`	Outdated large attachments over 2 years old

Step-by-Step: How to Delete Large Attachments in Bulk

Follow this exact 4-step sequence on your desktop browser:

Step 1: Run the Size Query

In the search bar, type: has:attachment larger:10M Press Enter.

Step 2: Select All Matching Conversations

✓Click the small square checkbox in the top left toolbar (just above your first email).
✓By default, Gmail only selects the 50 conversations on the current page.
✓Look for the blue notice in the center: "Select all conversations that match this search" and click it. (This selects all matching emails across your entire account history).

Step 3: Send to Trash

Click the Trash Can icon in the top action bar. All selected emails with large attachments are moved to the Trash.

Step 4: Repeat for 5MB Attachments

Now run: has:attachment larger:5M Repeat the bulk select and delete process.

Don't Forget: Empty Your Trash Folder!

Crucial Warning: Deleted emails stay in your Trash folder for 30 days and still count against your 15GB Google storage limit!

To immediately reclaim your space:

✓Click More in the left sidebar of Gmail.
✓Click Trash (or Bin).
✓Click the link at the top: "Empty Trash now".
✓Confirm deletion.

Within a few minutes, your Google storage meter will update, your inbox will be unblocked, and incoming emails will resume instantly.