Google Drive users were shocked to discover an undisclosed limit on the number of files they could upload to the popular cloud storage service. The cap, set at 5 million files, was only exposed after users encountered issues with their accounts. Reports from Reddit and CNET highlighted the problem, revealing that both individual and business users faced upload failures without any clear explanations.
Unraveling the Mystery: Google Drive’s Undisclosed 5 Million File Limit
This undisclosed limitation has caused confusion and inconvenience, with users scrambling to fix their broken automated systems and backup processes. Upgrading to a larger storage plan did not resolve the issue, leaving users perplexed. Google’s customer service agents eventually acknowledged the 5 million file limit in responses to affected users, asserting that it was necessary to ensure consistent performance and reliability.
However, the enforcement of this restriction appears to be inconsistent. Some users reported hitting the limit at only 1 million files. Those encountering Error 403, which indicates the account’s file limit has been exceeded, have now stumbled upon this hidden obstacle.
Google has yet to officially document this limitation, causing further confusion. While competitor services like Dropbox and Box do not impose file limits, Google Drive’s help page only discusses individual file restrictions. Shared drive accounts have a clearly stated 400,000 file limit, but the 5 million file cap remains unaddressed.
Users now face tough choices: switch to a different service or another Google account, or start deleting files. This decision is especially difficult for large organizations. Organizations those who rely on cloud backups. Incremental backup software, which creates multiple small files, exacerbates the problem, as evidenced by the Reddit user who brought this issue to light.
A temporary workaround suggested by fellow Redditors involves compressing all documents into a few zip files. But this is hardly an ideal solution. The lack of transparency from Google regarding the file limit remains a concern for many users.
