Why Discord Fails to Upload Files (and How to Fix It)

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Discord has become a go-to platform for communication among gamers, tech communities, educators, and casual users alike. It’s celebrated for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and ability to support voice, video, and file sharing capabilities. But like any digital service, it’s not without its hiccups. One of the most frustrating issues Discord users encounter is the inability to upload files. Whether it’s an image, video, or document, hitting that upload button only to see an error can be deeply annoying—especially when you don’t know what’s causing it.

This article dives into the reasons why Discord fails to upload files and provides a comprehensive guide on how to fix these issues. So, if you’re stuck staring at a stubborn file that just won’t send, read on—help is here.

Contents

Common Reasons Discord Fails to Upload Files

Several variables could be contributing to your file upload problems. Understanding what might be going wrong is the first step toward finding a solution.

  • File Size Limitation
  • Internet Connectivity Issues
  • Discord Server Outages
  • Insufficient Permissions
  • Cache or Temporary File Glitches
  • File Type Restrictions or Corruption

1. File Size Limitations

One of the most common causes is trying to upload a file that’s too large. Discord limits file uploads for non-Nitro users to 8MB, while Nitro subscribers can upload files up to 100MB or even 500MB with Nitro Basic and Nitro respectively.

If you’re attempting to send a video, high-resolution image, or even a large PDF, Discord may reject it if it exceeds your account’s allowance.

How to Fix:

  • Use a file compression tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip to reduce the file size.
  • Upload the file to cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) and share the link instead.
  • Upgrade to Discord Nitro for higher upload limits.

2. Unstable or Slow Internet Connection

A poor internet connection can prevent files from uploading. You might experience timeouts or receive errors indicating that the upload failed or was incomplete. Discord needs a stable connection, especially when handling uploads.

How to Fix:

  • Check your internet speed using platforms like Speedtest.net.
  • Restart your router or switch to a wired Ethernet connection for better stability.
  • Close bandwidth-heavy apps like video streaming or cloud syncing utilities while uploading.

3. Discord Server Issues

Though rare, Discord’s servers occasionally experience outages or slowdowns, affecting all of its services—including file uploads. These server-side issues are usually temporary but can still be inconvenient.

How to Fix:

  • Check Discord’s status page at discordstatus.com.
  • Follow Discord’s official Twitter support account for live updates.
  • Wait for the issue to resolve on its own; server-related problems generally don’t require user intervention.

4. Insufficient Permissions

If you’re trying to upload a file in a server or channel where you don’t have the proper permissions, Discord won’t allow it. Server moderators can restrict file uploads to certain roles or members.

How to Fix:

  • Contact the server admin and request upload permissions.
  • Try uploading your file in a different text channel where permissions may be more relaxed.
  • Make sure you are logged into the right Discord account with appropriate roles.

5. Cache or Temporary File Glitches

Over time, Discord’s cache can become cluttered with outdated or corrupted data, which may interfere with file uploads.

How to Fix:

  • Clear Discord’s cache. On Windows, navigate to: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\discord\Cache and delete files in this folder.
  • Mac users can find the cache here: ~/Library/Application Support/discord/Cache.
  • Restart Discord after clearing the cache.

6. Unsupported or Corrupt Files

Discord supports a wide range of file formats, but not all. Additionally, files that are partially corrupted or improperly saved may not upload properly.

How to Fix:

  • Try opening the file on your system to make sure it’s not corrupt.
  • Convert the file into a more commonly supported format (like PNG, JPG, MP4, or PDF).
  • Rename the file and try uploading again—sometimes even tweaking the name can circumvent weird glitches.

Device-Specific Solutions

On Desktop

If you’re using the Discord desktop app or web version, the problem could stem from specific settings on your computer or browser.

  • Browser Cache: If using the web app, clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
  • App Reinstall: Uninstall Discord and reinstall the latest version from the official website.
  • Run as Admin: Sometimes running the app as a system administrator can resolve hidden permission issues.

On Mobile

File uploads may also fail through the mobile app, either because of app bugs or device-based restrictions.

  • App Update: Make sure you’re using the latest version of Discord.
  • Reboot Device: Restarting your phone can clear background processes that interfere with Discord.
  • Permission Settings: Ensure the Discord app has file access permissions enabled in your phone’s settings.

General Troubleshooting Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to walk through when you get the dreaded “Upload Failed” message:

  1. Check file size and format.
  2. Confirm your internet connection is stable.
  3. Look for Discord outages on their status page.
  4. Make sure you have permissions in the server or channel.
  5. Clear your Discord cache or app storage.
  6. Try alternative upload methods like cloud storage.

When to Contact Discord Support

If you’ve tried all of the above and the issue persists, it might be time to reach out to Discord support. Here’s when it’s a good idea:

  • The issue affects multiple servers and channels.
  • Other users aren’t having the same problem, indicating it may be account-specific.
  • Your file uploads time out consistently, even on a strong internet connection.

You can visit support.discord.com to submit a ticket with detailed information about your problem, including screenshots, file sizes, and actions taken so far.

Conclusion

Despite being one of the most robust communication platforms available, Discord is still susceptible to occasional file upload issues. The good news is that most of these problems are relatively simple to identify and fix. From checking file sizes to clearing cache and requesting proper permissions, you now have the tools to troubleshoot and resolve almost any upload hiccup.

Next time Discord fails to upload your file, you won’t be left scrambling. Armed with this guide, you’ll know exactly what to check and how to restore functionality swiftly and smoothly.