What to Do When Files Won’t Upload in Teams

Introduction

File upload issues in Microsoft Teams can interrupt collaboration and delay workflows. Understanding the causes and following a step-by-step troubleshooting process can help restore normal functionality and enable seamless file sharing.

Common Causes

• File Size Limits: Files exceeding 250 GB (OneDrive/SharePoint limit for Teams) cannot be uploaded.

• Unsupported Formats: Certain file types may not be allowed.

• Permissions Issues: Insufficient permissions for uploading files in the team or channel.

• Network Problems: Unstable or disconnected internet connections.

• Cache or Sync Issues: Outdated Teams cache or sync errors between Teams and OneDrive/SharePoint.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Verify File Size and Format

• Check the File Size: Ensure the file is less than 250 GB. For larger files:
  • Compress the file (e.g., using .zip format).
  • Share via OneDrive directly and provide a link in the Teams chat or channel.
• Ensure File Format Compatibility: Common formats like .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf, and .jpg are supported. For unsupported formats, convert the file into an acceptable format before uploading.

2. Check Permissions in the Team or Channel

• Verify Upload Permissions:

  • Navigate to the specific channel.
  • Ensure the channel’s permissions allow file uploads. Team owners can adjust these settings in Manage Team > Settings > Member Permissions.

  
  

• Ask for Assistance:

  • Contact the team owner or IT admin to ensure your role allows file uploads.
  • For guest users, ensure guest access is enabled in the Teams admin centre.

  
  

3. Test Network Connectivity

• Run a Speed Test: Check if your connection is stable and has sufficient upload bandwidth.
• Reconnect or Switch Networks:
  • Reconnect to your Wi-Fi or use a wired Ethernet connection.
  • Switch to a different network if the problem persists.
• Check Proxy or VPN Settings: VPNs or proxies can sometimes block Teams uploads. Temporarily disable them and try again.

4. Clear Microsoft Teams Cache

• On Windows:
  1. Close Teams completely.
  2. Navigate to %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams in File Explorer.
  3. Delete the contents of the folder but leave the folder itself.
  4. Restart Teams and retry the upload.
• On Mac:
  1. Close Teams.
  2. Go to ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Teams.
  3. Delete the cache files and restart Teams.

5. Sync OneDrive and SharePoint

• Ensure Proper Syncing: Files uploaded to Teams are stored in SharePoint or OneDrive, depending on the team’s configuration.
  1. Open OneDrive or SharePoint in your browser.
  2. Navigate to the shared library for your team.
  3. Ensure the storage is synced and not full.
• Manually Sync Files:
  • Use the Sync option in OneDrive or SharePoint to ensure Teams updates are reflected correctly.

6. Update Microsoft Teams

• Check for Updates:
  1. Open Microsoft Teams.
  2. Click on your profile picture and select Check for updates.
  3. Allow Teams to download and install the latest version.
• Reinstall Teams: If updates do not resolve the issue, uninstall and reinstall the application.

7. Try Alternative Methods

• Drag-and-Drop: Drag the file directly into the channel’s Posts tab or Files tab.
• Upload via SharePoint: Open the Files tab in the channel and click Open in SharePoint. Upload the file directly through SharePoint.

Conclusion

If the issue persists after these steps, escalate to your IT administrator, Microsoft Support or ​Create a Ticket for advanced troubleshooting. Sharing files in Teams is vital for collaboration, so resolving upload issues promptly ensures that workflows remain uninterrupted.