When you try to upload a file to a Notion page using the web browser, you may see the error message “File Upload Failed” and the file never appears. This error typically occurs due to browser restrictions, network interruptions, or file size limits imposed by Notion. This article explains the root causes of the upload failure and provides step-by-step fixes to resolve the issue on Windows and Mac.
Key Takeaways: Fixing Notion File Upload Failed on Web
- Clear browser cache and cookies: Stale data can block file uploads; clearing them often resolves the issue.
- Check file size and type limits: Notion limits uploads to 5 MB on Free plan and 20 MB on Plus plan; files over the limit will fail.
- Disable browser extensions: Ad blockers and security extensions can interfere with Notion’s upload process; try disabling them temporarily.
Why Notion Displays “File Upload Failed” on Web
Notion’s web upload process relies on the browser’s ability to send a multipart form request to Notion’s servers. If the browser cannot complete this request due to memory limits, extension interference, or network timeout, the upload fails. The error message is generic and does not specify the exact blocker. Common technical causes include:
Browser Cache and Cookies Corruption
Your browser stores cached files and cookies from previous Notion sessions. If these become corrupted or outdated, they can prevent the upload request from being sent correctly. Clearing the cache forces the browser to fetch fresh resources from Notion’s server.
File Size Exceeds Notion Upload Limit
Notion enforces strict file size limits depending on your plan. The Free plan allows files up to 5 MB. The Plus plan allows up to 20 MB. Business and Enterprise plans allow up to 200 MB. If the file exceeds these limits, the upload fails without a clear error message in some cases.
Browser Extensions Blocking Uploads
Extensions such as ad blockers, privacy tools, or script blockers can prevent Notion from initiating the file upload dialog or completing the request. Extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or Ghostery are common culprits.
Network Interruptions or Firewall Rules
Corporate firewalls, VPNs, or proxy servers may block the upload endpoint used by Notion. If your network administrator restricts file uploads to certain domains, the request will fail.
Steps to Fix Notion File Upload Failed on Web
Follow these steps in order. Test the upload after each step to see if the issue is resolved.
- Clear browser cache and cookies for Notion
Open your browser settings. For Chrome: click the three-dot menu, select More Tools, then Clear Browsing Data. Set the time range to All time. Check both Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear data. For Edge or Firefox, use the equivalent settings. After clearing, restart the browser and visit Notion again. - Check the file size before uploading
Right-click the file on your computer and select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac). Note the file size. Compare it to your Notion plan limits. If the file exceeds the limit, compress the file using a tool like 7-Zip (Windows) or Archive Utility (Mac) before uploading. For images, resize them to under the limit using Paint or Preview. - Disable all browser extensions
Open your browser’s extension manager. For Chrome: click the three-dot menu, select Extensions, then Manage Extensions. Toggle off each extension. For Edge: click the puzzle icon, then Manage Extensions. Disable all extensions. Reload Notion and try the upload again. If it works, re-enable extensions one by one to find the blocker. - Use a private or incognito window
Open a new private browsing window. For Chrome: press Ctrl+Shift+N. For Edge: Ctrl+Shift+N. For Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+P. Log in to Notion in that window and attempt the upload. This bypasses cache and most extensions. - Switch to a different browser
If the issue persists in your default browser, try a different browser. For example, if you use Chrome, try Edge or Firefox. Install the browser if needed, log in to Notion, and upload the file. - Disable VPN or proxy temporarily
If you use a VPN or proxy, disconnect from it. Then reload Notion and try the upload. If the upload succeeds, your VPN or proxy is blocking the connection. Add Notion to your VPN’s split-tunnel settings or whitelist the domain notion.so in your proxy. - Check your network firewall or corporate policy
If you are on a corporate network, contact your IT department. Ask them to allow uploads to notion.so and its subdomains. If you control the firewall, add an exception for the domain notion.so and all subdomains. - Update your browser to the latest version
Outdated browsers may have bugs that affect file uploads. For Chrome: click the three-dot menu, select Help, then About Google Chrome. The browser will check for updates and install them automatically. Restart the browser after the update.
If Notion Still Shows File Upload Failed
Upload gets stuck at 0% or 50% and then fails
This indicates a network timeout or a very large file. Try reducing the file size further. For documents, split the file into multiple smaller files. For videos, compress using HandBrake. Also try uploading during off-peak hours when network congestion is lower.
Error only occurs with specific file types
Notion supports images (PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG), documents (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX), and other common formats. Unsupported file types like .exe, .dmg, or .zip with certain contents may be blocked. Convert the file to a supported format or place it inside a standard .zip archive and try again.
Upload works on desktop app but not on web
This confirms the issue is browser-related. Follow steps 1, 3, and 4 again. If the problem persists, reset your browser settings to default. For Chrome: go to Settings, click Reset and clean up, then Restore settings to their original defaults. This removes all extensions, cookies, and site data without deleting bookmarks or passwords.
Notion File Upload Limits by Plan
| Plan | Max File Size | Max Attachments |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 5 MB | No limit |
| Plus | 20 MB | No limit |
| Business | 200 MB | No limit |
| Enterprise | 200 MB | No limit |
All plans allow unlimited attachments. However, file size limits apply per individual file. If you need to upload larger files, upgrade your plan or compress the file before uploading.
You now have a clear set of steps to resolve the “File Upload Failed” error in Notion on web. Start with clearing browser cache and disabling extensions, as these are the most common causes. If the issue persists, check your network environment and file size limits. For advanced users, use the browser’s Developer Tools (F12) and inspect the Network tab to see if the upload request returns a specific HTTP error code such as 413 or 504, which can help your IT team diagnose firewall or server issues.