Fix Discord Error 50045 File Uploaded Exceeds Maximum Size Server Limit

You try to upload a file to a Discord channel and see Error 50045: “File uploaded exceeds maximum size server limit.” This error occurs when the file you are sharing is larger than the upload limit set for that specific server or channel. Discord enforces file size limits based on the server’s Boost Tier and the channel’s settings. This article explains why Error 50045 appears and provides the exact steps to fix it, including how to check your server’s current upload limit and how to reduce your file size.

Why Discord Error 50045 Appears

Discord restricts file upload sizes per server. The limit depends on the server’s Boost Tier. A server with no boosts allows uploads up to 25 MB. Tier 1 boosts raise the limit to 50 MB. Tier 2 boosts increase it to 100 MB. Tier 3 boosts allow up to 500 MB. If your file exceeds the server’s current limit, Discord returns Error 50045 and blocks the upload.

The error can also appear if you are uploading to a channel that has a custom upload limit set by the server admin. Admins can lower the per-channel limit below the server’s Boost Tier maximum. Additionally, if you are using a bot that imposes its own file size restrictions, the error may show even if the server limit is higher.

Discord does not have a global user setting to increase file upload limits. The limit is always determined by the server’s Boost Tier and channel configuration. Therefore, you must either reduce the file size, increase the server’s Boost Tier, or use an alternative sharing method.

Steps to Fix Error 50045 When Uploading a File

1. Check the server’s current upload limit
   Open Discord and navigate to the server where the error occurred. Right-click the server name in the left sidebar and select Server Settings. Click Overview in the left menu. Look at the Boost Status section. The displayed tier shows the maximum file upload size for the server. For example, if the server is at Tier 1, the limit is 50 MB.
2. Check the channel’s upload limit if applicable
   If the server has multiple channels, ask the server admin if a specific channel has a lower upload limit. Admins can set this in Server Settings > Channels > [Channel Name] > Permissions > Attach Files. If the channel permission is set to a lower value, the file must be smaller than that custom limit.
3. Compress the file to a smaller size
   Use a file compression tool to reduce the file size below the server limit. For images, use an image optimizer like TinyPNG or JPEGmini. For videos, use a video compressor like HandBrake or clip the video to a shorter length. For documents, compress PDFs using Adobe Acrobat or a free online tool. Aim for a file size at least 1 MB below the limit to avoid a borderline rejection.
4. Split the file into multiple smaller files
   If compression is not possible or does not reduce the size enough, split the file into parts. For large videos or archives, use a tool like 7-Zip (Windows) or Keka (Mac) to create a multi-volume archive. Upload each part separately. Recipients will need to combine the parts to access the full file.
5. Upload the file to a cloud service and share a link
   Upload the file to Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, or another cloud storage provider. Once the file is uploaded, generate a share link. Copy the link and paste it into the Discord channel. This method bypasses Discord’s file size limit entirely and allows recipients to download the file directly.
6. Request a server boost to increase the limit
   If you are a server admin or have permission to manage the server, you can increase the upload limit by boosting the server. Go to Server Settings > Server Boost. Click Boost This Server and follow the prompts. Each boost contributes to the server’s tier. Reaching a higher tier raises the file upload limit for all members.

If Discord Still Shows Error 50045 After Reducing the File Size

File Is Still Above the Limit After Compression

If you compressed the file but the error persists, verify the new file size. Right-click the compressed file and select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac). Compare the size to the server limit shown in Server Settings. If the file is still larger, compress again with a higher compression ratio or use a different tool. For video files, reducing the resolution or bitrate can significantly lower the size.

Server Admin Has Set a Lower Per-Channel Limit

The server admin may have set a per-channel upload limit that is lower than the server’s Boost Tier limit. Ask the admin to check Server Settings > Channels > [Channel Name] > Permissions. Look for the Attach Files permission. If it is set to a custom value, the admin can increase it to match the server tier or remove the custom limit entirely.

Using a Bot That Enforces Its Own File Size Limit

Some bots, such as music bots or file-sharing bots, enforce their own file size limits that are separate from Discord’s. If the error appears when using a bot command, check the bot’s documentation. You may need to upload the file to a cloud service and send the link via the bot instead.

Discord File Upload Limits: No Boost vs Tier 1 vs Tier 2 vs Tier 3

Item	No Boost	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3
File upload limit	25 MB	50 MB	100 MB	500 MB
Required boosts	0	2	7	14
Additional features	None	Custom invite background, 50 emoji slots, 1080p video quality	Custom invite background, 100 emoji slots, 1080p video quality, 150 KB upload for emoji	Custom invite background, 250 emoji slots, 4K video quality, 256 KB upload for emoji, vanity URL

File upload limits apply to all file types including images, videos, audio, documents, and archives. The limits are per-file, not per-day. You can upload multiple files as long as each individual file is under the limit.

Conclusion

Discord Error 50045 is caused by a file that exceeds the server’s upload limit, which is set by the server’s Boost Tier or by channel permissions. You can fix the error by compressing the file, splitting it into parts, or uploading it to a cloud service and sharing a link. If you manage the server, you can increase the limit by boosting the server to a higher tier. For future uploads, consider using a cloud storage link for files larger than 25 MB to avoid the error entirely. Check the server’s current Boost Tier by going to Server Settings > Overview before attempting any uploads.