Proton Drive Not Working? Common Errors & Fixes

Proton Drive on Windows usually stops syncing because the app is outdated, a file is open in another program, a name has unsupported characters or the VPN route is congested. Update the app from About, check the Activity tab for flagged items, then pause and resume sync.

On macOS, Proton Drive sync problems show in the menu bar app. Click Details on the error for Proton's suggested fix, resume sync if it is paused, check you're online and update the app; the app retries most failed items on its own.

Proton Drive encrypts every file on your device before upload, so many small files, deeply nested folders, VPN routing and old app versions make transfers slow. Update the app, upload big batches as fewer larger files or via the web app, and don't pause transfers that are progressing.

Proton Drive photo backup stops on 'Storage is full', 'Missing permission', 'Waiting for WiFi' or 'Low device storage'. Fix the error shown, allow background activity, keep the app open for big backups, and toggle photo backup off and on if it stays stuck.

Proton Drive has no graphical Linux sync app as of November 2026; Proton says one is in development. Today you can use the web app, the official Proton Drive CLI (no continuous sync, run it on a timer) or the unofficial rclone backend.

rclone's Proton Drive backend hits Proton's undocumented rate limits, causing 'Too many recent API requests' and syncs that never finish. Lower --transfers and --checkers, avoid mounts, and consider Proton's own Drive CLI for scripted backups.

Proton Drive creates conflict copies or 'Name clash' duplicates when the same file changes on two devices or a folder is re-linked, even if the files are identical. Let one device finish syncing first, keep the correct copy, and restore lost versions from version history or trash.

When your account is over its storage limit (often after a downgrade, failed renewal or expired promo), Proton Drive stops device sync, uploads and photo backup. Delete files and empty the trash, or upgrade; you have one year before data in over-limit apps risks deletion.

The Proton free plan starts at 2 GB; the advertised 5 GB includes up to 3 GB you earn by completing simple setup actions in your account. Complete the onboarding tasks to unlock it; promotional bonus storage can expire and drop you back.

Cancel Proton Drive on the web at account.proton.me under Settings > Subscription > Cancel subscription, or in the App Store / Google Play if you subscribed there. You keep paid features until the period ends. Refunds are prorated within 30 days of the first purchase; after that they are at Proton's discretion.