What causes "Proton Drive Storage Full: Sync and Uploads Stopped"?

Downgraded or cancelled a paid plan while using more than the free limit Renewal payment failed and the account was downgraded Free trial or promotional storage expired Storage shared with Proton Mail filled up Deleted files still in the trash counting toward usage

How do I fix "Proton Drive Storage Full: Sync and Uploads Stopped"?

1. Check what's using space: Open account.proton.me and go to Settings to see storage usage per app Note whether Mail or Drive is over the limit 2. Delete files and empty the trash: Delete files or emails you no longer need Empty the Drive trash so the space is actually freed Sync resumes once you're under the limit 3. Upgrade to a plan that fits: Pick a plan with enough storage on the pricing page Proton notes that if you've never had a paid plan, you can't exceed your limits 4. Download a backup before the deadline: You have one year after access is limited Download important files from drive.proton.me before then, since Proton can't selectively delete files

// troubleshooting guide · proton drive

Proton Drive Storage Full: Sync and Uploads Stopped

Status: Workaround available
platforms:: All
updated:: November 15, 2026
reports:: 2
Method: how we research

RUNBOOK · proton-drive/storage-full-sync-stopped4 FIXES

// quick answer

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.

Most likely fix: Check what's using space

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

FIX 1Check what's using space
1. 01Open account.proton.me and go to Settings to see storage usage per app
2. 02Note whether Mail or Drive is over the limit
Did this fix it?
FIX 2Delete files and empty the trash
1. 01Delete files or emails you no longer need
2. 02Empty the Drive trash so the space is actually freed
3. 03Sync resumes once you're under the limit
Did this fix it?
FIX 3Upgrade to a plan that fits
1. 01Pick a plan with enough storage on the pricing page
2. 02Proton notes that if you've never had a paid plan, you can't exceed your limits
Did this fix it?
FIX 4Download a backup before the deadline
1. 01You have one year after access is limited
2. 02Download important files from drive.proton.me before then, since Proton can't selectively delete files
Did this fix it?

Symptoms

In-app or email warnings that you're over your limit, devices no longer sync, uploads are blocked and photo backup shows 'Storage is full'.

Why it happens

C-01Downgraded or cancelled a paid plan while using more than the free limit
C-02Renewal payment failed and the account was downgraded
C-03Free trial or promotional storage expired
C-04Storage shared with Proton Mail filled up
C-05Deleted files still in the trash counting toward usage

// this guide also covers

proton drive storage full
proton drive over storage limit
proton drive stopped syncing after downgrade

Still not working?

If Proton Drive keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Proton Drive problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

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