Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage services out there. It is used by millions of people around the world to store, access, and share files online. Whether photos, videos, documents, or large folders, Google Drive makes it easy to upload and share with others.
But sometimes, when you try to download a file that someone has shared with you, you might see an annoying error message:
“Download quota exceeded for this file, so you can’t download it at this time.” Or “Sorry, you can’t view or download this file at this time. Too many users have viewed or downloaded this file recently.”
This issue can be frustrating, especially if you need the file right away. Don’t worry! In this blog, we will explain what causes the Google Drive download quota exceeded error and show you step-by-step how to fix it easily. We will also share some tips on how to avoid running into this problem again in the future.
Why Does the “Download Quota Exceeded for This File” Error Happen?
Before diving into solutions, it is important to understand why the download quota exceeded error occurs. Google Drive has a limit on how much data can be downloaded from a file in a specific period to prevent misuse and reduce server load. Each time a file is downloaded or accessed via a public link, it uses up some of Google’s download quota. When a file gets downloaded too many times in a short period, Google temporarily stops further downloads for that file.
Here are some common reasons why you might encounter the Google Drive download quota exceeded error:
- High Download Traffic – If a file is popular or publicly shared, it can quickly exceed its download limit. If many individuals are downloading the same file, the Google Drive download quota exceeded message will appear.
- Large Files – Files like videos or software programs that are large in size are more likely to hit the Google Drive download quota quickly than smaller files.
- Shared Files – Files that are shared with a wide audience are more likely to reach the download limit.
- Link Suspended by Google – Google may temporarily block the download link if the file has been downloaded too many times in a short period.
Now that we know what causes this error, let’s look at the different ways to fix it.
How to Fix the “Download Quota Exceeded for This File” Error
Here are a few methods you can follow to resolve the download quota exceeded for this file error and successfully access the file:
1. Make a Copy of the File
One of the simplest solutions to bypass Google Drive download limit is to make a copy of the file. When you make a copy, the new file will have its own download quota, so you will not face the same problem.
Here’s how you can make a copy of the file:
- Open Google Drive and find the file you are trying to download.
- Right-click on the file (or click the three dots in the top-right corner).
- Select “Make a copy” from the menu.
The file will be copied to your Google Drive. You can then access or share this new file without encountering the Google Drive quota exceeded issue.
If You Are Not the Owner:
Since you are not the owner, you will have to copy the file to your Google Drive and then download it from your drive.
- Paste the drive link in the URL box of your browser.
- Click the Add to Drive button.
- Save the shortcut to any of your preferred locations, open your GDrive, and go to the shortcut file you created.
- Right-click on the file and click on Make a copy.
- Now save the copy at your preferred location on the drive, and then you can download the file without any hassle.
Also know: How to Change Google Chrome Incognito Mode Color Theme
2. Use Incognito Mode or a Different Google Account
Sometimes, the Google Drive download quota is tied to your Google account. If you have tried to download the same file several times, Google might limit your access. In this case, using Incognito mode in your browser or switching to a different Google account can help.
Steps to access the file in Incognito mode:
- Open Google Chrome (or any browser you are using).
- Open your browser and press Ctrl+Shift+N (on Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (on Mac) to open an Incognito window.
- Log in to Google Drive in the Incognito window.
- Try to download the file again.
If you have multiple Google accounts, you can log into a different account and access the file from there. This may bypass Google Drive download quota exceeded restriction.
3. Wait for the Quota to Reset
If none of the above solutions work, the only thing you can do is wait. Google Drive download quota limits typically reset after 24 hours. So if you are not in a rush, you can try downloading the file again after a day.
The key here is patience, as this solution does not require any technical changes on your end.
If you are trying to download a file shared by someone else and hitting the Google Drive download quota exceeded error, the best approach may be to ask the owner to share the file again.
Steps the owner can follow:
- The owner can make a copy of the file in their own Google Drive.
- The new copy will have its download quota and will not exceed the limit.
- The owner can then share the new link with you, and you can download the file without issues.
Alternatively, the file owner can upload the file to Google Drive again and share the new link with you.
5. Upload the File to a Different Cloud Storage Service
If the file is urgently needed and you are unable to wait or get access via a copy, you can ask the file owner to upload the file to a different cloud service.
If you have access to the file on your device, you can upload it to a different cloud storage platform and share the link with others. This will bypass Google Drive download limit entirely.
6. Convert the File to a Different Format
In some cases, converting a file to a different format can help bypass Google Drive download quota exceeded issue. For instance, if you are trying to download a video and encountering the error, converting the video to a different format might help.
This method can be particularly useful if the file is a large one and is commonly downloaded by many users. Converting it to a different file type can trick Google Drive into treating it as a new file, potentially bypassing the limit.
Also know: Best Free Google Photos Alternatives With Unlimited Storage
How to Prevent “Download Quota Exceeded” Error in the Future?
While the steps above can help you resolve the issue, it is also useful to know how to avoid the download quota exceeded error in the future. Here are some tips to prevent the problem.
1. Limit Sharing of Large Files
Try not to share large files publicly or widely. If a file is meant for a small group of people, consider sharing it privately with specific users instead of using a public link. This will help prevent too many downloads from a single file.
2. Create Multiple Copies
If you have a file that is likely to be downloaded many times, create multiple copies of the file in Google Drive and share those copies. This will distribute the download quota usage across different links, reducing the chances of hitting the limit.
3. Upgrade to Google Drive Paid Plans
Google Drive offers more storage and bandwidth for users with paid plans. If you frequently deal with large files or have a lot of downloads, consider upgrading to a Google One plan. This will not only give you more storage but also more flexibility in handling file downloads.
4. Use Other Cloud Storage Platforms
If you regularly share large files and want to avoid the Google Drive download quota exceeded issue, consider using other cloud storage services. They can offer similar features and may have different download limits or more flexibility for heavy users.
Conclusion
The download quota exceeded for this file error in Google Drive can be frustrating, especially when you need a file urgently. However, there are several simple solutions to fix the issue, including making a copy of the file, using incognito mode, or waiting for the quota to reset. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly regain access to your files and continue your work with minimal interruptions.
We hope this article resolves the issue for you and you can download your files. In case of any queries, feel free to reach out to us.
