Facebook Upload Stuck? Fixes That Work

If your Facebook upload is stuck, the fix is almost always a network issue, a browser cache problem, or a corrupted app cache—not a problem with Facebook’s servers. Start by switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa), which resolves the majority of stuck uploads within seconds. This article walks through the most effective fixes for both the Facebook app and the website, plus what to do when the upload bar sits at 0% or 99%.

Why Uploads Get Stuck in the First Place

Facebook uploads depend on a stable, continuous connection between your device and Facebook’s servers. A stuck upload usually means that connection was interrupted or throttled. The most common causes are:

• Unstable Wi-Fi: Weak signal, interference, or a router that drops packets mid-upload.
• Mobile data throttling: Some carriers slow upload speeds after a certain data cap, which can make large files time out.
• App cache corruption: The Facebook app stores temporary data that can become corrupted and block new uploads.
• Browser extensions or cache: Ad blockers or an overloaded browser cache can interfere with the upload process.
• File size or format: Extremely large videos (over 4GB) or unusual formats (like .mkv) may not upload properly.
• Facebook server issues: Rare, but a temporary outage can cause uploads to hang. You can check sites like Downdetector to see if others are reporting problems.

Quick Fixes That Usually Work

Try these in order before doing anything more drastic. Each takes less than a minute.

1. Toggle your connection: Turn off Wi-Fi and use mobile data, or vice versa. If the upload resumes, your network was the problem.
2. Restart the app or browser: Fully close Facebook (swipe it away on mobile) or close the browser tab and reopen it. The upload may resume automatically.
3. Restart your router: Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the connection to re-establish.
4. Check Facebook’s server status: A quick search on DownDetector will show if there’s a spike in reports.
5. Try a different browser or the app: If you’re on the website, switch to the app (or vice versa). This isolates the problem to a specific platform.

Fix for the Facebook App (Android and iOS)

If the quick fixes didn’t work, the app’s cache is the next suspect. Here’s how to clear it without losing your data.

Android

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Facebook.
2. Tap Storage > Clear Cache. (Do not tap “Clear Data” unless you want to sign in again.)
3. Restart the app and try the upload again.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

iOS doesn’t let you clear an individual app’s cache directly. Instead:

1. Delete the Facebook app.
2. Reinstall it from the App Store.
3. Sign back in. Your photos and videos are not stored on the app, so nothing is lost.

Fix for the Facebook Website (Desktop)

Browser issues are common on the desktop. Try these steps in order:

1. Disable extensions: Ad blockers and privacy extensions often interfere with uploads. Temporarily disable them or use an incognito/private window (which runs without extensions).
2. Clear your browser cache: Go to your browser’s settings and clear cached images and files. This does not log you out of websites.
3. Update your browser: An outdated browser may not support Facebook’s uploader. Update to the latest version.
4. Try a different browser: If you’re on Chrome, try Firefox or Edge. This helps determine if the issue is browser-specific.

When the Upload Is Stuck at 0% or 99%

These two specific points have distinct causes.

• Stuck at 0%: This usually means the upload hasn’t started at all. The file might be too large, the format unsupported, or the connection is too slow to establish. Check the file size and format, then try a smaller file to test.
• Stuck at 99%: This is almost always a network interruption. The upload is essentially done but the final confirmation packet didn’t get through. Switch networks, or wait—sometimes it completes after a minute. If it never finishes, cancel and retry. Facebook will usually resume from where it left off.

File Size and Format Limits (and How to Work Around Them)

Facebook has specific limits for uploads. Knowing them can save you a lot of frustration.

• Video: Up to 240 minutes long and 4GB in size on the website, but the mobile app has a lower limit (about 20 minutes and 1.75GB).
• Photos: Up to 15MB on the mobile app, and 45MB on the web.
• Formats: Facebook supports common formats like MP4, MOV, and JPEG. It does not support MKV or HEIC (on some browsers).

If your video exceeds the limit, compress it with a free tool like HandBrake (set the output to MP4, H.264) or trim it with your phone’s built-in editor. For photos, you can reduce the file size by emailing it to yourself (which often auto-compresses) or using an online compressor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my upload get stuck only on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data?

Your Wi-Fi router may be dropping packets or your ISP may be throttling uploads. Try restarting your router, moving closer to it, or changing the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings. If the problem persists, contact your ISP.

Will I lose my video if I cancel a stuck upload?

No. If you cancel, the upload is discarded. However, if the upload was at 99% and you cancel, you’ll need to start over. Facebook doesn’t keep partial uploads for later resumption.

Does Facebook compress my videos, and does that cause stuck uploads?

Facebook compresses videos after they’re uploaded, not during. Compression doesn’t cause stuck uploads. The upload process itself is just transferring the original file.

Can a VPN cause Facebook uploads to get stuck?

Yes. VPNs can slow down or interrupt large uploads. Try disconnecting your VPN and uploading again. If it works, your VPN’s server may be overloaded—try a different server location.

Why does my upload get stuck when I try to upload multiple photos at once?

Uploading many large photos at once can overwhelm your connection. Try uploading them in smaller batches (e.g., 5 at a time), or wait for each one to finish before selecting the next batch.

Is there a way to resume an interrupted upload?

Facebook does not officially support resuming interrupted uploads. However, if the connection drops and you reconnect quickly, Facebook may automatically retry. In practice, you usually have to start over.

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