Fix: Dropbox Error 413

Users experience ‘Dropbox Error 413’ when they try to upload a video to Dropbox using their smartphones usually indirectly. Here indirectly means that you attempt at uploading the content without actually going to the Dropbox application; instead, you use the option from your gallery or through some other way.

Dropbox Error 413
Dropbox Error 413

The error code 413 is a universal HTTP error which states that the Request Entity is too large. This originates from the client (your end) and is interpreted a little differently in Dropbox terminology. It either means that the file you are trying to upload is too big. Since Dropbox has an upload limit of 50 GB, the upload size wouldn’t matter (in most cases). Instead, the file must be smaller than your storage limit.

For example, if you have 2 GB left in your account, the video you are trying to upload must be equal to or less than 2 GB.

What causes Dropbox Error 413?

The reasons for this error in more detail are:

  • The file being uploaded is more than the available limit on your Dropbox account.
  • The file is greater than 50 GB. Even if you have space greater than 50 GB on your account, it is a constraint that the maximum size you can upload is 50 GB. In the case of the website, the limit is 10 GB.
  • There is some bug in the application which is not allowing you to upload the files even if they are well within range.

Before you move on with the resolution, make sure that you have an active internet connection with you along with the credentials to your Dropbox account.

Solution 1: Bypassing third-party redirects to Dropbox (using +)

Almost all the Dropbox users tend to use third-party redirects to upload a media file to the platform. For example, you might be directly saving a file from the internet to Dropbox or you might be using the option in the gallery to upload to Dropbox without even opening the application.

These options should work but it seems there is a bug in Dropbox. Instead, you can open the application and manually upload the file.

  1. Open the Dropbox application and click on the ‘+’ icon to add the media file.
Manually uploading media in Dropbox to avoid Error 413
Manually uploading media in Dropbox
  1. Now select Upload files and browse to the file which you want to upload. After selecting the file, execute the operation and see if the uploading process works without issues.

Solution 2: Checking account space

If you are still unable to upload the media file onto your account, it is best to check if there is free space available. Each Dropbox account has a limited form of storage which the user can utilize. If you exceed the storage by uploading media files, you will be given this error message.

To check your account space, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Open your Dropbox account, click on your picture logo and select Settings.
  2. Once in Settings, click Plan. The space available to you will be listed below in form of a chart. Check it and make sure that you have enough space available on your account.
Checking available account space in Dropbox
Checking available account space – Dropbox

Solution 3: Updating Application

If you are using a mobile application of Dropbox and are still facing the error despite the solutions mentioned above, you should make sure that your application is updated to the latest build available.

Update Dropbox - Playstore in Android or Appstore in iOS
Update Dropbox – Playstore

Dropbox moderators in the forums have formally recognized the condition and even have been gathering information in order to pass on to the developers. Since this ‘bug’ was on quite a large scale, it was fixed by the developers in the latest builds. Make sure you navigate to the Play/App store and update the application to the latest build available.

You can even try relogging into the application to refresh all the parameters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.