There’s nothing more frustrating than watching a 2-hour upload fail at 95%. With large files, interrupted uploads are a real problem - but the right tools can help.
Why Uploads Get Interrupted
Several things can cause upload failures:
- Internet disconnection - WiFi drops, mobile signal loss
- Browser crash - Tab closed accidentally, browser frozen
- Computer sleep - Laptop lid closed, power saving mode
- Server timeout - Taking too long, connection dropped
- File too large - Exceeds service limits mid-upload
Services That Support Resumable Uploads
FileGrab
FileGrab uses chunked uploads for files over 10MB, which means:
- Progress is saved in chunks
- You can resume where you left off
- Large files are more reliable
Dropbox
Dropbox has excellent resume support:
- Uploads pause and resume automatically
- Works across browser and desktop app
- Reliable even on unstable connections
Google Drive
Google Drive handles interruptions well:
- Automatic retry on failure
- Resume from last successful chunk
- Works best with Chrome browser
pCloud
pCloud offers robust upload handling:
- Resumable uploads built-in
- Works with files up to 5GB
- Good for unstable connections
Services Without Good Resume Support
Some services restart uploads from scratch if interrupted:
- WeTransfer - May need to start over
- Firefox Send (RIP) - No resume was a known issue
- Many email attachment uploaders - Typically no resume
Tips to Avoid Upload Failures
1. Use Chunked Upload Services
Services that break files into chunks are more reliable. Each chunk is uploaded independently, so only failed chunks need to retry.
2. Keep Your Device Awake
Prevent your computer from sleeping during large uploads:
Mac:
- System Preferences > Energy Saver > Prevent computer from sleeping
Windows:
- Settings > System > Power > Screen and sleep > Never
Chrome:
- Keep the tab active (in focus)
3. Use a Wired Connection
Ethernet is more stable than WiFi. For very large uploads, plug in if possible.
4. Check Your Internet Speed
Know your upload speed before starting:
- Go to speedtest.net
- Note your upload speed
- Calculate expected time: File size / upload speed
Example: 1GB file with 10 Mbps upload = ~13 minutes
5. Upload During Off-Peak Hours
Internet is often faster late at night or early morning when fewer people are online.
6. Compress Before Uploading
Smaller files = faster uploads = less chance of failure. Consider:
- ZIP files for folders
- Compressed video formats
- Optimized images
What to Do When an Upload Fails
Step 1: Check Your Connection
Make sure you’re still online. Try loading a website.
Step 2: Refresh and Retry
Some services will detect the partial upload and offer to resume.
Step 3: Try a Different Browser
If one browser keeps failing, try another:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
Step 4: Use a Different Service
If the service doesn’t support resume, switch to one that does.
Step 5: Split Large Files
For very large files, consider splitting them:
- 7-Zip (Windows) - Can split archives
- Split Files (Mac) - Built into terminal
- RAR - Multi-part archive support
FileGrab’s Upload Reliability
FileGrab is designed for reliable uploads:
- Chunked uploads - Files over 10MB are split into chunks
- Retry logic - Failed chunks automatically retry
- Progress preservation - Each successful chunk is saved
- Real-time feedback - See exactly what’s uploading
For Pro users with 2GB file uploads, this reliability is essential.
The Bottom Line
Interrupted uploads don’t have to mean starting over. Choose services with chunked, resumable uploads - especially for large files.
Try FileGrab’s reliable uploads - with automatic chunking and retry for files over 10MB.