Troubleshooting Sync and Back up issues

Learn how to resolve common issues with Sync and Back up in pCloud Drive, including permission errors, read-only files, and missing folders.

8 min read
Beginner
Windows
Mac

 pCloud Drive now includes an improved Sync and Backup error list to help you identify and resolve problems more easily.

When pCloud Drive cannot sync or back up a file or folder, the item appears in the error list with:

  • The exact file or folder affected
  • The reason why it could not be processed
  • Available actions to help you manage the error

Errors are organized so you can quickly identify the items that require attention. Once the underlying issue is resolved, pCloud Drive checks the item again during its next scan and resumes the transfer when possible.

Common types of Sync and Backup errors

The error list may show issues related to:

  • Access or permission restrictions
  • Invalid or unsupported file and folder names
  • Names that are too long
  • Missing or unavailable folders
  • Disconnected external or network drives
  • Local input/output problems
  • Temporary server or unknown errors

Retry, Cancel, and Ignore: when to use each action

Depending on the error, you may see one or more actions next to the affected item.

Retry

Select Retry after you have corrected the cause of the error, or when you believe the problem was temporary.

For example, use Retry after restoring access to a folder, renaming an unsupported file name, reconnecting an external drive, or restoring your internet connection.

You do not have to use Retry after every correction. pCloud Drive automatically checks affected items during its next scan. Retry simply starts this check immediately.

Cancel

Select Cancel if you want to stop the current transfer attempt for the item.

Use this option if you no longer need to sync or back up the file or folder, or if you want to make changes to the item before trying again. You can start the transfer again later if needed.

Ignore

Select Ignore if you do not want pCloud Drive to continue reporting the item as an error.

Use this option only if you understand why the item cannot be synced or backed up and do not need it to be included in the Sync or Backup. For example, you may ignore a file that cannot be renamed or a folder on a drive that you no longer use.

Ignoring an item means it will not be processed until you change your Sync or Backup configuration or add the item again.

Errors that do not require you to clear them manually

You do not need to remove an item from the error list manually after resolving its cause. pCloud Drive checks it again automatically during the next scan.

Restored permissions

If pCloud Drive could not read or access an item, it resumes automatically after you restore the required permission on your computer.

For folders shared with you in pCloud, the error clears only after the owner or administrator changes your access permission in the cloud.

Renamed or corrected files

If a file or folder was reported because its name was invalid or too long, rename it to a supported name. Once corrected, it will no longer be reported during the next scan.

Recovered folders

If you restore a folder that was unavailable, all files and subfolders inside it are checked again automatically. You do not need to resolve each contained item separately.

Reconnected drives

If an external drive, network location, or folder was unavailable, reconnect it or make it available again. pCloud Drive will recheck its contents during the next scan.

When to contact pCloud Support

Contact pCloud Support if:

  • The same item remains listed as Unknown or Server error after several retries and a restart.
  • You see Local I/O error on multiple files or folders.
  • An item has no available action that resolves the issue.
  • The same error reappears immediately after you retry or clear it.
  • The error remains after you have restored access, renamed the file, restored the folder, or reconnected the drive.

Please include the following information in your request:

  • Your operating system and version
  • Your pCloud Drive version
  • The exact reason displayed in the error list
  • The name and location of the affected file or folder
  • Whether the item is in a folder shared with you
  • The steps you have already tried
  • pCloud Drive logs, if requested by our Support team

Windows: find and resolve Sync and Backup errors

Where to find the error list

If files cannot be synced, the Sync tab in pCloud Drive displays the number of files with errors in the sidebar.

To open the full error list:

  1. Locate the pCloud icon in the Windows taskbar notification area.
  2. Right-click the pCloud icon.
  3. Select Activity.
  4. Review the list of files and folders with errors.

The list shows each affected item and the exact reason why it could not be synced or backed up.

Permission or access error

This error means that pCloud Drive cannot read, write to, or access the file or folder.

How to fix it:

  1. Check that the file or folder still exists in its original location.
  2. Right-click it and select Properties.
  3. Open the Security tab.
  4. Confirm that your Windows account has the required permissions.
  5. After restoring access, wait for the next scan or click Retry.

Invalid or too-long file name

This error means that the file or folder name contains unsupported characters or that its full path is too long.

How to fix it:

  1. Rename the affected file or folder in File Explorer.
  2. Remove unsupported characters, such as \ / : * ? " < > |.
  3. Shorten the item name or move it closer to the main Sync or Backup folder.
  4. Wait for the next scan or click Retry.

Folder not found or unavailable

This error means that the original folder has been deleted, moved, renamed, or is currently inaccessible.

How to fix it:

  1. Check whether the folder still exists in File Explorer.
  2. Restore it from the Recycle Bin if it was deleted.
  3. Reconnect the location if it is on an external, network, or mapped drive.
  4. If you no longer need the folder, update or stop the related Sync or Backup configuration.
  5. Click Retry or wait for the next scan.

Drive unavailable

This error usually appears when the external hard drive, USB drive, or network drive used by Sync or Backup is disconnected.

How to fix it:

  1. Reconnect the drive.
  2. Confirm that it appears in File Explorer.
  3. Ensure the drive letter has not changed.
  4. Open the configured folder to confirm that it is accessible.
  5. Wait for the next scan or click Retry.

Local I/O error

A Local I/O error means that Windows could not reliably read from or write to the local storage device.

How to fix it:

  1. Check that the drive has enough free space.
  2. Reconnect external drives and verify the cables.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Check the drive for errors using Windows disk-checking tools.
  5. Back up your data and contact Support if the error affects many files.

Unknown or Server error

These errors may be temporary.

How to fix it:

  1. Check that your internet connection is working.
  2. Restart pCloud Drive.
  3. Click Retry.
  4. Contact Support if the same item continues to fail after several retries and an app restart.

macOS: find and resolve Sync and Backup errors

Where to find the error list

When pCloud Drive detects files that cannot be synced or backed up, a red question-mark icon appears at the bottom-left of the pCloud Drive sidebar.

To open the error list:

  1. Open pCloud Drive.
  2. In the left sidebar, locate the red question-mark icon at the bottom-left.
  3. Click the icon to view the list of affected files and folders.
  4. Review the exact error reason displayed for each item.

Permission or access error

This error means pCloud Drive does not have permission to access the affected file, folder, disk, or protected macOS location.

How to fix it:

  1. Make sure the item still exists in Finder.
  2. Right-click it and select Get Info.
  3. Under Sharing & Permissions, confirm that your macOS account has the required access.
  4. Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security and review pCloud Drive’s permissions.
  5. Wait for the next scan or click Retry.

Invalid or too-long file name

This error means that the file or folder name is not supported or is too long.

How to fix it:

  1. Rename the affected item in Finder.
  2. Use a shorter, simple name.
  3. Remove unsupported characters if indicated by the error.
  4. Shorten the folder structure if the item is deeply nested.
  5. Wait for pCloud Drive to recheck the item or click Retry.

Folder not found or unavailable

This error means that pCloud Drive cannot find or access the folder configured for Sync or Backup.

How to fix it:

  1. Check whether the folder is still available in Finder.
  2. Restore the folder if it was deleted, moved, or renamed.
  3. Reconnect the drive if the folder is located on external or network storage.
  4. If you no longer need the folder, update or stop the related Sync or Backup configuration.
  5. Click Retry or wait for the next scan.

Drive unavailable

This error usually means that an external disk, network volume, or removable storage device is not currently connected or mounted.

How to fix it:

  1. Reconnect the drive.
  2. Confirm that it appears in Finder under Locations.
  3. Open the configured folder to make sure it is accessible.
  4. Keep the drive connected while Sync or Backup is active.
  5. Wait for the next scan or click Retry.

Local I/O error

This error means that macOS could not reliably read from or write to the local storage device.

How to fix it:

  1. Check that the disk has sufficient free space.
  2. Reconnect the external drive, if applicable.
  3. Restart your Mac.
  4. Open Disk Utility and run First Aid on the affected drive.
  5. Back up your data and contact Support if the error affects many files.

Unknown or Server error

These errors may be temporary.

How to fix it:

  1. Check your internet connection.
  2. Restart pCloud Drive.
  3. Click Retry.
  4. Contact Support if the same item continues to fail after several retries and an app restart.
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Low disk space warning in pCloud Drive

Understand why pCloud Drive shows a low disk space warning, how local caching works during file transfers, and how to adjust settings or use alternative upload methods.

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Can't connect to pCloud servers

Learn how to troubleshoot the error message "We can't connect to pCloud's server right now" when trying to sign in to pCloud.

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