When NotebookLM shows an “Error uploading source,” it’s often due to a few common issues with the file itself or your browser. To resolve NotebookLM source upload errors, check your internet connection and firewall.
Ensure you are using the correct method to add sources, or try a workaround by using a browser extension to capture web content as a PDF or copying the text to a separate file for upload.
You can also try refreshing, re-uploading, and verifying the filename for PDFs. If the issue persists, provide feedback to the NotebookLM team directly through the in-app tool.
Below are possible causes + fixes and some steps to try so you can resolve it.
🔎 Possible Causes
From the NotebookLM Help pages and user reports, these are the common reasons why uploads fail:
File size too large
Each source file can be up to 200 MB. If your file is larger, the upload may fail. Also there’s a word count limit per source (around 500,000 words).
Unsupported or protected file format
If the PDF is copy‑protected or digitally locked so the text is not extractable, NotebookLM may not be able to read it.
Non‑text content or weird formatting (images, scanned pages without OCR) could cause trouble.
Browser / network issues
Unstable internet connection / timeouts during upload.
Browser cache problems or extension conflicts.
Large files require more time / stable connection.
Limits (file count / total notebook size / number of sources)
If your notebook already has many sources (especially large ones), you might hit source‑count limits.
For free / base accounts, source limits are more restrictive than paid.
Server / backend glitch
Sometimes NotebookLM has bugs or temporary issues that prevent certain uploads. People report it’s more with large PDFs or during high load.
Also Read : Bill Buckner Error | What Happened and Aftermath
đź› Fixes / What to Try
Here are steps you can try to resolve the upload error:
Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Reduce file size | If PDF is large, try splitting it into smaller parts. Or convert PDF to lighter format (optimize, compress). |
| Check that text is extractable | If it’s scanned pages, use OCR beforehand. Make sure PDF is not locked or copy‑protected. |
| Use supported formats | Stick to formats that are known to work: PDF, text, markdown, Google Docs/Slides. |
| Try another browser / clear cache | Sometimes browser issues interfere. Try Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc. Clear cache and disable extensions to test. |
| Use stable internet connection | Uploads of large files need a reliable network. If possible use wired connection or a strong WiFi. |
| Break up the content | If you have a very long document, split into sections/smaller sources so each stays under size/word limits. |
| Update app / web version | If you’re on mobile, ensure you have the latest version. NotebookLM mobile apps had bug fixes related to source uploads. |
| Wait and retry | If it’s a backend issue, trying again after some time may succeed. Perhaps low traffic periods help. |
| Contact NotebookLM support | If none of above works, send support a report: mention what type of file, size, format, which device/browser, and time. Sometimes it’s a bug. |
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