File Size Limitations for Cloud Migration

4 min read Updated on December 1, 2024 Cloudiway Team

Different cloud platforms have varying file size limitations. Understanding these constraints is essential for planning an efficient migration and ensuring all your data transfers successfully. This guide documents file size limits across all supported migration scenarios.

Overview

File size limitations depend on three factors:

  1. Source platform - Where files are coming from
  2. Destination platform - Where files are going
  3. Migration method - The API or upload mechanism used

Why Size Limits Exist

Size limits are imposed by cloud platform APIs (Microsoft Graph, Google Drive API) and are not Cloudiway restrictions. These limits ensure reliable data transfer and system stability.

Limits by Destination

OneDrive / SharePoint Online

When migrating files to OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online:

Source Maximum File Size Notes
Google Drive 15 GB Individual files from Google Drive
Google Shared Drives 15 GB Team Drive files
OneDrive (cross-tenant) 3 GB Tenant-to-tenant migration
SharePoint (cross-tenant) 3 GB Site migration files
Box.com 15 GB Box to OneDrive/SharePoint
Dropbox 15 GB Dropbox to OneDrive/SharePoint
Groups (Microsoft 365) 15 GB Group file migrations

Microsoft 365 Cross-Tenant Limit

When migrating between Microsoft 365 tenants (OneDrive to OneDrive), the maximum file size is 3 GB. This is a Microsoft API limitation. Files larger than 3 GB must be migrated manually.

Microsoft Teams

Files migrated to Microsoft Teams channels:

Source Maximum File Size Notes
Teams (cross-tenant) 3 GB Teams to Teams migration
SharePoint library 3 GB SharePoint to Teams
Slack 15 GB Slack to Teams migration
Google Chat/Spaces 15 GB Google Chat to Teams

Google Drive

When migrating files to Google Drive or Shared Drives:

Source Maximum File Size Notes
OneDrive 250 GB OneDrive to Google Drive
SharePoint 250 GB SharePoint to Google Drive
Google Drive (cross-domain) 250 GB Between Google Workspace domains
Box.com 250 GB Box to Google Drive

Azure Blob Storage

When using Azure Blob Storage as a destination (for archives):

Source Maximum File Size Notes
Google Vault archives 250 GB Vault export to Azure
Any supported source No practical limit Using block blob uploads

Google Vault Archives

Google Vault archive migrations have specific size limits based on the destination:

To OneDrive/SharePoint

50 GB

Per archive file

To Azure Blob/Google Drive

250 GB

Per archive file

Site Migration Limits

For SharePoint and Google Sites migrations, file size limits depend on the upload method:

Method Maximum File Size When Used
CSOM UploadFile No limit SharePoint classic sites
Microsoft Graph UploadLargeFile No limit Modern SharePoint sites
Standard REST API 250 MB Fallback method

Chunked Uploads

Cloudiway uses chunked upload methods where possible, allowing large file transfers by breaking them into smaller pieces. This maximizes compatibility with platform limits.

Handling Large Files

When you encounter files that exceed migration limits, consider these options:

Option 1: Pre-Migration Cleanup

  • Identify oversized files before migration using analysis tools
  • Archive or compress large files where possible
  • Remove duplicate or unnecessary large files

Option 2: Manual Migration

  • Download oversized files from the source
  • Upload directly to the target using native platform tools
  • Microsoft supports files up to 250 GB via direct upload

Option 3: Alternative Destinations

  • Use Azure Blob Storage for very large archives
  • Consider splitting large files into smaller parts

Quick Reference Summary

Most Common Limits

3 GB

Microsoft cross-tenant

15 GB

To OneDrive/SharePoint

250 GB

To Google Drive/Azure

Need Help?

If you have files exceeding these limits and need assistance planning your migration, contact Cloudiway support for guidance on the best approach for your specific scenario.

Was this article helpful?

Need more help? Contact our support

We value your feedback

Help us improve your experience

What would you like to share with us?

Need direct support? Open a ticket