Understanding common error messages

Quick explanations and solutions for error messages you may encounter while using ShieldFive.

"Passphrase too weak" or "Entropy too low"

What it means: Your passphrase doesn't meet the minimum security requirements (12 characters, 50 bits of entropy).

How to fix it: Create a longer, more complex passphrase using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Watch the strength meter in the encryption modal turn green before continuing.

"Missing encryption proof" or "Encryption hash mismatch"

What it means: The encrypted file failed verification, possibly due to tampering or corruption.

How to fix it: Re-encrypt the file using the built-in encryption modal. Don't manually modify encrypted files.

"Invalid encrypted metadata format"

What it means: The file's encrypted metadata is corrupted or incomplete.

How to fix it: Re-encrypt and upload the file using ShieldFive's encryption modal. This will generate fresh, valid metadata.

"Storage limit reached" or "Monthly transfer limit reached"

What it means: You've exceeded your plan's storage or bandwidth quota.

How to fix it: Delete unnecessary files to free up space, wait for your monthly transfer quota to reset (30 days), or upgrade to a plan with higher limits in Settings → Billing.

"Upload authorization expired" or "Invalid upload authorization"

What it means: The upload session timed out (5 minute limit).

How to fix it: Start a new upload from the beginning. Ensure you complete the upload process within 5 minutes of starting.

"Download limit reached for this file"

What it means: On the free plan, you've reached the 20 download limit for this file.

How to fix it: Upgrade to a paid plan to remove per-file download limits, or re-upload the file to reset the counter.

"Access from your region is not allowed"

What it means: The share link has geographic restrictions and your current location isn't allowed.

How to fix it: Contact the person who shared the link to add your country to the allowed list, or access from an allowed location.

"Download limit reached" or "Link expired" (on share)

What it means: The share link has either expired or reached its maximum download count.

How to fix it: Request a new share link from the file owner with updated limits.

"Rate limit exceeded. Try again soon"

What it means: You've made too many requests in a short time (typically more than 10 per minute).

How to fix it: Wait 60 seconds before trying again. Space out your uploads, downloads, or other operations.