---
id: data-transfers.could-not-list-folders
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/could-not-list-folders
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "Problems and messages"
question: "Why does the cloud folder browser say “Could not list folders”?"
alt_questions:
  - "Could not list folders"
  - "cloud browser error storage studio"
  - "can't see folders in my cloud account"
  - "folder browser shows an error"
  - "Couldn't read that account"
short_answer: "The account couldn't be read just now; the line underneath says why — an expired sign-in, a limit at the provider, an account no longer set up on this Mac, or a network problem. Fix that, then click Refresh."
tags: ["folder browser", "error message", "cloud"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/account-needs-signing-in-again", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/account-hit-a-limit-at-its-provider", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/no-subfolders-here"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does the cloud folder browser say “Could not list folders”?

Storage Studio couldn't read the folder list from that account just now. The line under the message says why, in plain English. The common ones:

- *"That account needs signing in again — its access has expired."* — sign in to it again under **More → Connect Accounts…**.
- *"…it has hit a limit at its provider."* — the service is turning requests away for a while; try again shortly.
- *"That account isn't set up on this Mac any more."* — remove it and connect it again.
- A network problem — check you're online, then click **Refresh**.

This is different from *"No subfolders here"*, which means the folder really is empty.

Related: [Account needs signing in again](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/account-needs-signing-in-again) · [Cloud accounts](https://storagestudio.us/faq/cloud-accounts/)