Fix SharePoint Multiline Text Field 1MB Limit Error in Power Automate
Question details
Updating a multiline text field in a SharePoint document library via Power Automate and REST fails with a 1 MB stream limit error.
- Product
- SharePoint Online, Power Automate
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user is trying to update a document library multiline text field configured to allow unlimited length by utilizing Power Automate and the SharePoint REST API.
- Observed behavior
- The system throws a stream error stating that 1,049,600 bytes were read while the maximum allowed is 1,048,576 bytes (1 MB), blocking the update request.
Gather your exact REST endpoint URL, the complete request payload, and the specific field configuration details before troubleshooting, as you may need to provide these to Microsoft engineers.
Consult the SharePoint Development Q&A Community
Because this error involves deep REST API constraints and Power Automate backend limitations, posting your specific scenario to the Microsoft development community is the most effective way to get an official workaround.
While SharePoint lists and document libraries support virtually unlimited text lengths at the storage level, the REST API and Power Automate streams enforce strict payload size limits to protect network performance. Reaching out to API engineers will help determine if the limit is circumventable for your specific request method.
Copy the exact error message, including the bytes read versus bytes allowed, and document your current REST endpoint and payload structure.
Verify and note that the multiline text column in your document library is actively configured with 'Allow unlimited length in document libraries'.
Navigate to the official SharePoint Development Microsoft Q&A community page.
Create a new thread including your endpoint, payload, and configuration details so that SharePoint engineers can confirm whether the API limit applies exclusively to your current request method.
Alternative Approaches to Handling Large Data Payloads
If you are unable to bypass the 1 MB REST API limit, you must alter how you store or transfer the data within SharePoint.
Looking for a Simpler Way to Manage Documents?
While advanced SharePoint and Power Automate workflows often encounter strict API limits and require complex coding, standard document collaboration shouldn't be that hard. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for everyday document creation and sharing without the hassle of API troubleshooting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my SharePoint field allow unlimited length but still fail at 1 MB?
The 'Allow unlimited length' setting applies only to the database storage capacity of that specific column in SharePoint. However, the 1 MB limit is enforced by the REST API and Power Automate during the network transmission (stream) to prevent memory overloads and ensure system stability.
Can a SharePoint Administrator increase the 1 MB REST API limit?
No. In SharePoint Online, the 1 MB stream limit for standard REST API update payloads is hardcoded by Microsoft for security and performance reasons. Tenant administrators do not have the capability to increase this limit.
Are there limits to using Microsoft Graph API for SharePoint updates?
Yes, Microsoft Graph API also has size limitations for payloads, but it is often better equipped for large data handling compared to the classic SharePoint REST API. For massive payloads, Graph API offers upload sessions designed specifically to bypass standard single-request limits.
