# Import problems

Source: https://listplus.ai/en/help/troubleshooting/import-problems
Last updated: 2026-09-25

Most import problems have one of these causes. This article routes you to
the fix; for the full import flow see "[Create a list and import a file](https://listplus.ai/en/help/lists-and-import/create-list-and-import-file)" and
"File import details."

## Columns look wrong, or characters are garbled

ListPlus detects your file's delimiter and character encoding
automatically — see "File import details" for exactly how. If a _value_
ended up in the wrong column, or accented characters show as odd symbols,
the most common cause is a source file that isn't cleanly formatted;
re-export it as CSV or Excel from the original tool and import again. If
the _type_ is wrong (for example an email column detected as plain text),
fix it in List Settings → Schema — see "[How column type detection works](https://listplus.ai/en/help/lists-and-import/column-detection)."

## No header row detected

ListPlus expects a header row and skips any preamble rows above the data
table automatically. If your first row looks like data rather than
column names, ListPlus treats the whole file as headerless and names the
columns `_1`, `_2`, and so on — add a proper header row to your source
file and re-import, or rename the columns after import.

## Google Sheets link won't import

The sheet must be shared as "Anyone with the link can view." Otherwise
you'll see an error asking you to make the file publicly accessible, or a
Google Sheets Import dialog with Download as CSV and Download as Excel
buttons — download the file and select it on the New List page. You can
also connect your Google account instead (Pro) — see "Connecting a CRM,
spreadsheet or other app."

## File too large

Every import format is capped at 100 MB; a larger file shows "File too
large. Maximum size is 100MB." Split the file or remove unneeded columns
and try again.

## Only some rows were imported

If your import is larger than your plan's remaining record capacity,
ListPlus imports what fits and shows "Importing X of Y rows due to your
plan's record limit." — see "What is the record limit?" for the exact
numbers and how to free up space or upgrade.

**Related topics:** create-list-and-import-file · import-file-details ·
column-detection · record-limit · not-enough-credits · contact-support.

## FAQ

### Why did my columns come out wrong after importing?

Delimiter and encoding are detected automatically, so this is usually either a wrong detected column _type_ (fix it in List Settings → Schema) or a source file that isn't cleanly formatted (re-export it as CSV or Excel and re-import). See "[How column type detection works](https://listplus.ai/en/help/lists-and-import/column-detection)" for fixing types.

### My imported text shows strange characters instead of accents

Re-save the file as UTF-8 in the original tool and import again — see "File import details" for how encoding is detected.

### ListPlus named my columns "_1", "_2" instead of using my headers

This happens when ListPlus decides your first row looks like data rather than column names, so it treats the file as headerless. Add a real header row to your source file and re-import, or just rename the generated columns after import.

### Why won't my Google Sheets link import?

The sheet must be shared as "Anyone with the link can view." Otherwise you'll see an error asking you to make the file publicly accessible, or a Google Sheets Import dialog with Download as CSV and Download as Excel buttons — download the file and select it on the New List page. You can also connect your Google account instead (Pro).

### I get "File too large" when I try to import

You'll see "File too large. Maximum size is 100MB." — see "File import details" for the size limit per format.

### My import only brought in some of my rows

Your plan's record limit was reached partway through the file, so ListPlus imported as many rows as still fit and shows "Importing X of Y rows due to your plan's record limit." Delete unneeded records or lists to free up space, or upgrade your plan — see "What is the record limit?"

### Do I need to clean up my file before importing?

No — delimiter and encoding are detected automatically; see "File import details" for what's automatic and how to skip a column.

### None of this fixed my import — what now?

Contact support with the file (or a small sample that reproduces the problem) and what you expected to see — see "Contact support" for how to reach us.