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How do I re-upload a file after receiving a “Duplicate File” notice?

If you see a “duplicate file” notice in Sonix, it means a file with the same name, language, and size already exists in your account. This article explains why and how to re-upload the same content when needed.

Taylor Jennings avatar
Written by Taylor Jennings
Updated today

Important Notes

  • Sonix compares three key attributes—filename, language, and file size to identify duplicates.

  • If you uploaded a file and later made small edits to the content (e.g., trimming silence or adjusting volume), those changes might still not alter the file enough for Sonix to see it as “new.”

  • This safeguard is automatic and applies to all account types (Standard, Premium, and Enterprise).

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. On your computer, locate the file you want to upload that’s triggering the duplicate notice.

  2. Rename the file (for example add “_v2” or “_edited” to the filename) so it differs from the original.

  3. Ensure the file still uses the correct spoken language setting for the transcription.

  4. Upload the newly-renamed file to Sonix.

  5. The system should accept the upload without showing the duplicate file warning.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

I renamed the file but still get a duplicate message. What’s wrong?

Double-check that you changed the filename before uploading. Also check the file size hasn’t stayed exactly the same if you previously edited nothing. Minor edits to the file might help change the size.

Why does Sonix check file size and language as well as filename?

These checks help prevent unintended duplicate uploads and double billing—so the system looks for a perfect match in multiple attributes.

I accidentally renamed the file and it now shows wrong info—can I change it back?

Yes. You can correct the filename locally and upload again as long as it doesn’t exactly match the previous upload in all three attributes (filename, language, size).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will renaming the file affect the transcription accuracy?

No. Renaming the file simply bypasses the duplicate-detection filter. The transcription process itself remains unaffected.

Do I need to change the language setting too?

No, only change the filename (or alter the file size by making a minor edit). The language setting should remain correct for best results.

What if I edited the audio/video file but didn’t rename it—will Sonix still mark it duplicate?

Yes. If the filename, spoken language, and file size remain identical, Sonix may still flag it. Best practice is always to rename the file when re-uploading.

Can I delete the original upload and then re-upload the same file?

Deleting the original may help—but you'll still likely need to rename the file (or alter its size) to fully avoid the duplicate file detection.

For further assistance, please contact Sonix support at [email protected] or through the chatbox located in the bottom right corner of our website.

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