Cursor Supabase Storage Upload Failing
Quick Answer
The bucket policy, file path, or upload call generated by Cursor does not match the actual Supabase Storage setup. In many cases, the bucket is private with no matching INSERT policy, or the public URL is being built incorrectly. Start with "Check the bucket name and Storage policies" before making broader code changes.
You're in the right place if...
- !File picker works but the upload fails
- !Supabase bucket stays empty after upload
- !Images upload locally but fail on the deployed app
Why this happens
The bucket policy, file path, or upload call generated by Cursor does not match the actual Supabase Storage setup. In many cases, the bucket is private with no matching INSERT policy, or the public URL is being built incorrectly.
Fix
Check the bucket name and Storage policies
In Supabase Storage, verify the bucket exists, the path is correct, and the app has permission to insert objects into that bucket.
Create the right policy for uploads
If authenticated users upload their own files, start with a policy like this and then tighten it later.
create policy "Allow authenticated uploads" on storage.objects for insert to authenticated with check (bucket_id = 'uploads'); create policy "Allow reads" on storage.objects for select using (bucket_id = 'uploads');
Regenerate the upload flow in Cursor
Make Cursor use the exact bucket and public URL strategy you want.
Copy this prompt
Supabase Storage uploads are failing. Please update the upload flow to: 1. use the correct bucket name 2. upload with the right authenticated or anonymous context 3. return a valid public URL or signed URL 4. show a clear error message if the upload fails
Prevent this next time
Decide whether the bucket is public or private before wiring uploads. Most broken upload flows come from changing that decision mid-build.
Frequently Asked Questions
The file may be in the bucket, but the app is building the public URL incorrectly or the bucket is private.
For many profile or marketing images, yes. For user-sensitive files, use a private bucket with signed URLs.
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