Jan 25, 2024 • 4 min read

123Pan Limits Non-VIP Daily Download Bandwidth

***This article was translated from Chinese and originally written for users in Mainland China. Please note that 123Pan is not accessible outside of China and requires a Chinese phone number to register. If you're outside of China and need to download from 123Pan, please use BAIDUDL.

Recently, 123Pan announced that to address the cost imbalance caused by excessive server bandwidth consumption by some non-VIP users and ensure continuous secure and stable file storage and high-speed download services for VIP members and most regular users, they will adjust the download traffic rights for non-VIP users.

Since its launch in 2021, 123Pan has been providing free "large-capacity storage, unlimited download speed" services, with registered users approaching 50 million by September this year. After this adjustment, non-VIP users who exceed 1GB of cumulative daily downloads will need to pay at a rate of "0.05 CNY/GB, with charges of at least 0.5 CNY for amounts less than 0.5 CNY," or directly upgrade to VIP membership to continue downloading.

The adjustment primarily affects download operations through web and PC platforms, effective September 29, 2024. Notably, audio/video playback, file online preview, and downloads through mobile apps are not restricted. Resources with pre-purchased non-login traffic packages are also exempt.

123Pan revealed that heavy cloud disk users unwilling to pay can earn file download vouchers through upcoming daily check-in activities, referral rewards, transfer rewards, and computing power sharing programs.

In recent years, many cloud disk services have reduced free user rights. As early as 2019, Baidu Pan responded to non-member speed restrictions, stating it was to control operational costs and help the product survive, arguing that completely open download speeds would incur higher bandwidth expenses.

Previously, in March 2021, Alipan announced during its public beta that it would have "no speed limits for free or paid users," emphasizing simplicity and long-term investment. However, in July 2023, users reported that after upgrading to version 4.6.1, the app now displays messages like "Current download peak - SVIP exclusive high-speed channel experience" during file downloads, offering users a free 3-minute high-speed channel.