OpenAI Python SDK vector_stores upload_and_poll Hangs Indefinitely on Stuck Files

What this error means

OpenAI Python SDK vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hangs indefinitely with file status stuck at in_progress is a OpenAI API, Python SDK failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix openai vector_stores upload_and_poll hanging forever when file processing is stuck at in_progress. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() has no timeout and hangs indefinitely when file processing status is stuck at in_progress. No built-in retry or timeout mechanism.

Common causes

• Developers using OpenAI Assistants API find upload_and_poll() blocks indefinitely when file status remains stuck at in_progress, requiring manual cancellation
• vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() has no timeout and hangs indefinitely when file processing status is stuck at in_progress. No built-in retry or timeout mechanism.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches OpenAI Python SDK vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hangs indefinitely with file status stuck at in_progress.
2. Check the OpenAI API, Python SDK account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://github.com/openai/openai-python/issues/3097

Evidence note: vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() has no timeout and hangs indefinitely when file processing status is stuck at in_progress. No built-in retry or timeout mechanism.

Related errors

• OpenAI API timeout error
• OpenAI Assistants API file upload failed
• OpenAI vector store file processing error

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact OpenAI Python SDK vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hangs indefinitely with file status stuck at in_progress text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed OpenAI API, Python SDK workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without OpenAI Python SDK vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hangs indefinitely with file status stuck at in_progress.