OpenAI Python vector_stores upload_and_poll() Infinite Hang

What this error means

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

Why this happens

Filed 2026-04-16. File upload succeeds, attach succeeds, but poll never returns. File stuck at ‘in_progress’ forever with null last_error. Breaks RAG pipelines using OpenAI Assistants API.

Common causes

• The upload_and_poll() method hangs indefinitely when a file upload succeeds but the vector store processing never completes. The file stays stuck at status=‘in_progress’ with last_error=null, causing blocking calls in production RAG pipelines.
• Filed 2026-04-16. File upload succeeds, attach succeeds, but poll never returns. File stuck at ‘in_progress’ forever with null last_error. Breaks RAG pipelines using OpenAI Assistants API.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hangs indefinitely with file status stuck at in_progress.
2. Check the OpenAI API 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: Filed 2026-04-16. File upload succeeds, attach succeeds, but poll never returns. File stuck at ‘in_progress’ forever with null last_error. Breaks RAG pipelines using OpenAI Assistants API.

Related errors

• OpenAI vector_stores upload stuck in_progress
• OpenAI Assistants API file upload hang
• OpenAI vector store processing timeout

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact 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 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 vector_stores.files.upload_and_poll() hangs indefinitely with file status stuck at in_progress.