Short answer
Upgrade the project to the Blaze plan by linking a Cloud Billing account; no-cost usage still applies. Set a budget alert at the same time. Your files stay in the bucket and come back once the project is on Blaze.
Rather not fix it yourself? App Fix Ticket starts with a fixed-price diagnosis, then a fixed price for the fix before any fix work.
Why Storage stopped working, and the fix
01
The project is still on Spark
“If your project is on the Spark pricing plan, your calls to Cloud Storage APIs (like from your app) will fail and return 402 or 403 errors.” Firebase, Cloud Storage changes FAQ
Apps that worked for years on the free plan started failing after the deadline. Check the plan in the Firebase console first.
02
The bucket seems to have vanished
“Any data will remain in your buckets, but it will be inaccessible until you upgrade to the Blaze pricing plan.” Firebase, Cloud Storage changes FAQ
On Spark, the console sends you to an upgrade page instead of the bucket. The files are not deleted.
03
A new project can’t create a bucket
On Spark, a new project can’t set up its default Storage bucket at all. Upgrade first, then create the bucket.
04
You’re worried about the bill
“No-cost usage is still available even on the Blaze pricing plan.” Firebase, Cloud Storage changes FAQ
Blaze is pay as you go with a no-cost tier. Set a budget alert in Google Cloud Billing so you hear about a spike early.
Checked against the vendor’s docs on : Firebase docs: Cloud Storage changes FAQ.
Rather hand it over?
Fixed scope, fixed price, paid upfront. The work happens in writing; no call needed.
- from $450App Fix TicketOne reproducible bug in an existing mobile or web app, diagnosed and fixed.See scope and start
- from $450AI-Built App RescueA Lovable, Bolt or Cursor app checked end to end in 3 days, then its worst problems fixed at a fixed price.No issues worth fixing, no charge. If the Launch Check finds nothing rated medium or higher, Simon refunds the full $450. You keep the report either way. This applies to the first 10 Launch Checks bought after October 30, 2026.See scope and start
“Very responsive, attentive to fixing bugs, and completed the project as needed! Thank you!”
Related: Firebase Storage unauthorized · Firebase bill spike · Firebase Storage CORS error · Firebase Storage object-not-found