Storage files 404: public/storage symlink missing Laravel Origin: Application & API Last updated 4 Nov 2026

Laravel: 404 for /storage/file.jpg — symlink(): No such file or directory / The [public/storage] link already exists

Uploaded files stored in storage/app/public aren't reachable because the public/storage symlink doesn't exist or points to the wrong place.

Exact message you may see The [public/storage] link already existssymlink(): No such file or directory storage:linkERROR The [public/storage] link already exists.storage link 404 Laravel images not showingsymlink(): Protocol error
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Seen on: Laravel PHP Linux

Meaning

Run php artisan storage:link on each environment (it isn't committed). If the link already exists but is broken (moved server/path), delete it and recreate. On shared hosting without shell, create the link via a route or copy files; on Windows needs privileges.

Common causes

  • storage:link never run on this server
  • Broken symlink after moving the project
  • FILESYSTEM_DISK/APP_URL mismatch
  • Symlinks disabled on the host
  • Public folder deployed separately

⚡ Quick fix

  1. php artisan storage:link
  2. If it exists: rm public/storage && php artisan storage:link
  3. Set APP_URL correctly for generated URLs

Detailed fix by platform

Laravel

  1. ls -l public/ | grep storage && php artisan storage:link

How to diagnose

  1. Link — public/storage exists and resolves?
  2. Disk — public disk used?
  3. URL — APP_URL correct?

🔧 Still not fixed?

Many errors look alike. If the steps above didn’t solve it, one of these is probably what you’re facing:

Where this error sits

Origin: Application & API. Errors that are often confused with or caused by this one (click to open):

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