Read-only namespaces
In GitLab SaaS, a top-level namespace is placed in a read-only state when it either:
- Exceeds the free user limit when the namespace visibility is private.
 - Exceeds the storage usage quota, regardless of namespace visibility.
 
While a namespace is in a read-only state, a banner appears at the top of the page.
Your ability to write new data to read-only namespaces is restricted. For more information, see Restricted actions.
Remove the read-only state
To restore a namespace to its standard state, you can:
- For exceeded free user limits:
- Reduce the number of members in your namespace.
 - Start a free trial, which includes an unlimited number of members.
 - Purchase a paid tier.
 
 - For exceeded storage quota:
 
Restricted actions
| Feature | Action restricted | 
|---|---|
| Container Registry | Create, edit, and delete cleanup policies  Push an image to the container registry  | 
| Merge Requests | Create and update an MR | 
| Package Registry | Publish a package | 
| Repositories | Add tags  Create new branches Create and update commit status Push and force push to non-protected branches Push and force push to protected branches Upload files Create merge requests  | 
| CI/CD | Create, edit, admin, and run pipelines  Create, edit, admin, and run builds Create and edit admin environments Create and edit admin deployments Create and edit admin clusters Create and edit admin releases  | 
| Namespaces | For exceeded free user limits: Invite new users |