Here, we will talk about different workarounds you can try in case you can’t download files from Google Drive. When it comes to cloud storage services, it’s almost impossible to find a competitor for Google Drive. With an ample amount of free storage, tight security, and compatibility, you find everything in Google Drive. However, all these features definitely don’t mean that the platform is free from problems. Many users have reported issues while downloading files from Google Drive. So, if you are also coming across the same issue, continue with this troubleshooting guide to fix the problem.
Can’t download files from Google Drive
These troubleshooting suggestions are sure to help you fix the problem if you cannot download files from Google Drive.
- Recheck Internet Connection
- Clear the browser cache data
- Allow Google Chrome cookies
- Remove unnecessary extensions
- Remove other accounts
- Try different browser
- Contact Google Drive Support
Now, let’s check out all these solutions in detail.
Unable to download files from Google Drive
1] Recheck Internet Connection
Before getting into the technical solutions, ensure you are connected to an established internet connection. As it turns out, Google Drive requires you to have a comparatively faster internet connection to download content from its platform. In case you are connected to a weak internet connection, you will face difficulty downloading files from Google Drive. Thus, rule out internet issues, if any, to fix the problem.
2] Clear the browser cache data
Browsers store cache data to enhance the browsing experience and offer faster services. But at the same, it can also be the main reason behind several issues. If the browser cache data gets corrupted, you will most likely face the mentioned issue. You will have to clear the browser’s cache data to fix the problem. Below is how to remove Google Chrome cache data. The process will be almost similar in all the other browsers.
- Open Google Chrome on your system.
- Click on the three dots present at the top right corner.
- Take the cursor to the More tools option, and from the context menu, choose Clear browsing data.
- Checkmark the Cached images and files option, and click on the Clear data option.
Now, restart your system, and launch Chrome. Open Google Drive and try to download any content, check if the problem is fixed or not.
Read: How to clear Cache in Google Drive and Google Docs
3] Allow Google Chrome cookies
If, in any case, Google Drive cookies are blocked by Chrome, you will face difficulty downloading content from the platform. To solve the problem, you will have to allow cookies for Google Drive. Here are the steps you need to follow.
- Open Google Drive in the Google Chrome browser.
- Click on the Lock icon present in the address bar.
- From the context menu, choose Cookies.
- Click on the Blocked section.
- Look if you can find anything related to Google Drive or Google.
- If found, tap on it and select the Allow option.
- Click on Done to save the settings.
That’s it. Reload Google Chrome to apply the made changes. Now, visit Google Drive and check if the problem is fixed or not.
4] Remove unnecessary extensions
Google Chrome allows the installation of different kinds of extensions to its platform. On the one hand, these extensions increase the browser functionality, but on the other hand, they can be the main reason causing the mentioned issue. Thus, remove any unnecessary extensions, especially ad-blockers, to fix the problem. To do so, follow the below steps.
- Open Chrome on your system, and choose the extension icon present before your profile Icon.
- Tap on the Manage extensions option.
- Look for the unnecessary extensions, especially ad-blockers, and choose the Remove option below its name.
Relaunch Google Chrome, and visit Drive. Check if the problem persists.
Read: Fix Google Drive You don’t have authorization error
5] Remove other accounts
The mentioned problem can also occur if multiple Google accounts are logged in on your system. You will have to remove all the other accounts to solve the issue. Here’s how to do it.
- Open Chrome.
- Click on your profile icon.
- Click on the name of the other account.
- From the following window, tap on the profile icon again.
- Choose the Sign Out option.
Repeat the process with all the other logged-in accounts. Once done, check if the problem is fixed or not.
Read: Google Drive not downloading files after zipping
6] Try a different browser
It can be the case that the problem is associated with the browser you are using. In that case, you can try a different browser and check if it solves the problem.
7] Contact Google Drive Support
If you are still facing the problem, the last thing you can try is to contact Google Drive support. Do it, and ask them for further assistance.
Read: How to connect Google Drive to Notion
How do I download files from Google Drive?
It’s very easy to download files from Google Drive. Just open the app, right-click on the file you want to download, and from the context menu, choose the download option. That’s it; you have downloaded the desired file from Google Drive.
Why can’t I download files from Google Drive?
There can be multiple reasons stopping you from downloading files from Google Drive. But among all, the main culprit can be corrupted cache data. The problem can also originate if you have disabled cookies, signed in with multiple accounts, or installed unnecessary extensions.
Read Next: Google Drive Downloads not working in Microsoft Edge.
