If you are facing Google Drive issues, this article is for you. Here we bring some tips, fixes, and workarounds to solve common Google Drive issues.
Google Drive enables you to effortlessly interact with others. It’s also linked to a slew of other sites, and files are constantly available. Best of all, you receive plenty of free storage.
Despite Google Drive’s quality, there may be access issues. You might not able to free up storage space, transfer data, or access a document. Here are the simple ways to solve common Google Drive issues.
Also, Read... Google Drive Supports Copy-Paste Keyboard Shortcuts
Find Out and Solve Common Google Drive Issues in Simple Ways
We’ll tell you some Google Drive issues and the ways to solve them. Check out the simple ways to solve common Google Drive issues.
Check Google Drive’s Online Status

Go to Google’s app status dashboard. This page lists all of Google’s services and informs you if there is a known issue with them. If you see a “service disruption” (amber) or “service outage” (red) indicator on the app you want to use, you can click on the coloured dot to see details about when the service will be back online. If the issue with Google Drive is caused by Google, the only thing you can do is wait for the outage to end.
Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall
Antivirus and firewall software can interfere with file synchronisation and result in a “You are offline, some functionality may be unavailable” warning. As a result, consider temporarily deactivating your antivirus and firewall—just remember to reactivate them afterwards.
- To open Settings, press “Windows key + I.”
- Go to “Update & Security” in Windows 10, and “Privacy & Security” in Windows 11”
- Next, click “Windows Security”, and open “Windows Security.”
- Then, choose “Firewall & network protection.”
- Select an active network and turn off the “Microsoft Defender Firewall.”
Restart Google Drive to Solve Common Google Drive Issues

If you’re accessing Google Drive through a web browser, log out, close your browser, check your internet connection, and then log back in. Otherwise, restart Google Drive. Close the app (on mobile) or click the “exit” or “cross” option (on desktop). And, re-open it.
Recover the Old Version of a Google Drive File

Google Drive maintains a full edit history of any changes made to your work by any user with editing privileges. Open the file and click on File > Version history > See version history (or press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H) to go back to an earlier saving of a file made within the Google ecosystem (such as on Google Docs).
The history of modifications made to the file will be displayed on the right side of the page, and you may go through all revisions made. You may explore and download all previous versions of non-Google files that you have submitted by right-clicking the file and selecting Manage versions (up to 30 days or 100 versions).
Recover a Google Drive File That Has Disappeared
For Single User to Solve Common Google Drive Issues
Examine your Google Drive trash folder, which is accessible via Trash on the left-hand menu. If you find the file you want, right-click it and choose Restore. Your file is now in its original location.
If your missing file isn’t in the trash, it’s possible that the name has changed or that it was mistakenly relocated to another file. Fortunately, Google Drive includes powerful search capabilities. Search for your file using keywords or dates to check whether it’s at a different location than you expected.
For multiple users to Solve Common Google Drive Issues
One of the most prevalent problems with Google Drive is that when one user deletes a shared file, it deletes it for everyone. When collaborating with Google Drive, there are several variables to consider, but this is one of the most significant. It is critical, like with any other file storage system, to store backups of your files in a separate, safe location.
The shared file’s owner might be able to recover it from their deleted files. Alternatively, if you have a Google Drive account through a school or company, an administrator may be able to access all deleted files for 30 days after they are removed and may be able to aid you in your instance.
Run Out of Google Drive Storage
The storage space of Google Drive is shared by services such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, and Google Photos. Visit the Google One storage page to check how much space you’re using across all of your Google services. If you run out of room, you have a few alternatives.
Delete Data to Solve Common Google Drive Issues

The first step is to delete any files that are no longer needed. On Google Drive, go to the left-hand menu and select Storage. This will provide a list of all your files, which you may sort by storage capacity.
Right-click anything and select Remove. Remember to throw it away as well. You should also look for any third-party programmes that are secretly utilising storage. To accomplish this, go to the top-right cog symbol and select Settings > Manage applications.
Click Options for each app, then delete hidden app data if required. You may also deactivate the app integration altogether by clicking Disconnect from Drive.
Upgrade Storage to Solve Common Google Drive Issues
Google Drive has 15 GB of storage space, which can rapidly run out if you’re not cautious. If you can’t find anything to remove, you might want to consider upgrading your storage capacity. For the price, visit the Google One storage website, where you may pay a fair monthly or yearly fee for 100GB, 200GB, or 2TB of data.
Unable to Print on Google Drive
Printers and Google Drive don’t always get along, but you have various choices to attempt to solve the issue:
- Check that your printer software is up to date. Google Drive, since it is regularly updated, can easily overtake your printer software. This can lead to communication issues between the two services, as well as printing mistakes.
- Similarly, check sure the web browser you’re using is up to date.
- Disable any browser addons that are interfering with your printing capabilities.
- If you can’t print directly from Google Drive, it might be worth your time to download the file as a PDF and then print it from your PDF software rather than your browser.
Solve Common Google Drive Issues: Edit a Shared Google Drive File
This problem frequently arises as a result of the numerous options for sharing Google Drive files with others. The individual who sent you the link to the file may have skipped a step or picked the incorrect choice. As a result, you may be unable to see the file at all or may be able to see it but not be able to alter it.
If you don’t have access to a file, Google Drive will display a button that says “Request access from the file’s owner,” which will ask them to adjust the file’s sharing settings.
Use Google Drive Offline to Solve Common Google Drive Issues
To use Google Drive offline, either uses the Google Chrome browser or install the Google Drive app on your PC or Mac.
On Chrome
Go to Google Drive settings and enable the option Create, open, and modify your recent Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets on this device while offline. You will be prompted to download the Google Doc Offline plugin.
You can only do it with one account per computer, so activate it only on the account you use the most. Also, to activate offline syncing, you must first have an internet connection, which requires some forethought the first time.
On Computer
Install Google Drive and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account. To sync your data to your computer, you must first be connected to the internet.
Wrapping Up
If the advice provided here does not solve common Google Drive issues, go to the Google Drive support page for further information. There is also a Google Drive help community where you may get assistance from others. Now that you’ve had Google Drive up and running, it’s time to see what more you can do with it. Several default options should be tweaked to improve the overall experience.
FAQ
Go to Google’s app status dashboard. This page lists all of Google’s services and informs you if there is a known issue with them. If you see a “service disruption” (amber) or “service outage” (red) indicator on the app you want to use, you can click on the coloured dot to see details about when the service will be back online. If the issue with Google Drive is caused by Google, the only thing you can do is wait for the outage to end.
If you’re accessing Google Drive through a web browser, log out, close your browser, check your internet connection, and then log back in. Otherwise, restart Google Drive. Close the app (on mobile) or click the “exit” or “cross” option (on desktop). And, re-open it.
delete any files that are no longer needed. On Google Drive, go to the left-hand menu and select Storage. This will provide a list of all your files, which you may sort by storage capacity.