Try Basic Fixes
- Ask the file owner to enable download access: If you can’t download a file shared with you, the file owner may have restricted your access with the view-only setting. In that case, Google Drive will not display the download option for the file. You can ask the file owner to enable download access.
- Free up storage space: Inadequate storage space can also lead to failed Google Drive file downloads on your Android or iPhone. Hence, ensure your phone has enough free storage space.
- Update the Google Drive app: An outdated Google Drive app can cause issues such as download failures. Head to the Play Store or App Store to update the Google Drive app and see if that helps.
Fix 1: Allow Google Drive to Run in the Background (Android)
You might run into problems while downloading large files from Google Drive if you have restricted the app from running in the background on your Android. Here’s how to change that.
Step 1: Long-press on the Google Drive app icon and tap the info icon from the menu.
Step 2: Tap on Battery > select Unrestricted from the following menu.
Step 3: Return to the app info page and tap on Mobile data. Enable the toggles for Allow background data usage and Allow data usage while Data saver is on.
Fix 2: Enable Background App Refresh (iPhone)
Disabling Background App Refresh for the Google Drive app on your iPhone can prevent it from syncing your data or downloading files in the background. To avoid this, open the Settings app and scroll down to tap on Drive. Then, enable the toggle for Background App Refresh.
Fix 3: Clear App Cache (Android)
As you continue to use the Google Drive app, temporary files are accumulated to improve your experience. However, these cache files can become corrupted over time, causing the Google Drive app to misbehave on your phone. Clearing the Google Drive app cache should help restore normalcy.
Step 1: Long-press on the Google Drive app icon > tap the info icon from the menu.
Step 2: Go to Storage > tap Clear cache at the bottom.
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Last updated on 12 August, 2024
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