Common Fixes
- Check your network connection: Unstable internet can halt the Google Drive sync. Test your internet connection online.
- Check the Google Drive server status: Visit Downdetector to check if there’s an active Google Drive server outage.
- Check your Google Drive storage: Open Google Drive and check the Storage meter in the left sidebar to view free space. If it’s exhausted, delete unnecessary files or upgrade your account storage.
- Update or reinstall the Google Drive app: Open the App Store > search Google Drive > tap Update (if available). Alternatively, long-press the Google Drive icon to remove the app and reinstall it from the Apple App Store.
- Disable Low Data Mode: Select Wi-Fi under iPhone settings and tap your connected network. Toggle off the Low Data Mode. If you use cellular data, head to Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data Options > toggle off Low Data Mode.
- Turn off the Low Power Mode: Open the Settings app, select Battery, and turn off Low Power Mode.
Fix 1: Enable Google Drive for the Files App
Fix 1: Enable Google Drive for the Files App
If Google Drive isn’t automatically syncing files on your iPhone, it might be due to the missing file sync permission. Head to the Files app to turn it on manually.
Step 1: Open the Files app and tap Browse at the bottom right corner.
Step 2: Select Drive under Locations and tap Turn On when prompted to enable the Google Drive file sync.
Fix 2: Enable Background App Refresh for Google Drive
Background App Refresh on iPhone allows apps to update their content when not in use. If it is turned off for Google Drive, it may fail to sync files as soon as you exit the app. Head to iPhone Settings to turn it on.
Step 1: Open iPhone Settings and scroll down to select Drive.
Step 2: Toggle on Background App Refresh.
Fix 3: Remove and Re-Add Your Google Account
Lastly, account configuration issues can prevent Google Drive from syncing files on your iPhone. Remove your Google account from the Drive app and re-add it to troubleshoot the sync issue.
Note: Removing your Google account will delete any unsaved or unsynced data from Google Drive on your iPhone.
Step 1: Tap your profile icon at the top right in the Drive app and select Manage accounts on this device.
Step 2: Select Remove from this device under your Google account and tap Remove to confirm it.
Step 3: Once logged out, open the Drive app, tap Sign in, and type your Google account credentials to log back into Google Drive and resume the file sync.
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Last updated on 15 July, 2024
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