5 Ways to Fix Google Drive Stuck at Starting Upload on Android

Quick Tips

• Select the file > Share icon > More > Drive > tap on Save.
• Open Google Drive > hamburger icon > Settings > Clear cache > tap on OK to confirm.
• Go to Google Drive Settings > turn off the Transfer files only over Wi-Fi toggle.

How to Stop Google Drive Uploads in Progress on Android

Before we get started on how to fix the issue of Google Drive uploads getting stuck, let us have a quick look at how you can stop an upload once it is stuck. To do this, use the cancel option and then force the Google Drive app to close in case the cancel option doesn’t work. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Go to the relevant upload in the Google Drive app and tap the x icon. Exit the app.

Step 2: Long-press the Google Drive app icon and tap the i icon. Tap on Force stop and confirm.

This should help you cancel the upload that is currently in progress in Google Drive on your Android device.

How to Fix Google Drive Upload Stuck on Android

Once the current upload has been canceled, use the below-mentioned ways to fix the issue of Google Drive uploads getting stuck on Android.

Basic Fixes:

• Try switching to Wi-Fi: If your mobile data does not have adequate speed or is not working properly, it can cause your Google Drive uploads to stall. In this case, switch to a reliable Wi-Fi connection and see if the upload resumes.
• Close and restart Google Drive: Open all background apps and close them. Then, restart only the Google Drive app and try uploading the file again. This can help get rid of temporary app glitches.
• Check Google Drive storage: If your Google Drive storage is full or almost full, it might stop current uploads mid-way. So check and ensure your Google account has enough storage space available.
• Use a different device: Sometimes, the issue lies with your Android device. To check, try uploading the same file on the same Google Drive account using a different device, like your desktop. If the upload is successful, you might need to check the device settings.
• Check for app updates: Software-related bugs can cause uploads to stall mid-way or just when they’re almost done. To ensure this is not the case with your device, ensure the Google Drive app is updated.

Fix 1: Upload the File to a Different Folder

Google Drive allows you to create different folders within the app. So, if you’re unable to upload the file to the main drive, create a new folder using the below steps and try uploading the file to this folder instead.

Step 1: Open the Google Drive app and tap on New. Tap on Folder.

Step 2: Rename the folder as you want and tap on Create.

Once the new folder is created, you can now proceed to upload the relevant file or document to this folder in Google Drive.

Fix 2: Compress the File Before Uploading

You can face issues when uploading heavy files to your Google Drive on a sketchy internet connection. To ensure this does not happen, you can compress or zip the file on your Android phone and then upload it to Google Drive. This will help reduce the file size, resolving any related issues.

Fix 3: Use the Share Option

Directly using the upload or drag-and-drop option might cause your file uploads to fail. When this happens, you can use the share option on your Android phone to share the file to the Google Drive app. Once done, it will automatically start the file upload. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Select the relevant file and tap on Share. Tap on More.

Step 2: From the options, select Drive. Tap on Save. This should start the file upload.

Fix 4: Clear Google Drive Cache

While app caches are useful in speeding up processes, they can also be the cause of app issues. So, if your Google Drive uploads have been failing or getting stuck for a while, try clearing the cache for the Google Drive app on your Android device using the following steps.

Step 1: Open the Google Drive app and tap the hamburger icon. Tap on Settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Clear cache. Tap on OK. Restart the app and check.

Fix 5: Turn off Transfer Files Only Over Wi-Fi

Google Drive allows you to block uploads over mobile data. While this can be helpful if you’re on a metered connection, it can end up stopping your uploads the moment you switch to mobile data. To ensure this does not happen, disable the relevant Google Drive setting using the below steps.

Step 1: Open Google Drive and tap the hamburger icon. Tap on Settings.

Step 2: Turn off the Transfer files only over Wi-Fi toggle.

Now, Google Drive will be able to upload files regardless of whether your Android phone is currently on mobile data or Wi-Fi.