Google Drive Not Working on Chromebook? 11 Ways to Fix

One of these will solve the problem

The Google Drive gateway in the Chrome OS file manager sometimes fails to work correctly. Factors range from insufficient local storage to temporary system glitches, software bugs, interference from third-party apps, etc.

This article will highlight 11 troubleshooting fixes to try if Google Drive is not working on your Chromebook.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

You cannot sync files to Google Drive on your Chromebook without an internet connection. So the first step is to confirm that your Chromebook has internet access. Visit any website on your device and check if the page loads. You can connect other devices to the same network as your Chromebook and check if the internet works for those devices as well.

If the problem persists, reboot your Wi-Fi router, connect your Chromebook to the network, and reaccess Google Drive. You should also consider moving your Chromebook closer to the router, boosting the router’s Wi-Fi signal, and updating your router’s firmware. Finally, contact your internet provider if you’re still having difficulties using the internet on your Chromebook.

2. Close and Reopen the Files App

If your internet connection is fine, but Google Drive isn’t working, refreshing the Files app should resolve the problem. This troubleshooting technique works forsome Chromebook userswho couldn’t find the Google Drive folder in the Files app.

To close the Files app, tap thex iconon the top-right corner of the app window. Alternatively, pressAlt, select theFiles app iconon the Chromebook Shelf, and selectClose.

Relaunch the Files app and check if files synced to the Google Drive folder are accessible on other devices.

3. Check Your Device’s Storage

Downloading or uploading files to Google Drive via the Files app may fail if your Chromebook doesn’t have enough storage space.

In the Files app, tap themenu iconin the top-right corner to check the free storage of your Chromebook.

Alternatively, openSettingsand go toDevice>Storage management.

If your device’s storage is low, refer to these comprehensive tutorials onfreeing up space on Chromebooksand optimizing Google Drive’s storage.

4. Check Google Drive Service Status

Server-side downtime could be the reason why Google Drive is not working. Use real-time site monitoring tools likeDownDetectorto check Google Drive’s server status.

If there’s a problem with Google Drive’s servers, contactGoogle Drive Supportto report the service outage.

5. Free Up Google Storage

Your Chromebook won’t sync files to Google Drive if you don’t have enough Google storage. Visit yourGoogle Account dashboardfrom a browser and check your Google storage in the “Account storage” section.

If you’ve exhausted your Google storage, you can claim thefree 100GB Google One perkavailable to new Chromebook users. If your device doesn’t qualify for the perk, use Google’s “Storage manager” to free up space across all Google services.

That’ll launch the Google Storage manager, a tool that highlights files consuming your Google storage.

6. Update Your Chromebook

We discovered that Google Drive failure is prevalent on Chrome OS Build 81 through Build 84 while combing through thisChromebook CommunityandReddit thread. These Chrome OS versions have some bugs that break Google Drive integration with the Files app.

Install a stable update from the settings menu if your Chromebook runs these old Chrome OS versions.

Go toSettings>About Chrome OSand selectCheck for updates.

You might find a “Restart” button on this page if your device already downloaded the update in the background. TapRestartto install the Chrome OS update.

7. Reconnect Google Drive

Doing this will remove and re-add Google Drive to your Chromebook’s file manager. Close the Files app, launch theSettingsapp, expand theAdvancedsection, selectFiles, and toggle onDisconnect Google Drive account.

Note that this doesn’t disconnect or remove your Google account from your Chromebook. Instead, toggle off theDisconnect Google Drive accountoption, reopen the Files app, and check if you’re able to sync files to Google Drive within the app.

8. Turn Off Your VPN

The following troubleshooting solutionresolved the problem for some Chromebook users. If Google Drive isn’t showing up in your Chromebook’s file manager, close any active virtual private network (VPN) connection or app and check again.

9. Restart Your Chromebook

Performing a soft reboot canspeed up your Chromebookand fix other software-related issues. Close all active applications, shut down your device, and turn it back on.

Tap the time or battery icon in the notification center and select thePowerbutton. Alternatively, press and hold your Chromebook’s power button and selectPower Off.

Wait for about a minute or two, press the power button to restart your Chromebook, connect to the internet, and launch the Files app.

10. Use the Google Drive App

If you can’t sync files to the cloud from the Files app, the standalone Google Drive app should work without issues. Consider this a temporary workaround to the problem.

InstallGoogle Drive from the Play Storeand check if you can sync files from your Chromebook to the cloud.

11. Powerwash Your Chromebook

If Google Drive still isn’t working in the Files app, considerresetting your Chromebook to factory default. Before you do so, however, backup your files to an external storage device.

Open your Chromebook settings, selectAdvanced, selectReset settings, and select theResetbutton.

At least one of these troubleshooting solutions should fix problems with Google Drive not working on your Chromebook. ContactGoogle Drive Support Serviceor your Chromebook’s manufacturer if you still face issues.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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