How to fix Google Drive Not Working on Chromebook? 10 Steps

The Google Drive gateway in the Chrome OS file manager occasionally malfunctions. Insufficient local storage, temporary system problems, software issues, interference from third-party apps, and other factors all play a role.

If Google Drive isn't working on your Chromebook, this article will walk you through 11 troubleshooting steps to try.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Without an internet connection, you can't sync files to Google Drive on your Chromebook. So the first step is to make sure your Chromebook can connect to the internet. On your device, go to any website and see if the page loads. Connect additional devices to the same network as your Chromebook to see if they can access the internet as well.

If the issue persists, restart your Wi-Fi router, reconnect your Chromebook to the network, and try again using Google Drive. Consider moving your Chromebook closer to the router, strengthening the router's Wi-Fi signal, and changing the software on your router. Finally, if you're still having trouble using the internet on your Chromebook, contact your internet provider.

2. Close and Reopen the Files App

Refreshing the Files app should fix the problem if your internet connection is fine but Google Drive isn't working. Some Chromebook users who couldn't find the Google Drive folder in the Files app were able to apply this troubleshooting option.

Tap the x icon in the top-right corner of the app window to close the Files app. Alternatively, click Alt and pick Close from the Files app icon on the Chromebook Shelf.

Check if files synced to the Google Drive folder are accessible on other devices by relaunching the Files app.

3. Check Your Device’s Storage

If your Chromebook doesn't have adequate storage space, downloading or uploading files to Google Drive using the Files app may fail.

To check your Chromebook's free storage, tap the menu symbol in the top-right corner of the Files app.

Alternatively, navigate to Device > Storage management in Settings.

If your device's capacity is running short, check out these in-depth guides to freeing up space on Chromebooks and maximising Google Drive storage.

4. Check Google Drive Service Status

The failure of Google Drive could be due to server-side outage. Check Google Drive's server status with real-time site monitoring tools like DownDetector.

If a problem with Google Drive's servers occurs, please contact Google Drive Support to report the outage.

5. Update Your Chromebook

While combing through this Chromebook Community and Reddit discussion, we observed that Google Drive failure is common on Chrome OS Builds 81 through 84. Some problems in some Chrome OS versions prevent Google Drive integration with the Files app.

If your Chromebook is running one of these older Chrome OS versions, install a stable update from the settings menu.

Select Check for updates from Settings > About Chrome OS.

If your device has already downloaded the update in the background, you may see a "Restart" button on this screen. Tap Restart to install the Chrome OS update.

6. Reconnect Google Drive

This will remove and re-add Google Drive to the file manager on your Chromebook. Close the Files app, open the Settings app, go to the Advanced area, select Files, and turn off the Disconnect Google Drive account option.

Your Google account will not be disconnected or removed from your Chromebook as a result of this. Instead, turn off the option to disconnect your Google Drive account, reopen the Files app, and see whether you can sync files to Google Drive from within the app.

7. Turn Off Your VPN

For some Chromebook users, the following troubleshooting solution fixed the issue. Close any current virtual private network (VPN) connection or programme and check again if Google Drive isn't showing up in your Chromebook's file manager.

8. Restart Your Chromebook

A gentle reboot can help your Chromebook run faster and resolve other software-related issues. Close all open apps, turn off your device, and then turn it back on.

Select the Power button by tapping the time or battery icon in the notification centre. Alternatively, press and hold the power button on your Chromebook and select Power Off.

Wait a few moments before pressing the power button to restart your Chromebook, connect to the internet, and open the Files app.

9. Use the Google Drive App

If you're having trouble syncing files to the cloud via the Files app, try the standalone Google Drive app. Consider this a workaround for the time being.

Check if you can sync files from your Chromebook to the cloud by installing Google Drive from the Play Store.

10. Powerwash Your Chromebook

Consider resetting your Chromebook to factory settings if Google Drive is still not working in the Files app. However, make a backup of your files to an external storage device first.

Select Advanced, Reset settings, and then the Reset button in your Chromebook's settings.

At least one of these troubleshooting options should fix problems with Google Drive not working on your Chromebook. If you're still having problems, contact Google Drive Support or the manufacturer of your Chromebook.