Files Not Uploading to Google Drive [How to Fix]

Google Drive is one of the most accessible and feature-packed cloud services available out there. It offers 15 GB of storage data upfront without any hidden costs. However, there might be some times when you face some trouble while uploading or downloading files from it.

A lot of users have complained about how they have not been able to upload files to Google Drive from any of their devices. In fact, the uploads are stuck mid-way on smartphones and there seems to be no way to recover from it. In this article, we have collated a bunch of fixes for this particular problem. 

How to Fix Files Not Uploading to Google Drive

A prevalent problem in Google Drive is when you upload video files, significantly larger ones, you can’t preview them in Google Drive. You will be met with a message reading, “ We’re processing the video, please check back later.” 

There’s no real fix for this issue except for performing routine troubleshooting processes. Refer to the steps mentioned below to see how you can fix this problem. 

  • Open your PC or laptop and load your preferred browser. 
  • Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com
  • Enter your details to access the Drive. 
  • Once you’re logged in, select a video file that you want to play; if it shows that it can’t process or play that video, try refreshing the page first. 
  • If refreshing the page still doesn’t fix the issue, you can try downloading the video on your laptop or PC—Right-click on the file to open the contextual menu and select Download. 
  • Your download should commence shortly, after which you can watch the video. 
  • One other method to combat this issue is to install the desktop app for Google Drive, which is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems. You can simply open the file and watch it as it will have been synced onto your computer. 
Files Not Uploading to Google Drive
Files Not Uploading to Google Drive
  • Another way to deal with this is to switch to a different browser. Surprisingly, it has been reported that if you simply change your browser, the issue gets resolved with matters like this. You can try using Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox. 

If you’ve tried all of these methods and the issue is not resolved, the file might be corrupted, and you might have to reupload it. 

Read How to Search Large Files on Google Drive

How to Fix Upload Failure on Google Drive?

When trying to upload a file, you might receive a “Google Drive upload failure 38” error. This usually happens when there’s excess cache and data on your browser. Refer to the steps mentioned below to see how to fix that. 

  • Open your laptop or PC and load up your preferred browser. 
  • The method we’ve shown depicts how you can clear your data and cache from the Chrome browser, but the process should relatively be the same if you’re using a different browser. 
  • Click on the three dots at the top right corner of the screen. 
  • Select Settings from the menu. 
  • Click on Privacy and security from the side menu on the new tab. 
  • Choose Clear browsing data, make sure you check the Cookies and other site data and the Cached images and files option from the new dialog box. Keep in mind checking these options will log you out of most sites and remove auto-fill details. You can also go to the Advanced section to have more control over the cookies and data you want to delete.
How to Fix Files Not Uploading to Google Drive
Files Not Uploading to Google Drive
  • Once you’re done, click on Clear data
  • Head over to the Google Drive website at drive.google.com
  • Enter your details to access the Drive if prompted. 
  • Once you’re logged in, click on the New button on the side menu and select File upload. 
  • Upload the file you want to and check if the issue has been resolved. 

Read How to Make Files Public on Google Drive

Disabling Antivirus and Firewall Protection

Sometimes, the antivirus program you have installed on your laptop might interfere with the uploading.

To fix this, you will need to disable your computer’s antivirus and firewall protection until the file is finished uploading, then turn it back on. Refer to the steps given below to see how to do that. 

  • Open your laptop or PC, press the Start button on the taskbar, and click the settings icon. Alternatively, you can also use the Windows+I shortcut to open the settings panel. 
  • Once inside the settings window, choose Update & security.
  • Click on Windows Security and choose Firewall & Network Protection. 
  • Here you have to disable the toggle under the Microsoft firewall protection option. 
  • If you have third-party antivirus software, you will be redirected to that app, where you have to disable it manually.

Read How to Download Google Drive Files on iPad

Why can’t I upload a video from my iPhone to Google Drive?

Another issue users have been facing where they cannot upload a video to Google Drive from their iPhone. If you are an iPhone user and have been facing something similar, you need to look at certain solutions that might help you out.

  • Try closing all the background apps on your phone.
  • Restart Google Drive on your iPhone and try uploading again
  • Check your internet connection and reconnect.
  • Check your Google Drive storage capacity

We spoke about the ways you can try fixing this. Make sure your video isn’t too big to be uploaded as it can a huge amount of time if you have a slow internet connection. If nothing works, try restarting the phone and reuploading the file.

Read How to Transfer Files from Google Drive to iCloud

Conclusion

That’s it, folks. As you can see, there are many ways to fix an upload problem on Google Drive. You should try out all these methods to see which one works for you. The reason behind it could be anything from an internal error to an error on the device you are working on.

In fact, a lot of times, the reason behind it could simply be because of the poor internet connection that simply leaves the download on halt, and ultimately it fails. Make sure you do not upload a large number of files at once or you will be stuck.

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