How to Unshare a Folder in Google Drive (Step by Step Guide)

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Unshare a folder in Google Drive

Unable to unshare a folder in Google Drive? Follow this tutorial to check how to unshare a folder in Google Drive. The ability to share files with your colleagues is one of the most essential features of Google Docs. However, you may face some situations where you might need to restrict access to your file from some specific people due to security reasons.

For example, if you were working with someone on a project that has been finished. You can remove access to the document from your colleague for privacy. Let’s dive into this tutorial to know more.

How Shared Folder Works in Google Drive?

  • The files stored on your Google Drive account are kept private until you allow them to be accessible by other people.
  • Since file sharing is one of the most important features of Google Drive. It allows you to share your files and folders stored in your account with anyone.
  • While sharing your file you can also know whether people can edit, comment, or only be able to view the file. However, when you share the file, the storage is counted against your account.
  • Moreover, when you try to change the sharing permissions for subfolders and files it may take a lot of time to allow the changes to take place.

How to Unshare A Folder in Google Drive

Well, to understand how to unshare a folder in Google Drive. Follow the different methods to unshare a folder in Google Drive.

Unshare the Folder in Google Drive by Remove Access

Since this is a little time-consuming method, works perfectly and allows you to unshare folders. Follow the below steps to unshare the folder in Google Drive.

  • Open Google Drive and sign in to your account to unshare a folder in Google Drive.
  • Click the particular folder you have shared already then click Share and again click Share to unshare the folders in Google Drive.
Unshare folder in Google Drive
  • Click their role on the person name you have shared and click Remove access in Google Drive.
Unshare a folder in Google Drive
  • Once you have removed the access, in the same file or folder the person’s name will not be visible.
Unshare folder from Google Drive

This is how we should remove or unshare a folder in Google Drive. However, if you are searching for an alternative method that allows you to provide access to the file to a handful of people then keep reading.

Read Google Drive Download without Zipping Files

When you stop the link sharing to a folder it can only be viewed by you and the people with whom you have shared your file. Make sure you follow the steps given below carefully to stop link sharing to a folder in Google Drive.

  • Open Google Drive and sign in to your account to unshare a folder in Google Drive.
  • Click the particular folder you have shared already then click Share and again click Share to unshare the folders in Google Drive.
  • Click Anyone with the link and click Restricted to unshare the folders in Google Drive.
Unshare folder from the Drive

Once click the Done option, the changes will be saved. They won’t get notified for these changes.

Read How to Backup iPhone Photos to Google Drive

Delete the Shared Folder

If the file is uploaded to your Google Drive account then deleting it will lead to the loss of access permission. It is applicable for all the added recipients after you have permanently deleted it.

However, if you are looking to delete a shared folder that isn’t uploaded to your account, deleting it will make the file disappear from your account.

But, other collaborators may still be able to edit, view, or comment on it. In the latter case, you can also be advised to open the file by opening the folder again and then choosing the option “add to my drive“.

Read: How To Create A Google Drive Account For A Group

Revoking Permission for Multiple Folders or Files

We can also unshare multiple folders or files in the Google Drive. Follow the below points to do so.

  • Initially, all you need to find the files that you have shared with others. They can be found on the My Drive page, with a share icon.
  • After you have located all your shared files you need to select them in bulk by keeping the ctrl key pressed on your keyboard.
  • Now, use your left mouse button to select your desired files or folders.
  • Once you have completed selecting, right-click on any of the selected files.
  • Choose the share option from the drop-down menu.
how to unshare a folder in Google Drive
google drive unshare
  • You can simply follow the process and steps as given above and similarly unshare multiple files.

With the above-given steps, you can easily prevent your file from being shared with anyone. If you are looking to remove individual people from your file-sharing whitelist, you can consider following the above methods.

Unshare the folder in Google Drive from the Android

Follow the below steps to unshare the folder from the Android device.

  • Open Drive in the mobile application.
  • Click the Shared option down and click three dots in the particular file to unshare the folder.
Unshare the folder in Google Drive
  • Click Share to proceed with the next steps.
Unshare folder in the Google Drive
  • Click the profile under Manage access
Unshare a folder from Google Drive
  • Now click Remove to unshare the folder in Google Drive from an Android device.
Unshare Google Drive folder from the Android

Conclusion

When it comes to sharing the folder among the team, Google Drive will be the best where nothing can beat. But once the work is over, it is important to unshare a folder from the Drive due to many reasons

The methods shared above works perfectly on how to unshare a folder on Google Drive. Try all the methods and see the changes. Also, ensure that you follow every step in the right order and with uttermost care. Here we covered:

  • How to unshare a folder in Google Drive
  • How do you unshare a folder on Google Drive

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