If you are a Google Drive user, you might have faced the issue of the storage being full even when there are no files in your Drive. This can get frustrating, but there are some easy and quick fixes for this problem.
Simple Fixes for ‘Google Drive Storage Full But No Files in It’ Issue
Let’s explore some solutions to this problem:
1. Check Google Drive’s online status
Before you start troubleshooting the issue, check whether the problem is with Google. Visit the Google app status dashboard to check whether there is any problem with its services. If there is a problem, you have to wait till it gets resolved.
2. Disable your antivirus and firewall
Sometimes, the antivirus and firewall can interrupt file synchronization or show a ‘not connected’ error. You can try disabling your antivirus or firewall temporarily to fix the problem.
3. Restart Google Drive
Another solution is to restart Google Drive. If you are using Google Drive through a web browser, log out, quit the browser, and log back in. For the desktop application, click the Backup and Sync icon and then the three-dot Settings icon, and select ‘Exit Backup and Sync.’ After this, reopen the app.
4. Check previous versions of a file
Google Drive maintains a complete history of all the changes made to a file. You can revert to a previous save of a file created within the Google ecosystem by going to File > Version history > View Version History (or press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H).
Some More Problems Related to Google Drive and Their Solutions
Here are some more issues related to Google Drive that you could face and their solutions:
1. I can’t print to Google Drive
Google Drive and printers sometimes don’t work together. Try updating the printer software and web browser or disable any extensions that may interfere with printing. You can also download the file as a PDF and print it from your PDF software.
2. I can’t view or edit a shared Google Drive file
If you face a problem viewing or editing a shared Google Drive file, it could be because of sharing settings. If you don’t have access to the file, click ‘request access to file owner,’ and if you’re the owner, check the sharing parameters.
3. How to use Google Drive offline
If you want to use Google Drive offline, download the Google Drive app on your computer and follow the instructions to set it up. Use Google Chrome for offline access by checking “create, open and edit your recent Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files on this device offline” in the Google Drive settings.
Conclusion
These were some of the common issues you could face while using Google Drive and their solutions. If you’re still facing any problem, you can contact the Google customer support team to get further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I free up space on Google Drive?
To free up space on Google Drive, you can:
- Empty the trash and delete unnecessary files
- Use Google Photos to backup photos and videos
- Clear the hidden app data
- Use Google’s suggested cleaning recommendations
2. Can I increase the storage space on Google Drive?
Yes, you can increase your storage space on Google Drive by subscribing to a Google One plan.
3. Is it secure to use Google Drive?
Yes, Google Drive is secure. It uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit and AES-128 encryption for data at rest.
4. How can I access the Google app status dashboard?
You can access the Google app status dashboard from the Google Workspace Status Dashboard webpage.
