Can’t open a Google file or folder - Android (2024)


Can’t open a Google file or folder - Android (1)

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If a file won't open, a few things could be wrong:

  • You don't have permission to openthe file.
  • You're signed in to a Google Account that doesn't have access.
  • The correct app isn't installed on your phone.

Get permission to open a file

  1. Open the file.
  2. The 'Request access' page will open.
  3. Tap Send Can’t open a Google file or folder - Android (2).
  4. The owner of the file will get an email with your request. If they approve your request, you'll receive an email.

Tip: If you need access straight away, contact the owner of the file and ask them to give you access.

Download the apps

To open and edit files, download the Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides apps.

Try a different Google Account

If you have more than one Google Account, check whether you have access to the file with a different account.

To sign in to another account:

  1. On your Android device, open the app for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets or Slides.
  2. At the top left, tap Menu Can’t open a Google file or folder - Android (3).
  3. Next to your email address, tap the Down arrow Can’t open a Google file or folder - Android (4).
  4. Tap Add account.

Get more help

If you still can’t open a file or folder, take a look at the answers in the Google Drive forum.

Can’t open a Google file or folder - Android (5)

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Can’t open a Google file or folder - Android (2024)

FAQs

Can’t open a Google file or folder - Android? ›

If a file won't open, a few things could be wrong: You don't have permission to open the file. You're signed in to a Google Account that doesn't have access. The correct app isn't installed on your phone.

Why is my file not opening in Android? ›

If a file won't open, a few things could be wrong: You don't have permission to open the file. You're signed in to a Google Account that doesn't have access. The correct app isn't installed on your phone.

Why can't I open a Google folder? ›

Try Google Workspace today! If a file won't open, a few things could be wrong: The file owner didn't give you permission to open the file. You're signed in to a different Google Account.

Why Files by Google is not opening? ›

- **Confirm permissions:** Ensure Files by Google has access to your device's storage: Settings > Apps > Files by Google > Permissions. - **Install pending updates:** Check the Play Store for updates, as they often address bugs and compatibility issues.

Why can't I open Google Drive files on my phone? ›

Fix 1: Check the Internet Connection

The most common reason for Google Drive not loading is that there's a weak or unstable connection between your Android phone and Google Drive. To fix this, you can turn off the WiFi network and then re-enable it or connect to another one.

How do I fix a file that wont open? ›

[Easy-Fixes] Files on Desktop Not Opening on Windows PC
  1. Method 1. Run the system maintenance troubleshooter.
  2. Method 2. Check PC via System File Checker.
  3. Method 3. Change incorrect folder options.
  4. Method 4. Adjust mouse settings.
  5. Method 5. Modify login profile in Registry.

How do I open a locked file on Android? ›

To unlock a file or folder
  1. Tap the More icon to the right of the file or folder. The list of actions for the file or folder opens, but shows Unlock instead of Lock.
  2. Click Unlock. The item is unlocked and no longer appears with a lock icon.

How do I unlock Google files? ›

In Drive, right-click the file with a content restriction and click Unlock lock_open. Figure 2. Remove a file content restriction within a Drive file list. Open the file with a content restriction and click (Locked mode) lock > Unlock file.

Why can't I access my Android folder? ›

Accessing and copying files to the Android data folder is limited in Androids above 10, especially 13 and 14, but file managers such as Z Archiver can access the Android/data folder by obtaining a permission.

Why my folders are not opening? ›

The folder won't open when clicked on Windows. You need to double-click it. You can also right-click the folder and select Open to open it. If you want to open a folder in a new window, you can press the Ctrl key on your keyboard and double-click the folder.

How do I open Google files on my Android? ›

File Manager
  1. On your Android phone, go to Play store.
  2. In the search slot enter Files by Google.
  3. The following screen appears:
  4. Make sure to select the Files by Google app from Google LLC. ...
  5. Tap the Install button and follow on-screen prompts.

How do I fix Google not opening on my Android? ›

Step 1: Try to fix your Internet connection
  1. Make sure your device isn't in Airplane mode.
  2. Check your Wi-Fi connection.
  3. Check your mobile data connection.
  4. Restart the Google app.
  5. Restart your device.
  6. Update the Google app.
  7. Clear your Google app cache.
  8. Clear your Google app data.

Why is my files app not opening? ›

I believe this to be an issue with your smartphone. I would recommend you to do basic troubleshooting such as closing the app, restarting the phone. If the problem still persists, I would recommend to update your Files by Google app from Google Play Store.

Why can't I open a file on my Android phone? ›

If you can't open a file, it could be because:

You don't have permission. You're signed in to a Google Account that doesn't have access. The correct app isn't installed on your Android device.

Why is my Google Drive file not working? ›

Clear your browser cache and cookies and then try to load your Drive files again. You can put large files in Drive, but if you exceed the size limits, they might not load properly. If your file is too big or close to the limit, divide the information into more than one file.

How do I get Google Drive to open files? ›

To open files with apps installed on your computer, you need the most recent version of Google drive for desktop and the Application Launcher by Google.
  1. Go to drive.google.com.
  2. Log into your Google account with your username and password. ...
  3. Right-click a file.
  4. Place your cursor over Open with.
  5. Choose an app.

How do I open my files on my Android phone? ›

Find & open files
  1. Open your device's Files app . Learn where to find your apps.
  2. Your file categories will show.
  3. To sort by name, date, or size, tap a file category More. Sort by.
  4. To open a file, tap it.

How do I change the file opening settings on my Android? ›

How to Change Default App Settings on Android and Fix File Format Problems
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications.
  3. Tap Advanced.
  4. Tap Default apps.
  5. Tap the file type or action you want to change the default app for.
  6. Select the app you want to use as the default.
Sep 27, 2023

Why are my downloaded files not opening? ›

Restart the File Explorer task. The problem is most likely not with the Downloads folder, but with the File Explorer itself. If the folder no longer responds, the File Explorer may also freeze. As a result, you'd have to restart Windows Explorer using Task Management.

How do I enable file access on Android? ›

Change app permissions
  1. On your device, open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Tap the app you want to change. If you can't find it, tap See all apps. ...
  4. Tap Permissions. If you allowed or denied any permissions for the app, you'll find them here.
  5. To change a permission setting, tap it, then choose Allow or Don't allow.

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