Quick Fixes: Google Drive Not Syncing on Mac

Google Drive for Mac OS is killing me

Why Google Drive Not Syncing on Mac

Google Drive is a critical tool for many Mac users, enabling seamless file storage and sharing. However, encountering syncing issues can disrupt productivity and lead to data inconsistencies. If you're struggling with Google Drive not syncing on your Mac, this comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot and fix these issues effectively.

Common Causes of Google Drive Not Syncing on Mac

Understanding the root causes can aid in quicker resolution. Here are some typical reasons:

⚡Internet Connectivity Issues: An unstable or weak internet connection can prevent Google Drive from syncing properly on your Mac.
⚡Outdated Google Drive Application: Running an outdated version of Google Drive may cause compatibility issues that disrupt syncing.
⚡Conflict with Other Software: Other applications, especially those that access the same files, can interfere with Google Drive to sync.
⚡Insufficient Storage Space: Lack of available storage space on either your Mac or Google Drive can stop the syncing process.
⚡File Permission Problems: Incorrect file permissions can block Google Drive from accessing and syncing certain files or folders.

Solutions to Fix Google Drive Not Syncing on Mac

In the following sections, we’ll explore various solutions to resolve Google Drive syncing issues with step-by-step instructions. If you encounter other sync problems with Google Drive, these methods can also be effective in addressing a wide range of syncing challenges.

 Fix 1. Check the Internet Connection

If you have Google Drive sync issues on Mac, start by checking your Internet connection. Google Drive relies on a stable and fast internet connection for tasks like backing up, syncing, and accessing files. Without it, Google Drive will stop working.

Fix 2. Pause and Restart Google Drive

Occasionally, Google Drive may not sync because it gets stuck during operation. To fix this, try pausing and resuming the program.

Step 1: Open the system tray and click on the Google Drive icon.

Step 2: Click the Settings icon, select Pause syncing, then click Resume syncing to see if the files start syncing correctly.

Fix 3. Restart Google Drive

Many syncing issues with Google Drive on Windows 10/11 can be resolved by simply restarting the program. You can restart the Google Drive desktop application or restart your device.

Step 1: Exit Google Drive by right-clicking its system tray icon on the bottom right taskbar and selecting the Quit option.

Step 2: After quitting, wait a minute and launch Google Drive again.

Fix 4. Ensure Folder Sync on Google Drive

Google Drive only syncs files automatically if they are selected to sync. If your Google Drive isn't syncing with your computer, it might be because you haven't chosen the correct sync options.

🚩Google Drive Sync Options:
Stream files: Keeps all My Drive files in the cloud only, accessible from a virtual Google Drive disk.
Mirror files: Stores all My Drive files both in the cloud and on your local computer, accessible from a Google Drive folder on your computer.

To fix Google Drive not syncing folders to your computer, switch from Stream files to Mirror files. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the Google Drive icon in the System Tray. Then, click the Settings icon (gear) and select Preferences.

Step 2: In the Preferences window, go to the Google Drive tab. Choose Mirror files, pick a location for the Google Drive folder, and click Save.

Fix 5. Check storage space

If your Google Drive is full, it will stop syncing files. Check your storage space to see if this is causing the sync issue on your Windows or Mac.

1. Go to one.google.com/about and log in to your Google account.
2. You'll see a visual representation of your storage usage, showing how much space you've used and how much is available.

★Tip:

To free up space, delete unnecessary files or combine Google Drive accounts to increase your storage.

Bonus: Sync Files on Your Mac With Data Safety

If you still cannot fix Google Drive sync on Mac using the methods above, consider using the web version as a temporary fix. Alternatively, you can switch to another file sync tool on Mac that automatically syncs your files without any issues. AOMEI Backupper Mac is a dependable solution for syncing crucial files on your Mac. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make data protection straightforward, ensuring your files are always secure and efficiently managed.

AOMEI Backupper Mac

Free Mac sync software to sync files and folders automatically

Download Freeware
macOS 10.15 or later

Step 1: Install AOMEI Backupper Mac on your device and select "New Task" to initiate the process.

Step 2: Select the type of sync that fits your needs. Basic Sync, Mirror Sync, and Two-Way Sync all work well for syncing files.

📌Basic Sync: This method duplicates files from one place to another without removing the originals from the source location.
📌Mirror Sync: This creates an identical copy of the source files at the destination, and removes any files from the destination that no longer exist at the source.
📌Two-Way Sync: This keeps files updated in both the source and destination locations, ensuring that changes in one location are reflected in the other.

Step 3: Set the source and destination for your sync.

Step 4: Configure the sync schedule and other options as needed.

You can choose how often to synchronize your files, with options ranging from once, hourly, daily, weekly, to monthly. Additionally, you can specify the start time and decide if the system should hibernate or shut down after the sync process is complete.

Under the "Options" menu, you can customize the sync process by including or excluding specific files and folders.

Step 5: Once everything is set up, click "Sync" and let the process complete.

FAQs About Google Drive not Syncing on Mac

Q 1: How can I update my Google Drive application on Mac?

A 1: To update Google Drive, go to the Mac App Store, search for Google Drive, and check if an update is available. If so, click "Update."

Q 2: What should I do if my internet connection is fine but Google Drive is still not syncing?

A 2: If the internet connection is stable, try clearing the Google Drive cache, ensuring sufficient storage space, and checking file permissions.

Q 3: What if I have sufficient storage space but Google Drive is still not syncing?

A 3: Ensure that your Google Drive application is up-to-date, check for any software conflicts, and verify that file permissions are correctly set.

Tips for Ensuring Smooth Google Drive Sync

1. Regularly Update Applications: Keep your Google Drive and other software up-to-date to prevent compatibility issues.
2. Monitor Storage Usage: Frequently check your storage to avoid running out of space unexpectedly.
3. Check Internet Speed: Ensure you have a reliable and fast internet connection to facilitate smooth syncing.

Conclusion

By implementing these solutions and tips, you can ensure that your Google Drive remains in perfect sync on your Mac, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Consistent updates, careful monitoring of storage, and a stable internet connection are key to maintaining seamless functionality. With these steps, your workflow will remain uninterrupted, and your files will always be at your fingertips.