How to fix Google Drive refusing to connect message

Google Drive is one of the best cloud storage providers, giving its users the flexibility to access data from almost any device, anywhere in the world. However, sometimes it may fail to load and display the error message “Google Drive refused to connect” or “drive.google.com refused to connect”. This error may occur when using any […]

How to fix Google Drive refusing to connect message

Google Drive is one of the best cloud storage providers, giving its users the flexibility to access data from almost any device, anywhere in the world. However, sometimes it may fail to load and display the error message “Google Drive refused to connect” or “drive.google.com refused to connect”.

This error may occur when using any of the Google Office apps (such as Docs, Sheets, or Slides) while using multiple Google accounts. If you are facing such a problem, we can help you. Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how you can fix this Google Drive connectivity issue.

Use private browsing mode

As mentioned, one of the reasons why this error persists is due to multiple Google accounts synced with your browser. Using your browser’s incognito window is a quick solution to fix the Google Drive connection problem. Note that this is a temporary solution and once the private browsing window is closed, you will no longer be signed in with your Google account.

Step 1: Open Chrome, then open an incognito window. It is generally located in the Three points menu in the upper right corner.

how to open an incognito window in Chrome.” style=”aspect-ratio: 1.5005793742758″/>

Image used with permission of the copyright holder

2nd step: Next, open Google Drive by entering drive.google.com in the address bar.

Screenshot of the Google Drive home page.

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Step 3: Click on the Go to Drive and log in with your Google account.

Screenshot of the Google account sign-in page.

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Step 4: The “Drive refusing to connect” error should now be resolved.

Sign out of multiple Google accounts

Another solution to Google Drive refusing to connect is to sign out of any accounts you may have signed into from your browser. This usually helps resolve disputes because you will only access Google Drive with one account at a time. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Chrome and open Google Drive by entering drive.google.com in the address bar.

2nd step: Click on your Google profile icon at the top right to view all synced accounts.

Screenshot of Google accounts connected to Google Drive.

Image used with permission of the copyright holder

Step 3: Then click on the button that says Log out of all accounts.

Step 4: A prompt should appear to confirm your action. Click on Continue to log out of all accounts.

Screenshot of confirmation of signing out of all Google accounts.

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Step 5: Once all accounts are signed out, open Google Drive again and sign in with the Google account that had connectivity issues. You should now be able to access your Drive.

Clear browser cache and cookies

Another solution is to clear your browser’s cache and cookies. These temporary files are stored on your PC to improve user experience and web page performance. It’s a good idea to clean them from time to time or whenever you experience browsing problems. Here’s how to clear cache and cookies on Chrome. (If you are using another browser, here are the steps to clear your browser cache.)

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and click on the Three points menu in the upper right corner of the browser window.

2nd step: Click on Settings in the drop-down menu.

Screenshot of Google Chrome's three-dot menu.

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Step 3: Then click Privacy and Security in the left sidebar. You will then want to search for the Clear browsing data and click on it.

Screenshot of the Google Chrome Settings menu.

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Step 4: A pop-up should appear where you need to check the boxes Cached images and files And Cookies and other site data.

Screenshot of Google Chrome privacy and security settings.

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Step 5: Click on the Erase data and restart Chrome. The Drive connectivity issue should be resolved.

Screenshot of Google Chrome clearing browsing data settings.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you need a Google account to access Google Drive?

Yes and no. If you want to access your own Google Drive, then yes, you need to be able to sign in to an existing Google account or create one.

But if you just want to be able to access a Google Drive document created by someone with a Google account, then no, you generally don’t have to get a Google account to access a Google Drive document. But you must be invited to access the document or at least receive a share link to it.

How do I sign in to my Google Drive account?

Go to the Google Drive website, select Go to Drivethen sign in to your Drive account using your Google account username and password.

how to access Google Drive from Gmail?

It depends on why you want to access Google Drive from Gmail:

  • If you just want to attach a Google Drive file to an email you write, follow these steps: Go to Gmail.com and log in to your Gmail account. Select Compose and write your email. Then select the To drive icon at the bottom of the screen New message screen to attach files to your message from Google Drive.
  • If you want to visit your Google Drive: Once you’re signed in to your Gmail account and viewing your main inbox screen, select the icon Google Apps icon in the upper right corner. The icon looks like a group of nine dots. From the menu that appears, select To drive. Another browser tab should automatically open and display your Google Drive.

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