Google Drive is an online storage and synchronization service provided by Google. It enables users to store files, photos, videos, and other types of documents on the cloud and access them across multiple devices. Users can access Google Drive through its web interface or download a desktop application for convenient use on their computers. Additionally, it integrates with Google's office suite, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing users to create and edit documents online. Users get 15 GB of free storage with a Google account, and they have the option to purchase additional storage if needed.

Google Drive is a platform that allows you to store files online. Then, you can access these saved files and documents from any device connected to the internet, such as a personal computer, tablet, or phone. For first-time users who already have or sign up for a Google account, they get 15 GB of free storage to try out Google Drive's features.

Google Drive Image

Highlights of Google Drive:

    • Data protection
    • Access files anytime, anywhere
    • Support for multiple file types
    • Fast image and text recognition
    • Efficient storage and sharing of files

Why can't I see my files in Google Drive?

Have you ever encountered an issue where the files you uploaded don't show up when you open your Google Drive, even though they're supposed to be there? While Google Drive is a powerful tool, it can sometimes have a glitch that prevents shared files from appearing in your folder. Here are some reasons why your uploaded and shared files might not be showing in Google Drive.

    • Unstable network connection
    • An error occurred during the process
    • An internal system error in Google Drive
    • You haven't been granted edit permissions by the file sharer
    • The file you want to sync has been deleted

How to Fix the Issue of Google Drive Not Showing Files

If you're missing files, try these steps to make files reappear in your Google Drive upload, share, or sync.

1. Wait and refresh the interface

If you see the “Temporary Error (502)” message on your computer's interface, don't panic! This just means that the files and documents in Google Drive aren't currently loading. Wait a moment, then try refreshing the page.

2. Resignation

You can also try logging out of your Google account in Google Drive and then signing back in to fix this issue.

3. Pause and Resume Google Drive

If you're using the Google Drive mobile app on your phone or tablet, you can resume an upload by tapping the “paused” file in the folder where you were uploading it. The upload should pick up where it left off.

Resume paused upload on Google Drive app on phone

If you use Google Drive on your computer, you can restore it by following these steps:

Step 1. Tap the Backup & Sync icon.

Step 2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the Backup & Sync panel.

Resume paused uploads on computer

Step 3. Click “Restore,” and wait a few minutes.

4. Run the Google Backup app as an administrator

Step 1: Find Google Drive in Windows and right-click on it.

Step 2. Run Google Drive as an administrator.

Clear your browser's cache and cookies

Step 1: Open the Chrome browser > click on the More icon > click on Settings.

Google Chrome Settings

Step 2: Tap Privacy & security > Tap Cookies and other site data.

Find cookies and other site data

Step 3: Click "View all site data and permissions" > "Remove all data" > "Clear all"

6. Reduce File Size

If your file or document is too large, it might not upload successfully to Google Drive. In this case, try splitting the large file into multiple files.

7. View files not yet synced online

Step 1: Open the taskbar, then click the Google Drive menu.

2. Click Preferences > Right-click the Google Drive icon > [View unsynced files].

Step 3: Click on the “Access Google Drive through the network” option.

Use Incognito mode

You can also open Incognito Mode in Google Chrome to eliminate any outdated cached files that might be causing the issue with Google Drive not showing up.

1. Click the three dots menu in the top-right corner of Chrome.

Step 2. Choose New Incognito Window or press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N.

Google Incognito Mode

Check your firewall and proxy settings

Sometimes, firewall and proxy settings can block access to Google Drive. If you find that uploaded or shared files aren't showing up in Google Drive, check your firewall and proxy settings.

To allow Google Drive to pass through a firewall, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + S > Type Firewall.

Step 2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.

Step 3. Click on "Change settings," then check the box next to "Public and private" for Google Drive.

Firewall Settings

If you're having issues with Google Drive, you might also need to turn off Auto-detect proxy settings. Then, after turning that off, enable Direct connection.

How to recover lost files from Google Drive

If you've tried all the above and your file is still missing from Google Drive, it's possible that you might have accidentally or unintentionally permanently deleted the file or document from your computer. In this case, it's recommended to use a powerful Data Recovery Wizard tool that can assist in checking and recovering deleted or lost files and documents.

Data Recovery Wizard has been highly praised by users for its excellence in recovering permanently deleted files. It aids in retrieving various types of files and allows you to preview files or documents before recovery.

Follow the step-by-step tutorial below whenever you need to recover deleted or lost data.

Step 1. Launch the Disk Drill data recovery wizard on your Windows 11/10/8/7 and choose the location of the lost data. Click “Search for lost data”.

Select the location to scan Select the location to scan

Step 2: After the scan, you can use the file type filter on the left or in the top-right corner to locate the files you need. Then, you can click the "Preview" button or double-click the file to preview its content.

Select the files to recover

Step 3. Check the box next to the file and click "Recover" to restore your lost data to a secure location.

Recover Lost Data

More on How to Fix Google Drive Not Showing Files

Google Drive isn't just accessible on Windows – it's also compatible with iPhones, Android devices, and Macs. You might experience issues with files not showing up on these platforms, too. Use the following solutions to fix file visibility problems on your iPhone/Android/Mac.

How to Fix Incomplete Google Drive Files Display on iPhone

There are five ways you can get your files back on your iPhone from Google Drive.

    • Update Google Drive
    • Uninstall Google Drive
    • Check your Internet connection
    • Sign out of your Google account
    • Remove and reinstall Google Drive

How to Fix the Issue of Google Drive Files Not Showing Up on Android

If you're using Android and are unfortunately dealing with missing files, consider trying the methods listed below.

    < li > Sign out and sign back in. < /li > < li > Clear the app's cache data. < /li > < li > Update the Google Drive app. < /li > < li > Check your internet connection. < /li > < li > Reinstall Google Drive. < /li > < li > Force stop and restart Google Drive. < /li > < li > Find solutions at the Google Help Center. < /li >

How to Fix Google Drive Not Showing Files on Mac

If you're running into this issue on a Mac, the following steps may help.

    • Disable screen sharing
    • Reinstall Drive File Stream
    • Grant sync permissions
    • Check your internet connection
    • Turn off Windows Firewall
    • See if antivirus software is blocking Drive File Stream

Conclusions

You're free to try any of the suggested methods above to resolve the issue of Google Drive files not showing. If the problem persists after attempting all solutions, it's recommended to use data recovery software to scan and restore any lost files.