You rely on Google Drive to keep all your files synchronized and accessible across different devices, but sometimes the syncing can fail. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons why Google Drive is not syncing and how to address them.
Part 1: Why is Google Drive Not Syncing?
Despite the intelligence behind Google Drive, issues can arise that affect the synchronization between your devices. So, why is Google Drive not syncing? The reasons can be multiple and may originate from your end, your internet service provider, or even Google itself.
Possible Reasons on Your End
There are several factors you can check on your end to understand why Google Drive is not syncing.
Reason 1: Is Backup and Sync Paused?
If you have deliberately paused the Google Backup and Sync application, it will halt the synchronization of Google Drive on your computer until you resume it. It is also possible that you accidentally pressed pause without realizing it.
Reason 2: Is Syncing Enabled in Backup and Sync?
If Google Backup and Sync syncing is not paused, it is possible that no folder has been set up to sync with Google Drive or you have not yet enabled Google Drive syncing with your computer in the application.
Reason 3: Have You Recently Installed a Firewall, Antivirus, or VPN?
If you have recently installed a firewall, antivirus, or VPN software and find that Google Drive is no longer working, it may be due to these applications. You will need to configure them to work with Google Drive.
Using a VPN software to change your location can cause the synchronization of Google Drive to fail. If you usually connect to your Google Drive account from Asia and suddenly connect from the Americas after changing your location with your VPN, Google may consider it a security threat to your account and block the access.
Reason 4: Are You Using a Proxy?
If you are using a proxy connection to access the internet, you may need to configure the Backup and Sync application for a direct connection. This can be done with just a few clicks.
Reason 5: Are You Using an Obscure DNS?
If you have custom and obscure DNS settings in your router, it is possible that this is preventing the connection to Google Drive. Only use recommended, reliable, and trustworthy DNS settings.
Reason 6: Do You Have Sufficient Free Space in Google Drive?
This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people store data in their Google Drive without even realizing it. It is possible that you have reached the free limit of 15 GB and there is not enough space in Google Drive to sync your large files, resulting in a syncing error.
Possible Reasons on Your Internet Service Provider’s End
Is your internet connection working normally? If not, the problem lies with your internet service provider and it has nothing to do with you or Google. As long as your network connection is not restored, your Google Drive will not sync. Normally, you would quickly notice if you lose all internet access due to a network connection issue. However, if you only experience issues with Google services through your connection, it could be related to the DNS settings used by your internet service provider.
Possible Reasons on Google’s End
Sometimes, the cause of syncing problems lies with Google and the data centers they use. Companies like Apple and Google provide a status page where you can check if they are experiencing any issues. It is possible that there is a service outage on Google’s end, which you can verify using this link: Crawlan.com.
Now that you have a better understanding of the possible reasons why Google Drive is not syncing, you can take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. Make sure to check all the aspects mentioned in this article to restore synchronization and continue enjoying all the benefits of Google Drive. Happy syncing!
