Fix ‘Google Drive Not Syncing on Mac’ Issue – Guide
Google Drive’s Backup & Sync app is a great way to keep your local content in sync with your Google Drive account. However, errors can sometimes occur during the synchronization process, preventing any files from syncing on your Mac. To fix this issue, try restarting the sync process, disabling the proxy server, or other methods.
Pause / Resume
Pausing and resuming the Google Drive backup and sync client can usually fix any sync issues.
Click the Backup and sync icon in the menu bar, then select Pause from the context menu that appears after clicking the More icon (three dots).
If you’re having trouble with a Google Drive upload or download, try clicking “Resume” – it could get things moving again.
Restart Backup and Sync
Closing and reopening the Backup and Sync client may be necessary to resolve issues beyond simply pausing and resuming Google Drive.
Click the Backup and Sync icon in the menu bar, then select Exit Backup and Sync from the context menu that appears after clicking the More icon (three dots).
To restart Google Drive, open the Launchpad and click Backup and Sync From Google.
Disable / enable Wi-Fi
Disconnecting from and then reconnecting to Wi-Fi can help fix synchronization problems with Google Drive.
To turn off and on your Wi-Fi, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, select ‘Turn off Wi-Fi’, wait a few seconds, then select ‘Turn on Wi-Fi’.
If your Mac isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi automatically, manually connect to a hotspot. If you’re still having trouble, try switching between available networks.
Restart your Mac
Restarting your Mac may be a simple solution to common issues, such as stuck Google Drive uploads and downloads.
To reboot your Mac, open the Apple menu and select Restart.
Contact owner
Google Drive’s shared files and folders may be subject to restrictions that can impede syncing of any changes made.
If you don’t have the necessary permissions to access a file or shared folder, your only recourse is to contact the owner.
Check your sync settings
If you’re having trouble syncing a folder between your Mac and the cloud, make sure you’ve specified Google Drive as the source.
To verify your settings, open the Backup and Sync Preferences menu by clicking the icon in the menu bar.
Users can sync specific folders from their Mac to Google Drive by selecting the options on the My ‘Mac model name’ tab.
Google Drive tab now enables Mac users to sync specific folders from their Google Drive account.
Allow access to folders
If you’re having trouble getting Google Drive to sync certain folders, make sure the Backup and Sync client has the necessary permissions.
To adjust your Mac’s security settings, open the Security and Privacy panel in System Preferences (found in the Apple menu).
Ensure Google Backup and Sync has access to the folders of your choice by selecting the Files and Folders option.
For those needing to make alterations, the Backup and Sync client must be closed and restarted.
Full disk access
You can take an extra step to ensure your Mac’s local storage is secure: grant Google Drive permissions.
To ensure your files are backed up, enable Google Backup and Sync in System Preferences by granting it Full Disk Access.
To resolve the issue, restart the Google Drive backup and sync client.
Restart configuration
Google Drive users may experience difficulty syncing files and folders if their configuration is not set up correctly.
Deleting the existing configuration may be the solution to your Google Drive woes. Doing so won’t erase any of your stored files, but will require you to reconfigure your preferences.
To access a hidden folder, open Terminal and enter the command.
Move files from Google Drive to the Trash folder.
Restart the Backup and Sync client, sign in with your Google account credentials, and set your preferences to complete the setup.
Merging with existing Google Drive files is the best option when prompted, as it will save time and effort by avoiding the need to sync from scratch.
Google Drive users can expect improved syncing performance, with the service now running smoothly.
Disconnect and reconnect account
Disconnecting and reconnecting your Google Account to the Google Drive backup and sync client can help resolve persistent sync issues, without affecting any previously synced files on your Mac.
Click the Backup and sync icon, select More, then Preferences. On the Settings tab, click Disconnect account to end your connection.
Disconnect from your device, then sign in to Google Drive using the Backup and sync icon.
Merging with existing Google Drive files is now easier than ever: simply set your preferences and follow the prompts.
Forcibly synchronize files
Google Drive may prompt users to retry syncing if it encounters repeated issues with certain files.
Click the Backup & sync icon and select View # Unsyncable files, if available. Then, click Repeat all to attempt to synchronize them.
Find missing folder
If you’ve changed the location of your Google Drive folder on Mac, or any other folder set up to sync with Google Drive, the backup and sync client won’t work.
If the Backup and sync icon is clicked, the Find option in the error message should be selected to resolve the issue.
If you’ve manually renamed or moved a folder, just select it and click ‘Open’ to resume syncing.
Check storage
Google Account users get 15 GB of free storage, but if they exceed this limit, Google Drive won’t sync - even if they have a paid plan.
Confirm your storage status by opening the Backup and Sync Preferences panel and clicking Settings.
If you’re running out of space on Google Drive, you’ll need to buy more storage or use this guide to free up some room.
Bypass Proxy
Google Drive users may experience difficulty when attempting to connect through a proxy. To avoid this, it is recommended to ignore the proxy settings.
To access the Network Settings in Backup and Sync, open the Preferences panel and click on Settings.
To establish a direct connection, adjust the proxy settings and click OK.
To fix an issue with Google Backup and Sync not respecting proxy settings, users should quit the program and restart it.
Reinstall Backup and Sync
If you’re having trouble with Google Drive, reinstalling the backup and sync client may help. Your Mac’s locally synced files will stay intact, and you can merge them after the reinstallation is complete.
To begin, users should uninstall the existing version of Google Backup & Sync and download the latest installer for Mac.
Download the app and click “Replace” to switch out your existing Google Backup and Sync setup.
Sign in with your Google Account and merge any existing Google Drive files when prompted. Set your preferences to complete the process.
Reinstalling the backup and synchronization client should resolve any issues with synchronization.
Final note
If you’re having trouble getting Google Drive to sync on your Mac, this guide can help. Got questions? Reach out for assistance. Spread the word and share with friends.
