Fix Google Drive Upload Stuck: Complete Guide

If your Google Drive upload is stuck, the most common fix is to pause and resume the upload, then clear your browser’s cache or restart the Drive app. For persistent issues, check your internet connection, file size, and browser extensions. This guide walks through every practical step to get your files moving again.

Why Google Drive Uploads Get Stuck

Uploads can stall for several reasons, and understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix. The most frequent culprits include:

• Unstable internet connection: A drop in Wi-Fi or a weak signal can freeze the upload without an error message.
• Large file size: Files over a few gigabytes are more prone to timeouts and server hiccups.
• Browser issues: Outdated browsers, too many tabs, or corrupted cache can interfere with the upload process.
• Extensions and add-ons: Ad blockers, privacy tools, or download managers sometimes block Google Drive’s upload scripts.
• Google Drive app glitches: The desktop client can get stuck after a system update or when the local cache is full.
• Firewall or antivirus: Security software may temporarily block the connection to Google’s servers.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, try these simple actions—they resolve most stuck uploads within a minute.

1. Pause and resume: In the Drive web interface, click the upload progress icon (the circle with a checkmark) and select “Pause.” Wait 10 seconds, then click “Resume.” This often re-establishes the connection.
2. Reload the page: Press F5 (or Cmd+R on Mac) to refresh the browser. The upload will resume from where it left off, not restart.
3. Check your internet: Run a speed test (like fast.com) to confirm you have a stable connection. If your upload speed is near zero, reset your router.
4. Restart the Drive app: If using the desktop client, right-click the Drive icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) and choose “Quit.” Then relaunch it.

Fix for Browser-Based Uploads

When uploading through a web browser, the issue is often local to that browser. Here are the most effective steps, in order:

1. Clear cache and cookies: Go to your browser’s settings, find “Privacy and Security,” and clear cached images and files. Do not clear all cookies unless you’re comfortable re-logging into sites.
2. Disable extensions: Open the browser’s extension manager (e.g., chrome://extensions) and temporarily disable all extensions. Reload Drive and try uploading again. If it works, re-enable extensions one by one to find the culprit.
3. Try incognito/private mode: This runs without extensions and with a fresh session. If the upload works there, the problem is an extension or cached data.
4. Update or switch browsers: Ensure your browser is up to date. If not, try a different browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge) to isolate the issue.
5. Disable hardware acceleration: In browser settings, turn off hardware acceleration. This has been known to fix upload stalls on some systems.

Fix for Desktop App (Backup and Sync / Drive for Desktop)

The desktop app can get stuck for different reasons. Here’s what to do:

1. Check the app’s status: Look at the Drive icon in your system tray. If it shows an error or “Connecting,” click it and select “Preferences.” Ensure your account is still linked.
2. Clear the app’s cache: Close Drive completely. On Windows, navigate to %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\DriveFS and delete the Cache folder. On Mac, go to ~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS and delete Cache. Restart Drive—this does not delete your files.
3. Pause and resume from the tray: Right-click the Drive icon and select “Pause syncing.” Wait a minute, then click “Resume syncing.”
4. Restart the app completely: Quit Drive from the tray, then open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end any processes named “Google Drive” or “DriveFS.” Relaunch the app.
5. Reinstall the app: Uninstall Drive for Desktop from your system, download the latest version from Google’s site, and install it. You won’t lose local files.

Dealing with Large Files and Slow Connections

If you’re uploading a large file (e.g., a 10GB video) on a slow connection, the upload can appear stuck because progress is slow. Here’s how to handle it:

• Check the actual progress: In the web interface, click the upload icon. You’ll see a percentage and estimated time. If the time is hours, it’s not stuck—it’s just slow.
• Compress the file: For non-media files, create a ZIP archive to reduce size and speed up the upload.
• Use a wired connection: Ethernet is more stable than Wi-Fi for long uploads. If you must use Wi-Fi, move closer to the router.
• Split the file: For extremely large files, consider splitting them into smaller parts (e.g., using 7-Zip) and uploading each separately.
• Schedule uploads: Upload during off-peak hours when your ISP’s network is less congested.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If basic fixes fail, try these deeper solutions:

1. Flush DNS: Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac) and run ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache (Mac). This clears DNS cache that might be causing connection issues.
2. Change DNS servers: Switch to a public DNS like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1). This can resolve intermittent connection drops.
3. Check firewall/antivirus settings: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and try uploading. If it works, add Google Drive to the exception list.
4. Use the mobile app: If you have the file on your phone, upload it via the Google Drive mobile app. This bypasses your computer’s network stack.
5. Try a different network: Upload from a different Wi-Fi network or your phone’s hotspot. This isolates whether the problem is your ISP or your device.

Preventing Future Upload Stalls

Once you’ve fixed the current issue, these habits reduce the chance of it happening again:

• Keep your browser and Drive app updated.
• Regularly clear your browser cache (at least monthly).
• Avoid uploading multiple huge files simultaneously—space them out.
• If you have a weak connection, use the desktop app instead of the browser—it handles interruptions better.
• Use Google’s “Upload to Drive” feature in Google Docs/Sheets for documents—it’s more reliable than drag-and-drop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Google Drive upload say “Processing” forever?

This usually happens with video or audio files that Google is transcoding. The upload is complete, but the server is still processing the file. Wait a few hours—if it persists for more than 24 hours, cancel the upload and re-upload the file.

Will my upload restart if I close the browser?

No. If you close the browser or lose internet connection, the upload stops and you’ll need to start over. However, if you just refresh the page, Drive resumes from where it left off.

Can I upload files larger than 5GB?

Yes, but you need to convert them to Google format or use the desktop app. The web interface has a 5TB limit for individual files, but files over 5GB may require the desktop app for reliable upload.

Why is my upload stuck at 99%?

This is often a server-side issue or a problem with the file’s metadata. Try pausing and resuming, or cancel and retry. If it repeats, the file may be corrupted—try re-encoding it or uploading a copy.

Does Google Drive have a daily upload limit?

Yes, Google imposes a daily limit of 750GB for uploads on individual accounts. If you hit this, uploads will fail or stall. Wait 24 hours or use a different account.

Is it safe to use third-party tools to resume uploads?

Generally, no. Third-party tools that claim to resume or accelerate Drive uploads often require your credentials and may violate Google’s terms. Stick to official methods.

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