Use Google Drive files without an internet connection
In this article
In this article group
- Get started with Google Drive for desktop
- Google Drive is not syncing on your computer
- Google Drive says your storage is full
- Google Drive says you need access to a file
- Find or restore a missing Google Drive file
- Google Drive or a document will not open in your browser
- Report unwanted shared files in Google Drive
- Send Google Drive diagnostic logs to 2Fifteen Tech
- Understand streaming and mirroring in Google Drive
Set up offline access while you still have internet. Use your work account on your work computer.
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
- Open Chrome or Microsoft Edge in a normal window.
- Make sure the Google Docs Offline extension is installed and enabled. Contact 2Fifteen Tech if installation is blocked.
- Open Drive settings and turn on the option to create, open, and edit recent files offline.
- In Drive, right-click the documents you need and select Make available offline.
PDFs, Word documents, and other files
- Open Google Drive in Finder or File Explorer.
- Right-click a file or folder.
- Windows: Select Offline access > Available offline. Mac: Select Available offline.
- Wait for the download and green check before disconnecting from the internet.
Check your work
Test that the files open offline before you travel. Keep Drive running and your account connected. Reconnect afterward so edits can upload.
Note: Offline files use computer storage. If the option is missing or a download fails, contact 2Fifteen Tech support.