How to Access Files Offline in Google Drive

The post How to Access Files Offline in Google Drive appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Sometimes we need to work on our Google Drive files when we don’t have an Internet connection. So I’m going to show you how to access files in Google Drive using the Google Docs offline extension.

This comes in handy when you are traveling.

It is also a great tool for students and teachers with limited or no Internet access at home.

This process varies by device.

The post below details the steps for accessing files in Google Drive offline on desktops, Android, and iOS devices.

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How to Access Files Offline in Google Drive

Below are the steps to get started with accessing your files offline in Google Drive.

This is NOT the same as backup and sync, which stores ALL your files on your local hard drive. This method shows you how to select individual files that you would like to make available for offline access.

If you aren’t connected to the Internet, you can still view and edit files, including:

Google Docs
Google Sheets
Google Slides



Save and open Google Docs, Sheets & Slides offline

Before you turn on offline access

You must be connected to the internet.
You must use the Google Chrome browser.
Don’t use private browsing (incognito).
Install and turn on Google Docs Offline Chrome extension.
Make sure you have enough available space on your device to save your files.


Open Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides offline

Open Chrome. Make sure you’re signed in to Chrome.
Go to drive.google.com/drive/settings.
Check the box next to “Sync Google Docs, Sheets, Slides & Drawings files to this computer so that you can edit offline.”

Save Google Docs, Sheets & Slides for offline use

On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
Right-click the Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file you want to save offline.
Turn on “Available offline.”

To save multiple files offline, press Shift or Command (Mac)/Ctrl (Windows) while you click other files.

Preview offline files

On your computer, go to drive.google.com.

Make sure you turn on offline access first.


At the top right, click Ready for offline .
Click Offline preview.

Here’s a quick video tutorial from Google:

If you use a Google Account through work or school and have installed Drive File Stream, learn how to save files offline on your computer.

Learn about Drive File Stream and Backup and Sync.

Offline on Android

If you aren’t connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network, you can still view and edit files, including:

Google Docs
Google Sheets
Google Slides
Videos
Images
PDFs


Open files offline on Android

Important: You must be connected to the Internet to turn on offline access.

Turn offline access on or off

Open Google Drive .
Next to the file, tap More .
To save a file offline, tap Make available offline.

Find files you saved for offline access

Open the Drive, Docs, Sheets, or Slides app.
Tap Menu   Offline.

Offline on iOS

If you aren’t connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network, you can still view and edit files, including:

Google Docs
Google Sheets
Google Slides


Open files offline on iOS

Important: You must be connected to the Internet to turn on offline access.

Turn offline access on or off

Open the app for Google Drive.
Next to the file, tap More .
To save a file offline, turn on Available offline.

Find files you saved for offline access

Open the app for Google Drive Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
Tap Menu   Offline.

How has offline editing made your life easier? Please share in the comments below.

Looking for more Google Tips? Check out these posts:

13 Tips to Organize Your Google Drive
How to Insert Audio in Google Slides (Step-by-Step)
Force Users to Make a Copy of a Google Doc!
8 Fantastic Ways to Find Anything in Google Drive

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The post How to Access Files Offline in Google Drive appeared first on Shake Up Learning.