Fix Google Drive Waiting for Network Error [6+ Methods]

When we talk about online file storage services, then the offering from Google has managed to establish itself as the absolute best in this domain. And the reason for the same is hardly a secret either. Up to 15 GB of free storage, a handy cross-device synchronization, and the live collaboration feature all go a great length in making Drive the go-to choice for the wider audience.

However, not everyone is able to make full use of these goodies. A slew of complaints is lined up across the Google Support Forums from the users that they are unable to upload their files over to the Drive. This issue is no doubt quite infuriating and troublesome in equal measures and is also proving to be quite an inconvenience to the end-users.

Fortunately, there do exist a few workarounds that have been known to rectify this issue. And in this guide, we will make you aware of just that. So without further ado, let’s get started with the instructions to fix the Google Drive waiting for network error.

Fix 1: Check Network Connection

As is evident from the error message, the single biggest culprit of this issue stems from poor network connectivity. So double-check that the internet connection is working well and good.

In this regard, you could consider switching over to the Mobile Data from WiFi, or if possible, try using someone else’s carrier data via Hotspot. On the other hand, if you are on your PC, then try switching over to the wired connection via Ethernet cable.

Give a shot at these network tweaks and check if they are able to fix the Google Drive waiting for network error.

Fix 2: Remove Network Restrictions

If you have implemented any network restrictive rules on your smartphone, then consider disabling them as of now. This is because they might prevent the Drive app from getting the necessary access to the required bandwidth.

Along the same lines, you should consider giving unrestricted data access to the Drive app. Here’s how all of these tasks could be carried out:

1. Head over to Settings > WiFi & Network.
2. Then go to SIM & Network and tap on Data Saver.
3. Now disable the toggle next to Use Data Saver.
   
4. Once that is done, go to the Unrestricted Data section situated just below.
5. Scroll to the Drive app and enable the toggle next to it.
   
6. After that, go back to the Settings page and head over to WiFi.
7. Then tap on the network to which you are currently connected and go to its Advanced section.
8. Now tap on Network Usage and select Treat as unmetered.
   

With this, we have removed all the network restrictions and granted full network access to Drive. Check if doing so ends up fixing the Google Drive waiting for network error.

Fix 3: Re-Enable Google Drive App

Disabling and re-enabling the Drive app will give it a fresh instance to work upon and could hence result in the rectification of the underlying issue as well. So let’s try out this workaround.

1. To begin with, head over to the Settings menu on your device.
2. Then go to Apps and Notifications and select the Drive app from the list.
3. Now tap on Disable > Disable App in the confirmation dialog box that appears.
4. Wait for a few seconds and then tap on Enable. This shall re-enable Drive.
   
5. Once done, try accessing it and then check if Google Drive waiting for network error has been fixed or not.

Fix 4. Disable VPN

GDrive will have issues uploading the files when the internet connection is weak or keeps disconnecting. Moreover, if you are using a VPN and have multiple proxy issues, the internet connection may get hampered. So, to avoid backing up issues you should disable any VPN service that may be running on your phone.

Fix 5: Delete Drive App Data

If the stored data gets corrupted or outdated, then it could result in the app’s inability to function along the expected lines. Therefore, the only way out in such a scenario is to delete the app’s data so that it repopulates them from scratch.

So follow along for the instructions to initiate this process. [You wouldn’t lose any Google Drive data, as they are stored over to the servers/clouds].

1. Start off by going to the Settings menu on your device.
2. Then go to Apps and Notifications and select the Drive app.
   

   

   

3. Now go to its Storage and Cache section and tap on Clear Storage.
   
4. Finally, tap OK in the confirmation dialog box.
5. Once the data has been deleted, launch Drive and sign in with your credentials.
6. Let the sync complete and then check if the Google Drive waiting for network error has been fixed or not.

Fix 6: Re-Install Google Drive

If none of the aforementioned methods managed to spell out success, then the only way is to remove the app and all its files from your device and perform a fresh install.

While reinstalling an app usually fixes the underlying issues, however, not every OEM allows you to uninstall the Google apps. In that case, you should consider uninstalling updates to this app. Instructions for both are given below, follow along.

1. Head over to Settings > Apps and Notifications.
2. Then select Drive from the list of apps.
3. Now tap on Uninstall > OK in the confirmation dialog box.
4. Once the app has been removed, head over to the Play Store (Android)/ App Store (iOS) and install the latest version of the app.
5. On the other hand, if your device doesn’t have the Uninstall option, then go to the Drive app’s listing from the Settings menu.
6. Then tap on the overflow icon situated at the top right and select Uninstall Updates.
7. Finally, tap OK in the confirmation dialog box.
   
8. Now launch the app and sign in with your credentials, the issue should no longer be there.

Fix 7: Clear Browser Data for PC

If you are facing this error message while using the Drive website on your PC, then you should consider deleting the browser’s data. We cannot neglect the possibility of the accumulated browser data getting corrupted or outdated. And if that really is the case, then the websites will be the ultimate sufferer.

1. So open the browser of your choice and hit the Ctrl+Shift+Del shortcut keys to bring up the Clear Browsing Data dialog box.
2. Then checkmark Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files.
3. Finally, click on Clear Now and wait for the process to complete.

Once the browser cache and cookies have been deleted, re-sign into Google Drive and verify if the Google Drive waiting for network error stands fixed or not.

Fix 8: Disable Browser Extensions for PC

If you are facing this issue on the Drive website, then you should consider disabling all the browser extensions. This is because these add-ons might conflict with the proper loading of sites, thereby restricting their functionality.

So head over to your browser’s extension menu and disable the toggle next to each of the installed extensions.

Or you could also consider using the site in Incognito Mode via the Ctrl+Shift+N shortcut keys. This shall automatically disable all the extensions.

So try out the said workarounds and check whether they are able to fix the Google Drive waiting for network error.

Conclusion

So with this, we round off the guide on how you could fix the Google Drive waiting for network error. We have shared seven different methods for the same. Do let us know in the comments section which one worked out in your favor. Do note that there’s no universal fix as such. You will have to try out each of the above-mentioned workarounds and then check which one works out in your favor.