6 Fixes for Slow Upload and Download Speeds on Google Drive

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Preliminary Fixes

Fix 1: Clear Your Browser Cookies and Cache

On Web

Clearing the cookies and cache on your browser can, at times, boost the upload and download speeds.

While the steps are similar for most web browsers, for step-by-step instructions, seehow to clear cookies and cache in Chrome.

On Mobile

Step 1:Open theSettingsapp on your Android phone and scroll to theAppssection.

Step 2:Find theGoogle Driveapp and tap on it.

Step 3:SelectStorage> tap onClear cacheat the bottom.

Also Read:How to turn off Windows Hello for Google Chrome passwords

Fix 2: Enable Hardware Acceleration (Web)

Enabling hardware acceleration allows Chrome to use your computer’s various hardware components more effectively to optimize performance. Here’s how to enable it.

Step 1:OpenChromeon your computer and click on thethree dotsat the top-right corner.

Step 2:SelectSettings.

Step 3:Click onSystemin the left panel.

Step 4:Enable the toggle forUse hardware acceleration when available.

Fix 3: Disable Upload and Download Limits (Google Drive Desktop)

By removing the upload and download limits on the Google Drive desktop app, you allow unrestricted data transfer speeds. Follow the below steps.

Step 1: Launch theGoogle Drive appon your Windows or Mac computer. Then, click on thegear iconto open the Settings menu.

Step 2: SelectPreferences> go to theSettingstab.

Step 3: UncheckDownload rateandUpload rate.

Step 4: Finally, clickDone.

If the changes don’t take effect immediately, restart the Google Drive desktop app.

Fix 4: Disable Low Power Mode (iPhone and iPad)

The Low Power mode on iOS reduces your iPhone’s battery usage by turning off background sync and limiting internet usage. This might hamper any file upload or download on your iPhone. So, disable Low Power Mode and then try.

Step 1:Go to theSettingsapp on your iPhone > selectBattery.

Step 2:Toggle off theLow Power Modeoption right at the top of the screen.

Also Read:How to fix Google Chrome not working with VPN

Fix 5: Disable Low Data Mode (iPhone and iPad)

While using a metered network connection or a mobile hotspot, your iPhone will automatically enable Low Data Mode. This mode prevents apps from using a lot of bandwidth, thus preventing large files from being uploaded or downloaded. Here’s how to turn it off.

Step 1:Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone > tap onWi-Fi.

Step 2:Select the small blue circle with theiicon next to the network the iPhone is connected to. And turn off the toggle forLow Data Mode.

Fix 6: Try Using Google Drive on Your Browser

There’s a chance the version of the Google Drive app on your Android, iPhone, and iPad is glitchy. If uploading or downloading via the Drive app is too slow, try doing it via Drive on your web browser. You can also try updating the Drive app to see if it helps.

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Last updated on 31 May, 2024

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