How To Fix Google Drive Access Denied Error

Google Drive is the ideal location to store and manage data. The cloud storage service acts as an impenetrable fortress guarding your images, documents, and files from the rest of the world. However, Drive is not always the perfect storage solution as advertised. There have been instances where users were unable to access their accounts and retrieve any information. If you find yourself struggling with the same issue, you are at the right place. We bring a helpful guide that will teach you how to fix Google Drive access denied error.

Table of Contents

How To Fix Google Drive Access Denied Error

Why Can’t I access Google Drive?

For services like Google Drive, user security and data privacy are of the highest priority. Any time Google Drive detects a suspicious login, it denies access to prevent plausible data loss. Third-party extensions, multiple Google accounts, and questionable internet history are a few factors that cause the “Access was Denied” error on Google Drive. However, the issue is not permanent and can be fixed by a few straightforward methods.

Method 1: Check Status of Google Services

Before you try out other troubleshooting methods, it is crucial to ensure that Google Drive servers are up and running. Head to Google Workspace Status Dashboard and see if Google Drive is functioning. If the servers are down, wait until they are back online. However, if the servers are in working condition, move to the next method.

Method 2: Remove all Google Accounts

Nowadays, every person has more than one Google account associated with their computer. This can seriously confuse Google Drive. The service will not be able to identify the original owner of the drive and may block access. Hence, you can fix the “Google Drive access denied you need permission” error by signing out of all the additional accounts.

1. Open your browser and head to the Google Search

2. Click on your account profile picture in the top right corner.

3. A small window will display your Google accounts. Click on “Sign out of all accounts.”

4. Now sign in with the account linked to Google Drive.

5. Try to access the link again and your error should be fixed.

Method 3: Clear Browsing Data

The cached data and history of your browser can slow down your PC and interfere with other internet services. Clearing your browsing data resets your search settings and fixes most bugs on your browser.

1. Open your browser and click on the three dots on the top right corner of the screen

2. Click on Settings.

3. Go to the Privacy and Security panel and click on “Clear Browsing Data.”

4. In the Clear browsing data window, shift to the Advanced panel.

5. Enable all the options to clear unnecessary data from your browser.

6. Click on ‘Clear data’ to delete your entire browser history.

7. Open Google Drive and check if the “Access Denies” error still exists.

Also Read: How to Remove an Account from Google Photos

Method 4: Browse in Incognito Mode

During Incognito Mode, your browser does not track your history or search data. This implies that any search you do on incognito mode is not affected by the data stored in your browser. Therefore, you can access your Drive without being denied.

1. Open your browser and click on the three dots in the top right corner.

2. Click on “Open New Incognito Window.”

3. Go to the official website of Google Drive.

4. Login using your Google account and see if you fix the “Google Drive Access Denied” error.

Method 5: Disable Interfering Extensions

Many extensions of Chrome tend to run in the background slowing down the browser. They can also interfere with Google services and cause Google Drive Forbidden Download Error. Any extension that can make Google question your identity should be disabled.

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner.

2. Click on Tools and select Manage Extensions.

3. Find the extensions that could interfere with Google Drive. Adblock and antivirus extensions are a few examples.

4. Temporarily disable the extension by clicking on the toggle switch or click on Remove for more permanent results.

5. Go to the Google Drive website and check if the “Access Denied” error is fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I fix Access Denied?

Access is denied on Google Drive when the service is unsure about your identity. This can happen when you have multiple Google accounts or various extensions interfering with Google Drive. Following the steps mentioned above, you can fix the error and regain access to your Drive storage.

Recommended:

We hope this guide was helpful and you were able to fix Google Drive Access Denied error. Let us know which method worked for you best. If you have any queries regarding this article, then drop them in the comments section.