Top 9 Ways to Fix Google Drive Stuck at Starting Upload on Android
Google Drive is popular but not reliable. Many users experience issues such as getting stuck during upload or download, zipping files, and other problems on their Android devices. Here’s how you can fix the ‘starting upload process’ stage.
1. Disable Transfer Files Only Over Wi-Fi Toggle
The biggest factor for Google Drive’s starting upload error is that the Drive app on Android only uploads and downloads files over Wi-Fi. When using mobile data in Drive, the app becomes practically unusable due to default settings. To make changes, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Google Drive app on Android.
Step 2: Tap the hamburger menu at the top and go to Settings.
Step 3: Scroll down and disable Transfer files only over Wi-Fi toggle.
Cancel the upload process. Retry uploading the same files over the mobile network.
Google Drive can use a lot of internet data and bandwidth when used on mobile data. If you’re not careful, you might be left with no data at the start of the monthly cycle. Also, it’s not advisable to upload large files to Google Drive over mobile data as you might encounter errors with sketchy network connections. Instead, swipe down from the top and open the Notification center. Connect to a Wi-Fi network and try uploading files again.
3. Check Google Drive Storage
Google offers 15GB of default cloud storage, which includes storage for Gmail, Google Photos, Google Suites files, and other Drive uploads. If you have limited storage, the upload process might get stuck. To check your Drive storage, open the Google Drive app, tap the hamburger menu, and go to Storage.
You have two options. You can delete files, remove emails from Gmail, or use a Google One plan. The pricing starts at $1.99 per month for 100GB storage.
In the first trick, we showed how to enable Google Drive uploading on mobile data. But if you’re still having issues, disable Data Saver mode. Data Saver mode in Android prevents some apps from sending or receiving data in the background. Here’s how to disable it:
– Step 1: Open Android Settings.
– Step 2: Go to Network & internet and select Data Saver.
Step 3: Disable Use Data Saver toggle from the menu.
People using Android skins like MIUI, ColorOS, and Oxygen OS may encounter an issue when trying to upload files or photos to Google Drive. This problem arises because these Android skins optimize battery life by closing unused apps running in the background. As a result, the upload process may get stuck at the starting point because the OS prohibits Drive from opening in the background. To overcome this problem, keep Google Drive open in the background before initiating the upload.
6. Suspend Other Downloading Processes on Android
When working with a slow Wi-Fi connection, avoid running too many background processes. If you are already downloading or updating apps on your phone, finish those tasks before uploading files to Google Drive for a seamless experience.
7. Force Stop Google Drive
If you’re struggling to cancel the stuck upload process, force stop the app and try again.
Step 1: Long-press the Google Drive app icon and open the app info menu.
Step 2: Tap Force Stop to confirm.
8. Use Drive Desktop to Upload Files
If you want to use Drive to store or share files, and are getting stuck with the starting upload error on Android, you can use Google Drive web to upload the files.
Grab a data cable, connect your Android phone to a PC or Mac, and transfer files. Visit Google Drive online and upload files to the relevant folder.
9. Check Google Drive Servers
Are you experiencing upload errors on Google Drive? The issue might be on Google’s side. If the Drive servers are down in your region, you won’t be able to upload or download files. To confirm the issue, check Downdetector for Google Drive and view the outage graph. Once Google resolves the problem, you should be able to upload your files without any issues.
Upload Files to Google Drive
Google Drive stuck at starting upload error can be confusing. Try the troubleshooting tricks above to fix the issue before considering other options for file sharing.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
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I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.