While Google Docs works fine in Chrome, things don’t always work as intended. I just tried to download a document the other day and it didn’t work. Yes, I could share directly with whoever I wanted to send it to. But sometimes I need an offline copy that doesn’t force me or my collaborators to rely solely on Google Docs’ proprietary GDOC format.
After looking around I came across several reasons why Google Docs could not download documents. An outdated web cache, insufficient file permissions, and misconfigured browser settings can all contribute to the problem. That said, let’s take a look at a few troubleshooting tips that worked for me and help you get things back on track quickly.
1. Enable Multiple File Downloads
As a security measure, Chrome prevents sites from downloading files repeatedly. To check if this is the case, load Google Docs in a new tab and then click on the padlock-shaped icon next to the address bar; If Automatic Downloads is set to Block (Default), set it to Allow instead.
Reinstall Google Docs and then try to initiate a download. It should probably work.
2. Clear Google Docs Cache
An outdated web cache can also cause various problems with websites and web apps, and Google Docs is no exception. To rule this out, you should clear cached data related to the web app.
Fortunately, you don’t need to clear the entire Chrome cache; just refer to this guide for detailed instructions on how to clear Google Docs cache.
3. Disable Content-Blocking Extensions
Are you using an ad blocking extension in Chrome? This could be what’s preventing Google Docs from successfully starting the downloads. Turn off the extension (go to the Chrome menu > More Tools > Extensions) and then perform a fresh Google Docs download.
If that works, add Google Docs to the extension’s whitelist to avoid future conflicts.
4. Try Incognito Mode
Chrome’s Incognito mode can help bypass various browser-related issues caused by outdated browser caches or problematic extensions. To switch to incognito mode, open the Chrome menu and click New Incognito Window. Then sign in to Google Docs with your Google Account credentials and try to download a document.
If that works, you might want to clear the entire Chrome browser cache; Go to Chrome Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data. Make sure you don’t delete your passwords or autofill your data at this time.
Additionally, disable your Chrome extensions; Open the Chrome menu, then click More Tools > Extensions. Re-enable them one by one and monitor them to identify extensions that are preventing Google Docs from working properly.
5. Request Download Permissions
Trying to download a shared document? You may not have the necessary permissions to do this. A grayed out Download option in the Google Docs File menu indicates this.
In this case, you have no choice but to ask the owner of the file for permission to download the document.
6. Sign Out of Other Google Accounts
If you’re signed in to more than one Google Account in Chrome, it’s best to sign out of all accounts except the one you use to access Google Docs.
Click the profile portrait in the upper right corner of the Google Docs web app, then click ‘Sign out from all accounts’.
Follow along by signing back in with the appropriate Google Account and then try downloading a document in Google Docs.
7. Split Document
Google Docs may not download large documents (such as those with lots of images) especially when it comes to exporting in PDF format.
Try splitting the document into several parts and download them separately; you can always merge split PDFs later.
8. Print to PDF
If splitting files into multiple parts is a hassle, you can ‘print’ them to PDF instead. In Google Docs, open the File menu, choose Print, and choose Save As PDF in the Print dialog. However, the resulting files will be quite large.
Unlike Chrome’s built-in Save As PDF option, you can also choose PDF printers like Adobe PDF or Microsoft Print to PDF.
9. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Forum chat cites Chrome’s hardware acceleration functionality as a possible cause of failed downloads. To check if this is the case, open Chrome Settings, expand Advanced, click System, turn off the switch next to ‘Use hardware acceleration when available’ and then click Restart.
Let’s say Google Docs then starts downloading documents normally. In this case, you should look into updating Chrome (as a way to fix known issues) as disabling hardware acceleration can negatively impact browser performance.
10. Use a Different Web Browser
Google Docs works best in Chrome. However, if you’re still having trouble downloading documents, try using an alternative web browser such as Firefox, Edge or Safari.
In case this fixes things, you might want to reset Chrome; Reverting misconfigured browser settings to their defaults will likely fix download problems in Google Docs permanently.
Start Download
Fixing download errors in Google Docs is relatively easy most of the time. Be sure to apply general fixes to memory (clear Google Docs cache, use Incognito mode, check Auto Download permissions, etc.) so you know what to do next time you encounter similar issues.
Next: Still fiddling with Google Docs? Try these great tips and tricks to use like a pro.
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