Google Drive files and folders not showing up [Fix]

If your files and folders are not showing up in Google Drive, then this post will help you to fix this. Usually, this issue can occur due to unstable internet or storage issues. In this article, we will cover all solutions to fix this issue for Google Drive for Desktop and web browsers.

Fix Google Drive files and folders not showing up

Use the following fixes if your Google Drive files and folders are missing or not visible:

Check your Internet connection
Check for Sync Status
Pause and resume Google Drive
Free up some storage space
Disable firewall and antivirus temporarily
Check for Hidden Files and Folders
Clear Cache and Cookies
Contact Google Drive Support

Let’s start.

1] Check your Internet connection

An unstable internet connection is one of the most common reasons for this issue. Make sure that your internet connection is stable. If you use a wireless internet connection, we suggest you connect your PC to your router using an Ethernet cable. Also, we suggest you power cycle your WiFi router. It will fix the temporary glitches. To do so, use the following instructions:

Turn off the router.
Unplug the power adapter from the router.
Wait for a few minutes.
Plug the power adapter back into the router. Turn on the router.
Wait for the router to start up and connect to the internet.

2] Check for Sync status

Sometimes this issue can occur if your Google Drive files are not synced on your PC. We suggest you check your file sync status. To check this use the below steps:

Click on System Tray. Beside the OneDrive icon.
Select the Google Drive.
If your file is synced successfully it will show you a green trick as shown in the above image.

3] Pause and resume Google Drive

If files are still syncing and haven’t been fully uploaded to your Google Drive, then pause and resume your files. Wait until your Google Drive files are fully synced. Use the following instructions to pause and resume Google Drive:

Click on System Tray. Beside the OneDrive icon.
Click on Google Drive.
Tap on the Settings icon.
Now, click on Pause syncing.

Wait a few seconds, then go back and press Resume syncing.

4] Free up some storage space

Files might not be fully synced between your device and Google Drive due to the lack of free storage space. If you’ve reached your Google Drive storage limit, no new files will be uploaded or displayed. If this is the case, then freeing up the storage space will be the only way to fix this issue.

5] Disable firewall and antivirus temporarily

You can try disabling your antivirus for some time and check if Google Drive files and folders are showing. Temporarily disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus or any other third-party antivirus software that you are using.

You can also disable Windows Firewall and check if it brings any changes. This might fix the issue. Don’t forget to turn on your antivirus program & firewall again once the issue is fixed.

If this fixes the issue, you can add the Google Drive exe file to the Exception list of antivirus and allow the same through the firewall.

6] Check for Hidden Files and Folders

If you’re using Google Drive on your PC and files/folders are not showing, check if your files and folders are showing when you log in to Google Drive in a web browser. If the files and folders are showing in your web browser after signing in to Google Drive, then there is a possibility that your files and folders are hidden on Google Drive on your PC. Follow these instructions:

Go to This PC and click on your Google Drive.
Click on My Drive.
Click on View.
Now, click on Show > Hidden items.

If your missing files and folders show up that means it’s set as a Hidden item in your Google Drive. To remove the Hidden attribute from your items, right-click on your file or folder, and click on Properties. In the General tab uncheck the Hidden checkbox.

7] Clear Cache and Cookies

If you are using Google Drive in a web browser then this issue may occur due to corrupted cache and cookies. We suggest you clear the cache and cookies for your web browser and check if it brings any changes.

8] Contact Google Drive Support

You can also contact Google Drive support via their official fourm. They will guide you on this.

Why are my Google Drive files not showing?

It depends on where you use Google Drive, whether on your PC or web browser. If you’re using Google Drive on PC, then there is a possibility that your files are hidden. If you’re using Google Drive on a web browser, it can happen due to a a corrupted cache and cookies or a temporary glitch.

Can Google see my photos?

No, Google cannot see your photos in Google Photos or any other Google app or product. Only you can view your photos. However, if your password is leaked, there is a risk of data theft.