Google Drive keeps crashing on Android (FIX)

Using Google Drive is mandatory on Android devices, which is probably the biggest reason why this cloud storage solution is usually a go-to service for so many users. However, there are user reports scattered online about Google Drive crashing on Android.

We ensured to provide you with a few applicable solutions for this problem so make sure to continue reading.

Table of contents:

1. Clear Cache and Data
2. Reinstall the app
3. Wipe cache partition
4. Install an older version via APK
5. Reset the device to factory settings
6. Use Google Drive for the Web

Why does Google Drive keep crashing?

Google Drive might keep crashing for a variety of reasons. It can happen either due to a pilled-up cache or data stored locally that causes slowdowns. Alternatively, the current version of Google Drive might be buggy or corrupted.

Now, we have to mention that these solutions solely apply to stock ROMs. A lot of Google apps integration is failing on custom ROMs, so have that in mind. If you are on a stock ROM and Google Drive is repetitively crashing, make sure to check the solutions below.

Solution 1 –  Clear Cache and Data

First of all, close Google Drive from the Recently used apps. After that, we recommend clearing the app cache and data. This should resolve certain issues caused by piles of data stored locally on your device.

Follow these instructions to clear Cache and Data on your device:

1. Open Settings.
2. Choose Apps (Application Manager or Manage apps).
3. Open Google Drive from the apps list.
4. Open Storage.
5. Clear Cache first and then Data.
6. Reboot your device.

Solution 2 – Reinstall the app

Alternatively, you can reinstall the app and move from there. In case Google Drive comes pre-installed as a system app, you can always uninstall updates and move from there. This usually fixes the problem of Google Drive crashing on Android.

Follow these steps to reinstall Google Drive:

1. Open Play Store.
2. Search for Drive.
3. Uninstall the Google Drive app.
4. Install the app again and reboot your device.

Solution 3 – Wipe the cache partition

Besides the locally stored cache and data, chances are cache partition corruption is causing crashes of apps on your Android. That’s why we suggest wiping the cache partition. This operation is safe so you don’t have to worry about losing any data during the procedure.

Follow these instructions to wipe the cache partition on your Android device:

1. Power off your device.
2. Press and hold the Power button + Volume Up until the MI welcome screen appears. Let go of the Power button and keep holding the Volume Up button.
3. Once you get into Recovery mode, use the Volume buttons to get to the Wipe Cache Partition option. Press the Power button to confirm the selection.

Solution 4 – Install an older version via APK

There’s a chance that there’s a certain rare issue with the current version of Google Drive installed on your device. What you can do about it, besides reinstalling the app, is switch to an APK. An APK of the older Google Drive version.

Here’s what you have to do in order to downgrade Google Drive to an older version:

1. Uninstall Google Drive from your device as previously explained.
2. Navigate to this APK Mirror page where all Google Drive versions are presented.
3. Download an older APK (not older than 2 months preferably) and grant permission to install from third-party sources when prompted.

Solution 5 – Reset the device to factory settings

Finally, if you tried all the previous recommendations and you are still getting Google Drive crashing repetitively (or any other app for that matter), we recommend performing a system reset to factory settings.

Just have in mind that this procedure will delete all files from the internal storage so ensure to back up everything before proceeding.

Follow these steps to reset your Android handset to factory settings:

1. Open Settings.
2. Choose System.
3. Open Backup & reset.
4. Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
5. Tap Erase all data and confirm the selection when prompted.

Solution 6 – Use Google Drive for the Web

Now, this isn’t a solution per se but more of a workaround. In order to avoid the obvious shortcomings of Google Drive for Android, you can use the desktop version on your phone or just use your PC.

Don’t forget to use the incognito mode while accessing Google Drive from the PC browser. This will help you avoid certain issues with add-ons and piled-up browser cache.

If you are, on the other hand, determined to use Google Drive on your Android device, there’s a way to trick the system and use the web-based client instead of the app.

Follow these steps to use Google Drive for the Web on your Android:

1. Open Chrome on your Android device.
2. Tap on the 3-dot menu and check the Desktop site box.
3. Navigate to Google Drive.
4. Download files to your device from there.

With that said, we can conclude this, hopefully, informative piece. Thank you for reading and make sure to tell us whether these steps helped you or not in the comments section below.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2019. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.