Mac only
Google Drive not showing in Finder
Google Drive for desktop sometimes vanishes from Finder after an update or restart. These fixes solve it most of the time.
If Google Drive is missing from the Finder sidebar, or its folder looks empty, the cause is usually small. Try these steps in order.
Fixes to try
- 1. Check the app is runningLook for the Google Drive icon in the menu bar. If it is not there, open Google Drive from Applications and sign in.
- 2. Show it in the Finder sidebarIn Finder, open Settings, then Sidebar, and make sure your cloud storage is ticked under Locations.
- 3. Check the extension is onOpen System Settings, General, Login Items & Extensions, and look for the File Provider or Google Drive entry. Make sure it is switched on.
- 4. Relaunch FinderHold Option, right-click the Finder icon in the Dock and choose Relaunch.
- 5. Update Google DriveInstall the latest version of Google Drive for desktop and restart your Mac.
- 6. Sign out and back inIn the Google Drive menu bar icon, open Preferences and sign out of the account. Then sign in again.
- 7. Check free spaceA nearly full disk can stop the app from starting its folder. See our page on a full Mac.
If nothing works, reinstalling Google Drive for desktop is the last step. Files in your Google account are not deleted by removing the app, but files waiting to upload may be lost, so let uploads finish first.
Another way: Google Drive as a real drive
DriveMyMac is a separate app. It shows Google Drive as a drive in the Finder sidebar and does not need the Google Drive app. It uses Apple’s FSKit, which is built into macOS, so there is no extra driver to install. You sign in on Google’s own page.
- No big sync folderFiles are not copied to your Mac up front. They open on demand, so a large Drive does not fill your disk.
- Private by designYour files go straight from your Mac to your own cloud. DriveMyMac never sees or stores them.
- More than Google DriveAdd Dropbox, OneDrive, S3 and a NAS to the same drive if you use them.
Read how it works on the Google Drive page. DriveMyMac is made by us, not by Google.
Questions
Why did Google Drive disappear from Finder?
Common causes are the app not running, the sidebar item turned off, the macOS extension switched off, or an update that needs a restart.
Will I lose files if I reinstall Google Drive?
Files in your Google account stay there. Files that had not finished uploading may be lost, so let uploads finish before you remove the app.
Do I need the Google Drive app to use DriveMyMac?
No. DriveMyMac signs in to Google directly and shows your Drive as a drive in Finder. It does not need the Google Drive app.
Does DriveMyMac use macFUSE?
No. It uses Apple’s FSKit, built into macOS. No driver to install and no security changes in Recovery. You turn on one switch in System Settings, once.
Do I pay for storage through DriveMyMac?
No. You keep paying your own cloud for its storage. DriveMyMac is a one-time payment per Mac, with no subscription.
Pay once. Keep it.
$5.99 lifetime at launch, then $19.99 lifetime. One time, per Mac.