How to Fix 'File Unreadable' Errors on Google Drive – Plus a Powerful Repair Tool You Must Try

Google Drive has become the go-to solution for storing, accessing, and sharing files on the cloud, especially for mobile users. From documents and spreadsheets to videos and PDFs, it handles it all.

But what happens when your Google Drive file becomes unreadable? You upload an important PDF for your client, but it refuses to preview. You try opening a DOCX from your mobile, only to see a frustrating “file unreadable” message.

These errors are more common than you think, and they often occur due to issues like corrupt uploads, unsupported formats, or even internet disruptions during file transfers.

Part 1: Why Do Files Become Unreadable on Google Drive?

Encountering a "file unreadable Google Drive" error can be frustrating, especially when you’re on the go. Understanding the causes helps prevent future data loss and guides you to the right fix.

Common Causes of Google Drive File Unreadable Errors

Here are some of the most frequent reasons:

Real-Life Examples

Here’s how these issues often play out in real usage:

1. PDF files showing "Unable to preview"

A client shares a PDF through Drive, but you’re met with a blank screen or error message when previewing it.

2. Uploaded DOCX files won’t open.

After syncing a DOCX document from your phone, you get a “file unreadable” message when trying to access it from another device.

3. Client image files become unreadable.

High-resolution JPEGs or PNGs uploaded from editing software may become partially corrupt and display errors in Drive.

Whether it’s a Google Drive upload file unreadable issue or a corrupted format, knowing the root cause is the first step toward fixing it.

Part 2: How to Fix “File Unreadable” in Google Drive – Step-by-Step

If you're seeing a Google Drive file with unreadable errors, don’t panic. Most issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. Try these solutions to troubleshoot the problem quickly:

Fix 1: Check File Format Compatibility

Not all file types are natively supported by Google Drive.

• Make sure your file is in a supported format like .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .mp4, etc.

• If it’s a less common file extension, convert it using an online tool or open it in the original software.

Tip: Unsupported file formats often trigger the "file unreadable Google Drive" message.

Fix 2: Clear Browser Cache or Use Incognito Mode

Sometimes, the issue lies with your browser, not the file.

• Clear cookies and cache from your browser settings.
• Or simply open Google Drive in Incognito/Private Mode to bypass extension conflicts.

Image Al: private mode

This is a quick fix, especially if the file opens fine on another device.

Fix 3: Download the File and Open It Offline

If Google Drive can’t preview the file, try this workaround:

• Right-click the file and select Download.

• Open it locally with compatible software like MS Word, Adobe Reader, or VLC.

Downloading works well when you get a Google Drive upload file unreadable error, but know the file type is valid.

Fix 4: Use Google’s Built-in Editors

If the file type is supported by Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides:

• Right-click and select “Open with Google Docs/Sheets/Slides.”
• This method can bypass preview limitations and render the content correctly.

Works best for .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, and .txt files that fail to load initially.

Part 3: Limitations of Google Drive for File Recovery

While Google Drive is excellent for file storage and collaboration, it falls short when it comes to file recovery. If you're dealing with a Google Drive file unreadable error due to corruption or upload issues, these limitations become painfully clear.

Here’s what Google Drive can’t do:

• No built-in repair feature

  The drive can preview or download files, but it can’t repair them if they're corrupted.

• Can’t recover from data corruption

  Once a file is damaged during upload or sync, Drive simply flags it as unreadable—no recovery options are provided.

• Generic error messages

  Vague alerts like “Unable to preview” or “File format not supported” leave users guessing what's wrong.

• Doesn’t support advanced file repair

  There’s no functionality for deep repair or restoration of broken content, especially for media files or large documents.

Bonus Tip: Use Repairit to Fix Unreadable Files

When Google Drive reaches its limits, Repairit fills the gap.

Repairit is a smart, reliable file repair tool that helps you repair corrupted, broken, or unreadable files—even those Google Drive can’t fix.

Key Features:

Wondershare Repairit - File Repair

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1,010,994 people have downloaded it.

• Repair damaged files with all levels of corruption, including blank files, files not opening, unrecognizable format, unreadable content, files layout changed, etc.

• Support to repair all formats of PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zip, and Adobe files.

• Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.

• No limit to the number and size of the repairable files.

• Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.10~macOS 13.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Wondershare Repairit

Step 1. Drag and drop or click to browse for the file that won't open in Google Drive.

Step 2. The tool scans and repairs the damaged file automatically.

Step 3. Once repaired, preview the file and save it locally.

With Repairit, fixing a file unreadable in Google Drive is just a few clicks away.

Part 4: When to Use Google Drive Fixes vs. Repairit

Not every file unreadable Google Drive issue needs a third-party tool, but knowing when to use built-in Drive features vs. a professional repair solution like Repairit can save you time and effort.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Still seeing a Google Drive upload file unreadable error after trying basic fixes? That’s your cue to switch to Repairit for a more robust recovery.

Conclusion

Unreadable files on Google Drive can derail your workflow, especially when they contain important documents, images, or videos. Whether it’s due to file corruption, format issues, or upload failures, encountering a Google Drive file unreadable message is never fun.

While Google Drive provides basic troubleshooting options like clearing cache or using built-in editors, it lacks advanced recovery tools. That’s where Repairit becomes your go-to solution.

Stop wasting time on dead-end fixes. Try Repairit and recover your unreadable files in minutes.