How to Enable or Disable the Syncing of Google Drive Items for Offline Access as a Google Workspace Admin

Quick and easy-to-follow guide for Google Workspace administrators

You can allow or prevent users from accessing files in Google Drive without an internet connection.

How does Google Drive offline sync work

  • When you enable offline sync, your Google Drive items get saved to your device.
  • You should ensure you have enough available space on your device to save all your files.

When to disable Google Drive offline sync

  • When you want to tighten security and prevent Google Drive data from being stored externally.

How to disable Google Drive offline sync in Google Workspace step-by-step with images

Step 1

How To Enable Or Disable Syncing Google Drive Items For Offline Access in Google Workspace - Step 1

In the Admin console at https://admin.google.com, click the Apps icon.

Step 2

How To Enable Or Disable Syncing Google Drive Items For Offline Access in Google Workspace - Step 2

Select Google Workspace.

Step 3

How To Enable Or Disable Syncing Google Drive Items For Offline Access in Google Workspace - Step 3

Click Drive and Docs. Make sure not to check the box to the left; just click the name.

Step 4

How To Enable Or Disable Syncing Google Drive Items For Offline Access in Google Workspace - Step 4

Select Features and Applications.

Step 5

How To Enable Or Disable Syncing Google Drive Items For Offline Access in Google Workspace - Step 5

Click Offline.

Step 6

How To Enable Or Disable Syncing Google Drive Items For Offline Access in Google Workspace - Step 6

Control offline access using device policies – choose this option to disable offline sync.

You may also choose this option to set up a sync policy manually on users’ computers. Google shows how you can do so here: https://support.google.com/a/answer/1642623

​Alternatively, you can select Allow users to enable offline access, which allows users to enable the option to sync files offline, as shown here.

​Click SAVE after updating the setting. Changes may require up to 24 hours to take effect.

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