If you get 'An error occurred' that prevents you from making edits on your Docs, Slides, Sheets or Vids, you can troubleshoot the issue. If you urgently need to access a file and resume your progress, you can follow these steps to resume your workflow.
If your document doesn't open, you may find these messages:
- 'Encountered an error. Please try reloading this page or coming back to it in a few minutes.'
- 'A server error occurred. Please press Reload in your browser.'
If you get these messages, reload the page after five minutes.
Troubleshooting steps
Turn off extensionsSome extensions in your browser may interfere with Docs, Slides, Sheets or Vids. To log in to your Google Account and open your file, use a private browser. To identify what interferes with the editor, you can turn off extensions one by one.
Tips:
- If you use a different browser, you can also turn off extensions on Safari, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
- Ad blocker extensions can interfere with Google Vids. Learn how to uninstall an extension.
You can clear your browsing data, cookies and cached files. Learn how to clear your cache and cookies in Chrome. After you've cleared your browsing data, you may need to sign in to your account again.
Tip: If you use a different browser, you can also clear cache and cookies on Safari, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
Sometimes you might see an error message and the error will resolve itself. Wait five minutes and reload the page.
If you have a poor Internet connection, you can try moving to a location where the Internet is more reliable. Alternatively, you can also try using a cable connection when possible.
If you use an older computer or browser, it might not meet the system requirements for Docs, Slides, Sheets or Vids. You can also try to open the same file in another device. If you can open the same document on a different computer, the issue may be specific to your device. You can update your browser to the latest version.
The browser saves your opened tabs and windows and reopens them automatically when it restarts. Your incognito windows won't reopen when Chrome restarts.
If you frequently see error messages when using your regular browser, try a different browser.
Important: Vids isn't available on Safari during testing in Gemini Alpha and Google Workspace Labs.
You can share edit access of your file with another account and edit the file using a different account. You can share the file in Google Drive without opening the file.
Resume your work
Create a copy of your file in DriveImportant: You'll lose some features, like version history, in your copied file.
- On your computer, open Google Drive.
- Right-click the file.
- Click Make a copy.
Tip: You may need to wait a few seconds for your copied file to appear in the same location as your original file.
Important: You'll lose some features, like version history, in your downloaded file.
Download a file
- On your computer, open Google Drive.
- Right-click the file.
- Click Download.
- If you have supported software installed, you can also download the file and work locally.
Upload a file
- On your computer, open Google Drive.
- Click New.
- Click File upload.
- Upload the file.
Important: Any formulas from the original Sheet won't be imported to your new Sheets after you use IMPORTRANGE().
To import your data to a new spreadsheet and preserve your data, use IMPORTRANGE() if:
- The issue appears on Google Sheets.
- After you create a copy of your file in Drive, it still doesn't work.
To use IMPORTRANGE(), you need to know your original file's URL and tab name.
Help us improve and find help in the community
If you still see reload errors, you can ask for help or report the problem.
- If you still have any questions, you can visit the Google Docs editors Help Community to ask for help.
- To report an issue, open your Docs, Sheets or Slides file and at the top, click Help
Help us improve.
Important: This article refers to Vids, a product available for selected customers to test in alpha and users in Google Workspace Labs, which is an invitation-only programme for users to try new AI features. Users with Vids access can invite any user with a Workspace account to view, edit and collaborate on a video. Workspace Labs is currently available to trusted testers in English and may not be available in your country or region.
