Google Drive makes file sharing incredibly simple, but sometimes figuring out how to download those shared files can be tricky. Whether you're trying to save an important document, download photos from a family event, or access work files shared by colleagues, this guide will walk you through every step of downloading files from the "Shared with me" section in Google Drive.

I've put together this complete guide to help you download any type of file that others have shared with you through Google Drive. Let's dive into the different methods you can use across various devices.

Downloading Files from Google Drive Shared With Me on a Computer

The desktop version of Google Drive offers the most options for downloading shared files. Here's how to do it step by step:

Method 1: Downloading Individual Files

1. Open your web browser and go to drive.google.com
2. Log in with your Google account if you haven't already
3. Click on "Shared with me" in the left sidebar
4. Find the file you want to download
5. Right-click on the file and select "Download" from the dropdown menu
6. The file will begin downloading to your default download location

You can also select the file by clicking on it once (don't double-click as this will open it) and then click the download icon (downward arrow) in the top toolbar.

Method 2: Downloading Multiple Files at Once

Need to download several files? Here's how:

1. Navigate to the "Shared with me" section in Google Drive
2. Hold down the Ctrl key (or Command key on Mac) and click each file you want to download
3. Right-click on any of the selected files and choose "Download"
4. Google Drive will compress all selected files into a ZIP folder and download it to your computer
5. Once downloaded, you'll need to extract the ZIP file to access the individual files

Method 3: Downloading an Entire Folder

If someone has shared an entire folder with you, you can download all its contents at once:

1. Go to the "Shared with me" section
2. Locate the shared folder you want to download
3. Right-click on the folder and select "Download"
4. Google Drive will prepare the download by compressing the folder into a ZIP file
5. Once ready, the ZIP file will automatically download to your computer
6. Extract the ZIP file to access all the contents

For large folders, the compression process might take some time depending on your internet speed and the size of the folder.

Downloading Google Drive Shared Files on Mobile Devices

The process differs slightly when using smartphones or tablets. Here's how to download shared files on both Android and iOS devices.

Downloading on Android Devices

1. Open the Google Drive app on your Android device
2. Tap on the "Shared" tab at the bottom of the screen
3. Find the file you want to download
4. Tap the three-dot menu icon next to the file
5. Select "Download" from the options
6. The file will download to your device's storage

By default, downloaded files are saved to the "Downloads" folder on most Android devices, but this may vary depending on your device model and settings.

Downloading on iPhone and iPad

1. Launch the Google Drive app on your iOS device
2. Tap the "Shared" option at the bottom of the screen
3. Locate the file you want to download
4. Tap the three-dot menu icon beside the file
5. Select "Open in..." or "Send a copy" depending on the file type
6. Choose where you want to save the file (Files app, Photos, etc.)

The iOS version of Google Drive works slightly differently than Android. Instead of directly downloading files to a downloads folder, you typically save files to the Files app or another app that can handle that file type.

Handling Different File Types When Downloading

Google Drive handles different types of files in various ways. Here's what you need to know about downloading specific file types:

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

When downloading Google's native file formats, you'll need to choose a conversion format:

1. Find the Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file in "Shared with me"
2. Right-click the file and select "Download"
3. For Google Docs: Files download as .docx (Microsoft Word) by default
4. For Google Sheets: Files download as .xlsx (Microsoft Excel) by default
5. For Google Slides: Files download as .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint) by default

If you want to download in a different format:

1. Open the file first by clicking on it
2. Go to "File" > "Download" in the top menu
3. Select your preferred format from the options (PDF, ODT, RTF, HTML, etc.)

Photos and Videos

Media files like photos and videos download in their original format, but there are some things to keep in mind:

• Photos will download in their original resolution unless the owner has restricted high-quality downloads
• Videos might take longer to download depending on their size
• On mobile devices, photos download directly to your gallery or photos app

PDFs and Other Document Types

For PDFs and other common file types:

• These files download in their native format
• You'll need appropriate software to open them (like Adobe Reader for PDFs)
• On mobile, you might be prompted to open the file in a compatible app

Troubleshooting Common Download Issues

Sometimes you might encounter problems when trying to download shared files. Here are solutions to common issues:

Problem: "Download Anyway" Button Appears

If Google Drive shows a warning about the file potentially being dangerous with a "Download anyway" button:

1. This is a security feature to protect you from potentially harmful files
2. Only click "Download anyway" if you trust the person who shared the file
3. Consider asking the sender about the file's contents if you're unsure

Problem: Download Button is Grayed Out

If you can't download a file because the option is unavailable:

• The owner might have disabled downloading for that file
• You might only have "View" permissions without download rights
• Ask the file owner to grant you download permissions

Problem: Files Download as Shortcuts

If files download as shortcuts instead of actual files:

1. Make sure you're right-clicking and selecting "Download" rather than "Make a copy"
2. If using the download icon, ensure you've properly selected the file first
3. Try a different browser if the issue persists

Problem: Slow Downloads

If downloads are taking too long:

• Check your internet connection
• Try downloading at a different time when your network might be less congested
• For large files, consider downloading them individually instead of in a batch
• Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications that might be using bandwidth

Alternative Methods to Access Shared Files

Sometimes downloading isn't the best option. Here are some alternatives:

Saving Files to Your Own Drive

Instead of downloading, you can save a copy to your own Google Drive:

1. Go to "Shared with me"
2. Right-click the file you want to keep
3. Select "Make a copy" or "Add to My Drive"
4. "Make a copy" creates an editable duplicate in your drive
5. "Add to My Drive" adds a shortcut to your drive without creating a duplicate

This method is useful when you want to keep the file in the cloud rather than on your local device.

Using Google Drive Offline Mode

If you need access to files without an internet connection:

1. Install Google Drive for desktop on your computer
2. Enable offline access in Google Drive settings
3. Select the files you want available offline
4. These files will sync to your computer and be accessible without internet

This approach gives you the best of both worlds - local access without having to manually download each file.

Using Google Drive Mobile App Offline Access

On mobile devices:

1. Open the Google Drive app
2. Find the file in "Shared with me"
3. Tap the three-dot menu
4. Select "Available offline"
5. The file will download and be accessible without internet

Understanding Sharing Permissions and Downloads

The ability to download shared files depends on the permissions set by the file owner. Here's what you need to know:

Types of Sharing Permissions

Google Drive offers three main permission levels:

• Viewer: Can only view the file but may or may not be able to download it (depending on additional restrictions)
• Commenter: Can view and comment on the file but may have limited download rights
• Editor: Can view, edit, and typically download the file

Restricted Download Settings

File owners can specifically restrict downloading, printing, and copying:

• If downloading is disabled, you'll see no download option
• Some files may allow viewing only through the browser
• In these cases, you'll need to request additional permissions from the owner

Requesting Download Permission

If you can't download a file you need:

1. Click on the file to open it
2. Click the "Request access" button (if available)
3. Or contact the owner directly to ask for download permissions
4. Explain why you need to download the file

Managing Downloaded Files from Google Drive

After downloading files, you might want to organize them properly:

Finding Downloaded Files on Your Computer

By default, files download to your system's Downloads folder:

• Windows: Usually C:Users[YourUsername]Downloads
• Mac: /Users/[YourUsername]/Downloads
• To change this location, adjust your browser's download settings

Organizing Downloaded Files

To keep your downloads organized:

1. Create a dedicated folder structure for Google Drive downloads
2. Move downloaded files from the default location to these folders
3. Rename files if needed for better identification
4. Consider using file management tools if you download files frequently

Security Considerations for Downloaded Files

Keep these security tips in mind:

• Scan downloaded files with antivirus software, especially if they come from unknown sources
• Be cautious with executable files (.exe, .dmg, etc.)
• Keep your downloads folder clean to avoid accumulating potentially sensitive documents

Downloading Large Files or Multiple Files Efficiently

When dealing with large downloads, efficiency becomes important:

Tips for Large File Downloads

• Use a stable internet connection, preferably wired rather than wireless
• Download large files during off-peak hours for faster speeds
• Consider using Google Drive for desktop for large folders or multiple files
• Close bandwidth-heavy applications while downloading

Using Google Drive for Desktop

For frequent or large downloads, Google Drive for desktop is ideal:

1. Download and install Google Drive for desktop from Google's website
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Select which folders to sync to your computer
4. Files will automatically download and stay in sync
5. You can access these files directly from your file explorer/finder

Batch Downloading with Third-Party Tools

For power users who frequently download many files:

• Consider browser extensions that enhance Google Drive functionality
• Some download managers can help queue and manage multiple downloads
• Be cautious with third-party tools and only use trusted sources

Downloading Shared Files on Different Browsers

The download process can vary slightly between browsers:

Chrome

• Downloads appear at the bottom of the browser window
• Click on the file name to open it
• Click the up arrow to show the file in your file explorer/finder
• Downloads can be managed at chrome://downloads/

Firefox

• Shows downloads in a popup panel from the toolbar
• Click the download icon to see your recent downloads
• Right-click on downloads for additional options
• Manage downloads at about:downloads

Safari

• Click the download icon (downward arrow) in the toolbar to see downloads
• Files typically download to your Downloads folder
• Click the magnifying glass icon next to a download to show it in Finder

Microsoft Edge

• Shows downloads at the bottom of the browser or in the downloads panel
• Access the full downloads list by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting "Downloads"
• Right-click downloaded files for more options

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Simply download PicBackMan (it's free!), register your account, connect to your online store and tell PicBackMan where your videos are - PicBackMan does the rest, automatically. It bulk uploads all videos and keeps looking for new ones and uploads those too. You don't have to ever touch it.

Conclusion

Downloading files from Google Drive's "Shared with me" section doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're using a computer or mobile device, the process is straightforward once you know where to look. Remember that download permissions are controlled by the file owner, so you might need to request access if you can't download something you need.

Google Drive offers flexibility in how you access shared files - from direct downloads to saving copies in your own Drive or using offline access. Choose the method that works best for your situation, and don't forget to organize your downloaded files to keep your system tidy.

Now that you have all the knowledge you need, you can confidently manage any files shared with you through Google Drive!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I download some files shared with me in Google Drive?

If you can't download certain files, it's likely because the owner has restricted download permissions. The file might be set to "view only" without download rights. You can request download permission by contacting the file owner directly or using the "Request access" button if available when you try to access the file.

How do I download multiple files at once from "Shared with me"?

To download multiple files simultaneously, go to the "Shared with me" section, hold down Ctrl (or Command on Mac) while clicking each file you want to download. Then right-click on any selected file and choose "Download." Google Drive will compress all selected files into a ZIP folder and download it to your computer.

Where do files download from Google Drive go on my phone?

On Android devices, files typically download to the "Downloads" folder, which you can access through your file manager app. On iPhones and iPads, files are usually saved to the Files app or to app-specific storage depending on the file type (like photos going to your Photos app). You can check your download location in your Google Drive app settings.

Can I download Google Docs as Microsoft Word files?

Yes, you can download Google Docs as Microsoft Word (.docx) files. When you right-click on a Google Doc in "Shared with me" and select "Download," it automatically converts to .docx format. If you want to download in a different format, open the document first, then go to File > Download and choose your preferred format (PDF, ODT, RTF, HTML, etc.).

What should I do if my Google Drive download gets stuck?

If your download gets stuck, try refreshing the page first. If that doesn't work, clear your browser cache and cookies, or try downloading in an incognito/private window. For large files, check your internet connection stability. If problems persist, try using a different browser or downloading the Google Drive desktop application which can handle downloads more efficiently.