Google Drive VPN: Uploading, Syncing and Sharing Files
Handing in design files, uploading footage, sharing a project folder with colleagues: Google Drive is often full of big files. Uploads that drop halfway and sync that spins forever are often down to the route. This page covers how HZVPN helps with Drive, and which problems have nothing to do with a VPN.
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What a VPN does for Google Drive
Drive uploads, downloads and desktop sync all keep long connections open to Google's servers. On a shaky line, big files are the first to fail.
HZVPN can encrypt those connections on shared networks and give you another route to compare when the local line struggles; but your files live on Google's servers, and who can open them depends on your Drive settings.
Uploading video and design files
Large uploads take time, and a drop midway may mean starting again. Before uploading, connect to an HZVPN location near you, try once with and once without the VPN, and keep the steadier one.
Syncing folders on your computer
Syncing folders with Google Drive for desktop, the sync traffic goes through the encrypted tunnel once HZVPN is on. If sync gets stuck, read the error shown in the desktop app first.
Uploading in a shared office
Uploading work files on a shared office or school network, HZVPN keeps the operator from seeing which services you use.
Pick a location near you
In Malaysia, try Malaysia (4 servers); in Australia, try Australia (5).
Google Drive and VPNs: three things to know
These come down to account settings, which a VPN can't change.
Share links are yours to manage
A file set so "anyone with the link" can view it opens for anyone who has the link, VPN or not. Check sharing settings before sharing anything sensitive.
Storage is shared
Your Google Account storage is shared by Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. When it's full, uploads fail whatever the network.
Work accounts may have access rules
A company or school Google Workspace admin may set access rules, such as limiting downloads or which networks can connect. If Drive won't open with the VPN on, contact your admin.
Using Google Drive in different places
The website, Drive for desktop, the mobile app and offline files each have something to watch.
Website
Upload and organise files in a browser. The HZVPN app on Windows and macOS encrypts browser traffic.
Drive for desktop
Syncing folders with Drive for desktop, many files keep uploading in the background. When you close the laptop or change networks, sync pauses and then carries on.
Mobile app
HZVPN runs on Android 9+ and iOS 13+. Uploading photos and video from your phone, watch your mobile data.
Offline files
Before heading out, you can make the files you need available offline so they open without a connection. That's a Drive feature, unrelated to a VPN.
Get started in 3 steps
Sign up and download
Create an HZVPN account on our website, then download the app for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS or Linux.
Pick a server location
Choose one of 43 server locations in the app and tap connect. If it doesn't feel right, switch to another any time.
Open the app you want to use
Open Google Drive and upload a small file to check it works; if big uploads keep failing, switch to a nearby location or compare with HZVPN off.
Big upload failing? Rule these out first
1. Storage: check the space left in Drive. Gmail and Photos use the same quota.
2. Upload allowance: Google caps how much each account can upload per day, which bulk uploads may hit; see Google's Help Center for details.
3. Network: disconnect HZVPN and upload the same file. If it fails too, the problem is the local network; if it fails only with the VPN, switch to a nearby location.
4. Don't switch server locations or let the computer sleep mid-upload. For big files, Drive for desktop is a good choice, as it can usually resume after a break.
HZVPN features that help with Google Drive
We only list features HZVPN actually has today. If a feature isn't listed here, please don't assume it exists.
43 server locations, 265 servers
265 servers in 43 locations, so you can upload through one near you.
One account, several devices
Your phone, tablet and computer can all sign in with the same HZVPN account. Devices online at the same time: 3 on VIP, 5 on SVIP (the app shows the current limit).
Switch locations any time, no limit
Switch locations to compare when uploads struggle, as often as you like.
Free servers once you sign up
Free routes are available once you sign up, so you can try uploading a few files first.
Where the free servers are today
United States
Japan
Hong Kong
Singapore
Germany
Canada
France
Thailand
United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
Big Google Drive uploads keep failing. Is it the VPN?
Not necessarily. Check storage first, then compare with HZVPN on and off; if it fails only with the VPN, switch locations.
With a VPN on, can others no longer open files I've shared?
No change. Sharing permissions come from Drive's sharing settings, not the VPN.
Google Drive sync on my computer keeps spinning. What should I do?
Read the error shown in the desktop app first; if it's a network issue, compare with HZVPN on and off or switch locations.
My company's Google Drive won't open with the VPN on. Why?
Your admin may have set access rules. Please contact them.
Does uploading with HZVPN on use more data?
A little. VPN encryption adds a small amount of overhead, so watch it when uploading big files over mobile data.
Ready when you are
Sign up for an HZVPN account to use the free servers. Upgrade later if you need more server locations or more devices online at once.
Server numbers come from our server list (43 locations, 265 servers). They change with maintenance; the app always shows the current list.