Get permission to open a file or folder

If you can’t open a file, it could be because:

• You don’t have permission. To resolve, get permission to open a file.
• You're signed in to a Google Account that doesn’t have access. To resolve, sign into a different Google Account.

Get permission to open a file

1. On your computer, open the file.
2. On the "You need access" page, click Request access.
3. Look for an email that says the owner of the file granted you access.

Tip: If you need immediate access, contact the owner of the file and ask them to share it. Learn how to share files from Google Drive.

Try a different Google Account

If you have more than one Google Account, try to switch accounts to open the file.

1. On your computer, open the file.
2. On the "You need permission" page, click Switch accounts.
3. Sign in with a different Google Account.
4. Check if you can open the file.

Get more help

If you still can’t open a file or folder, check out the Google Docs Editors Help Community.