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.
• The correct app isn’t installed on your Android device. To resolve, download the necessary app to open the file.

Get permission to open a file

1. On your Android device, open a file.
2. On the "Request access from file owner?" pop-up, tap Request access.
3. Find the email that says "The owner 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, to open the file, switch accounts.

1. On your Android device, open the app for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
2. At the top right, tap your photo or the Account image .
3. Select another account or tap Add another account.

Download the apps

To open and edit files, download the:

• Google Drive app
• Google Docs app
• Google Sheets app
• Google Slides app

Get more help

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