Can a Viewer Download Files From Google Drive? (2024 Update)

In this tutorial, we will show you how to download files from Google Drive with view-only access in just a few simple steps. Read on to learn more.

Can a Google Drive Viewer Download Files?

Yes, a Google Drive viewer can download files if the owner has enabled the download option. Note that if this option is disabled, viewers won’t be able to download the files.

Here’s how to download files from Google Drive as a viewer:

1. Open the File From Google Drive

Start by heading to your Google Drive and finding the file you want to download. Click on it, and it’ll open in preview mode.

Generally, if the owner enabled the download option, you will be able to download the file even as a “viewer.” Just click the download icon for the download to initiate.

2. Check Your Download

Once it’s done downloading, go ahead and open the file from your device to make sure everything looks good.

Double-check that the whole document is there and the format is what you expected. In this case, since it’s a PDF, open it up and make sure all the pages look right.

We hope that you now have a better understanding on how to download files from Google Drive with view-only access. If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy the following articles: