Have you ever encountered the ‘Video is Still Processing’ error on Google Drive? If your answer is yes, then this blog is for you, as it will discuss all the dimensions of the issue. This issue is fairly common but can be quite frustrating, especially when a video seems to take unexpected time. If the error persists for too long, it may cause significant inconvenience and should be addressed promptly. Users keep asking how long it takes for a video to process on Google Drive.
In this write-up, we’ll explore the reasons behind this problem and share effective solutions to help you fix it quickly.
Usually, how long do videos take to process on Google Drive?
When you upload a video to Google Drive, the platform doesn’t just store it. Moreover, it also processes the file so that it can be played directly within Drive without needing to download it. Normally, this happens in the background and takes a short time depending on the file size and internet speed. Once processing is complete, the video becomes viewable on your device.
However, sometimes you may encounter the message ‘ Video is still processing’ that lingers without actually playing the video. If you repeatedly see the ‘Video is Still Processing on Google Drive’ message. The footage never becomes playable; it usually indicates that the upload was interrupted, incomplete, or failed altogether. The upload did not finish properly, or an error occurred during the processing stage. In such cases, re-uploading the video often helps.
Common Reasons Behind the ‘Video is Still Processing’ Issue on Google Drive
If your video on Google Drive is stuck while the video is still processing messages, it could be due to several technical factors. Below are listed the most common reasons:
- Unstable or slow internet connection.
- The size of the uploaded video file is too large.
- Using an outdated or older version of the browser.
- Error or crash of the Google Drive server.
- Corrupted or damaged browser cache.
- An incomplete video was uploaded to Google Drive.
Some Manual Workarounds to Fix ‘Video is Still Processing on Google Drive’ Issue
1: Verify Storage Limits & Video Compatibility
Before troubleshooting video processing issues on Google Drive, it’s important to check both storage availability and file compatibility. Here is how:
- Check Google storage space – Google Drive offers limited free storage, with the option to expand up to 5TB through paid plans. If your storage is nearly full, video uploads may fail to process correctly. Freeing up space or upgrading your plan can resolve this.
- Understand playback limitations – Google Drive allows video playback at a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 [Full HD]. If your file exceeds this, you may face processing or playback issues.
- Ensure supported video format – While Drive accepts a wide range of file types such as MPEG4, WMV, 3GPP, AVI, and MOV, the most reliable formats for smooth processing are MP4, MOV, WMV, and AVI. If your video isn’t in a compatible format, convert it using a trusted video conversion tool before uploading.
By confirming that your video fits within storage, resolution, and format requirements, you significantly reduce the chances of encountering the persistent ‘Video is still processing’ error.
2: Check & Improve Your Internet Connection
A weak or interrupted internet connection often delays both the upload and processing stages. To rule out network-related issues, follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings
- Navigate to Network & Internet.
- Check the current status of your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- If you notice issues, run the built-in Network Troubleshooter to detect and resolve common problems automatically.
- For persistent issues, restart your router or switch to a more stable network.
3: Update Browser to the Latest Version
Using an older or outdated version of your web browser can interfere with Drive’s ability to process videos smoothly. Updating to the latest version often fixes the issues. Here’s how to update Google Chrome:
- Open your Chrome browser on your device.
- Click on the three-dot menu (located at the top-right corner).
- From the dropdown, hover over Help and select About Google Chrome.
- Chrome will automatically begin checking for the updates.
- If an update is available, then it will start downloading immediately.
- Once the update finishes, click Relaunch to restart the browser.
- After Chrome reopens, sign back into Google Drive and check whether your video processes correctly.
Keeping your browser updated not only improves Google Drive performance but also enhances security, speed, and compatibility.
4: Check Google Drive Server Status
At times, video processing issues on Google Drive are not related to your device, storage, or internet connection. Instead, the problem may occur due to a temporary outage or downtime on Google’s servers. When this happens, the video may fail to play, upload, or process properly.
To verify whether Google Drive is facing server issues:
- Visit the Google Workspace Status Dashboard.
- Look for the status of Google Drive in the list of services.
- A green checkmark indicates the service is working normally. At the same time, an orange or red icon suggests an outage or technical issue.
If the server is down, there’s nothing you can do on your end except wait until Google resolves the issue. Once the service is restored, try re-uploading or processing your video again.
5: Clear Browser Cache & Cookies
Damaged or overloaded browser data can prevent Google Drive from functioning properly during video processing. Clearing your cache and cookies often helps fix the issue. Here’s how to do it in Google Chrome:
- Open the Chrome browser on your PC.
- Click the three-dot menu icon in the upper-right corner.
- Hover over More Tools and select Clear browsing data.
- In the pop-up window, switch to the Basic
- Set the Time range to All time.
- Check the boxes for:
- Cookies & other site data.
- Cached images & files.
- Click Clear data to remove the stored cache and cookies.
- Restart your Chrome browser and log back into Google Drive.
Once the cache and cookies are cleared, try processing your video again. It often resolves hidden browser conflicts and improves overall performance.
6: Re-Log in to Your Google Account
Logging out and back into your Google account can help re-establish a connection with Google Drive servers, often resolving the video stuck processing issue. Sign out of your account, then log in again and check if the video plays or downloads correctly.
7: Use a Different Device & Browse
Sometimes, the Google Drive video still processing issue happens because of the browser or device you’re using. Switch to a different web browser (like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) or try accessing the video on a different device. This quick test helps identify whether the problem lies with your current setup and can often resolve the error instantly.
8: Check Antivirus Restrictions
At times, your system’s antivirus software may block access to Google Drive videos, causing the footage to still be processing. Temporarily turn off the antivirus and then try playing the video again to see if the issue is resolved.
9: Contact Google Support
If the Google Drive video processing issue persists, reach out to Google Support. Their team can provide personalized troubleshooting steps and guidance to help resolve the problem effectively.
Gist: Always Have a Backup of the Google Drive
Every technology is prone to errors and issues if not handled properly. The same applies to Google Drive, as users often encounter various problems while using the Google Drive. Moreover, freeing up space is also a good practice. Hence, it is always advised to have a backup, and Shoviv Google Drive Backup Tool helps in this. It is a professional utility that also offers a free version as a demo.
