1. Check the status of Google Drive servers.
2. Open Google Docs in a different browser.
3. Verify if the Internet connection is stable.
4. Enable Google Docs Offline.
5. Check Google Drive storage and delete unnecessary files.
How to Fix Google Docs Not Saving Changes Automatically
To fix the issue of Google Docs not saving changes automatically, you can refer to some troubleshooting methods below:
Method 1: Check the status of Google Drive servers
One of the main reasons causing Google Docs not to automatically save changes may be due to temporary server outages or glitches in Google Drive. Therefore, the first solution to fix Google Docs is to check the status of Google Drive servers to see if they are down or not.
To check Google Drive servers, the simplest way is to use Down Detector. Additionally, here you can view real-time reports from other users to see if they are experiencing any issues or errors with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms as well.
Visit Down Detector Homepage here.
Here, look in the left-hand pane, if any service is disrupted, there will be an orange circle icon next to the service. Or if a service is not working, you will see a red circle. Finally, if all services are working smoothly, you will see a green circle.
If Google Drive servers or services like Google Docs, Sheets, ... are experiencing errors or issues, your only choice is to wait until Google resolves these problems.
Alternatively, if you urgently need it, you can copy and paste it into a Word file on your computer.
In some cases, it may be due to Chrome browser glitches leading to Google Docs errors. Try reopening Google Docs in a different browser, such as Firefox, Edge, Safari (for Mac users), ... and check if Google Docs is functioning correctly.
According to some users sharing on technology forums, this method also helps fix the issue.
Method 3: Check if the Internet connection is stable
Furthermore, a slow or unstable internet connection is also one of the culprits causing Google Docs not to automatically save changes. Therefore, if the above methods are not feasible, the next solution is to try checking if the network connection is stable.
To check the network connection speed, the simplest way is to use online tools or dedicated software. Refer to the article below to learn detailed information about the list of the best network speed testing software available today.
- Explore more: Discover the finest network speed testing software available.
Alternatively, you can utilize Speedtest tool to accurately measure and boost your Internet connection speed.
Visit Speedtest's homepage and hit the GO button to initiate the test.
If the ping duration is higher and speed is lower, it indicates an unstable network connection. It's time to switch to a more stable network for accessing Google Docs.
Method 4: Activate Google Docs Offline
Important Note:
While in Google Docs Offline mode, certain features are unavailable, including:
- You cannot view edits made by other online users on the document.
- You cannot share the document with other users.
- Spell check settings, adding images, and other attached files are not accessible.
By activating Google Docs Offline, all changes you make on Google Docs will be stored locally on your computer.
Follow the steps below:
Step 1: First, on your Google Docs document window, locate and click the icon of three horizontal lines aligned in the top left corner. This action is to access the Docs homepage.
Step 2: On the new window displayed on the screen, locate and click the icon of three horizontal lines in the top left corner as shown below and select Settings.
Step 3: Here, locate and activate the slider next to the Offline option to enable the feature, then click OK to save the changes.
Method 5: Check Google Drive storage and delete unnecessary files
A full Google Drive storage can also be a cause of issues when uploading or saving changes to new Google Docs documents. Typically, Docs and Sheets files occupy more storage space than other documents.
Step 1: First, access your Google Drive account. On the left panel, under Storage, view the storage capacity you've used.
Step 2: Click to select the option to view which files are the main culprits occupying the most storage space.
Locate and right-click on old files you no longer need, select Remove to delete and free up Google Drive storage.
Step 3: Additionally, you should also delete unnecessary files in the trash to free up more Drive space. The simplest way is to click Trash on the left panel.
On the window displayed in the right panel, locate and right-click on the file, select Delete Forever.
Download Google Docs for Android and iPhone:
Above, Mytour has just guided you through some methods to fix Google Docs not automatically saving changes. In addition, readers can refer to some articles already available on Mytour to learn more about fixing offline Google Docs issues.
- Learn more: Fixing offline Google Docs not working.