Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides offline mode

June 14, 2019

Note: The Google Docs Offline extension is required. You will be prompted to install it when enabling offline mode if it is missing.

It’s now possible to create, edit, and comment on Docs, Sheets, and Slides files when your device is offline or has a slow internet connection. Any changes made while offline will sync in Drive once connected again. You can also preview which files are available offline with a new offline preview mode.

Enable offline access in Drive settings:

  • In Google Drive, select Settings from the Settings (gear icon) drop-down list. In the general section, select Sync Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings files to this computer.
  • Once offline access is enabled, a checkmark icon will appear next to Settings and Support (question mark). Click this icon to find the offline preview toggle. 

Make files available offline:

  • Google Drive automatically makes a certain number of files available offline based on how recently you accessed them. 
  • While connected, mark a file available offline:
    • In offline preview mode.
    • In Drive, right-click on any file and toggle Available offline.

This feature has begun to roll out in U-M Google and will gradually become fully visible.