Download errors occur so often that they take many different forms. They happen when a download stops in the middle of the process.
Sometimes, it even pops up immediately after you push the “Download” option. You might try downloading the file multiple times, but the error still arises.
Although the error message refers to a “network” issue, this is not always true. Let’s examine the reasons behind the network error and all possible solutions.
Network Failure Message While Downloading on a Mac
Though these sorts of malfunctions are rare in Macs, there is still a tiny possibility for Macs to have these problems. Here’s what you can do to rectify them:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
First, ensure your internet connection is working perfectly; this is essential to fixing the error. Open Speedtest.net in your browser and then perform a speed test to determine the quality of your connection.
- Sometimes, a gaming client or a streaming service may cause the problem, so check that only the browser uses the connection.
- If the speed test shows low speed, high latency, or fluctuating speed, your computer has a connection problem.
- If you use a VPN or proxy, switch it off and retry the download.
- If you have followed the above steps and the issue is unresolved, restart your router.
2. Switch to Incognito Mode
If the “Download Failed: Network Error” problem still occurs, a browser extension might be the one to blame; it could interfere with the download. A quick way to test this is to use the Incognito Mode (Private Browsing) feature.
- Launch your web browser and click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Choose New Incognito Window (or Private Window, depending on the browser) from the options.
- Try to download the file again to see if it clears the error.
Failed Network Error When Trying to Download File from Google Drive
You can face a failed network error when downloading files from the Google Drive site, which occurs mainly when downloading large files, but it also may happen when downloading small files.
1. Review Security and Antivirus Settings
These antivirus programs can establish a blockade against Google Drive downloads due to the safety settings. To remove this blockade, begin with these steps:
- Run your antivirus (e.g., Windows Defender, Norton, or McAfee).
- Find out and adjust the settings, for example, linked to web protection and download scanning.
- Turn off the feature briefly and try downloading the file again.
- If this is the solution, then Google Drive should be included in the list of antivirus exclusions.
2. Use a Different Browser
Sometimes, the internet browser you are using may be the reason for the download failures. First, check if this is the case:
- Try using another web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari).
- Then, log in to Google Drive.
- Finally, try to download the file again.
3. Clean the Browser Cache and Cookies
Corrupted cache files may also be the reason for failed downloads. Let’s clear the cache first:
- First, click your browser’s settings button (the three dots in the right-hand corner). This will open a drop-down menu.
- Click on ‘Settings’ from the browser menu.
- In Settings, choose the Privacy and Security option. Then, scroll down to the bottom and click on Clear Browsing Data.
- In the Clear Browsing Data dialog, select the Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files options.
- As your browser goes to sleep when you clear it, ideally restart the browser to begin the download anew.
4. Use Google Drive’s Desktop App
When other options are unavailable, try using the Google Drive desktop application instead of the browser version.
- Download and install Google Drive for Desktop. After installing the app, click the Google Drive icon in the system tray and enter your credentials to sign in.
- Sign in with your Google account. After logging in, you will also see the option to go to the local folder location.
- Locate the file and attempt to download it through the desktop app. Once downloaded, the file will be in the Google Drive folder on your computer.
5. Disable Browser Extensions
One of the reasons for this problem is some extensions that interfere with downloads. Thus, you will have to get rid of them as follows:
- The way to open the extension list can vary from browser to browser. However, it can be opened in most browsers by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner and then choosing Extensions; in some browsers, the same settings can be accessed via a dedicated menu at the top left.
- First of all, find the Extensions/Add-ons button and tap it.
- Restart the browser and try downloading the file again. This usually solves your problem.
Conclusion
The “Failed Network Error” message when downloading files can be annoying. However, there are many ways to fix it. For example, you can check your internet connection or switch browsers.
Furthermore, you can disable security software and empty the cache files. If that’s not the issue and it’s with Google Drive, you can try starting from the desktop app or tweaking the security settings to allow download.
