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Troubleshooting Google Drive Embeds
Troubleshooting Google Drive Embeds

Troubleshooting common issues when embedding Google Drive content, such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or PDF files.

Updated over a year ago

If you are having difficulty with viewing embedded Google Drive content, this article will help get you on the right track by walking you through some common problems and how to fix them! 🛠

✏️ Note: Even if an embed isn't showing up, you can always open an embed in its own tab by clicking the URL at the bottom of the embed.

There are multiple known reasons why a Google Drive embed shows up blank or with an error, all of which are related either to Google's account management or your browser's settings. It's a good idea to try all of the suggestions below.

1. Make sure that you're logged in to the correct Google account

Slab references a page hosted by Google in the embed. On this page, Google automatically authenticates you with the Google Account you are logged into in your browser. Sometimes Google can choose the wrong account, leading to a blank embed.

If you are logged in with multiple accounts, try the following:

  1. Log out of all accounts in Google Drive.

  2. Log back into Google Drive with the account that has access to the file you're embedding or viewing.

  3. Refresh the Slab post.

2. Check that you have permission to view or edit the file

If you are seeing a "You need access" message, this means that the Google account you are logged in with does not have access to the file you are trying to view/embed.

To remedy this:

  1. Log into the correct Google account, or ask whoever owns the file to share it with you.

  2. Refresh the Slab post.

3. Use a browser with 3rd-party cookies enabled

Some embeds, including Google Drive files, use 3rd-party cookies behind the scenes. Your browser may be blocking 3rd-party cookies, which would lead to your embed being blank or showing an error.

To resolve this, you can try viewing the Slab post in another browser, or you can enable 3rd-party cookies (sometimes called "cross-site tracking") in your browser's privacy settings:

  • In Safari, go to Preferences → Privacy and uncheck "Prevent cross-site tracking"

  • In Firefox, go to Preferences → Privacy & Security. Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, select Custom, then uncheck Cookies

  • In Chrome, go to Preferences → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data and select Allow all cookies

After making the change, refresh your Slab post.

✏️ Note: 3rd-party cookies are required to authenticate your Google Account. Slab itself isn't utilizing cookies here.

Other issues

Still having trouble with your embedded Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide? Contact support@slab.com for help.

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