How to download files from Google Drive using IDM

When you want to download large files from Google Drive, you can immediately think of IDM. However, Google Drive usually does not allow IDM to automatically capture links.

How to download files from Google Drive using IDM

Here, we will do it on Google Chrome. With other browsers like Firefox or Coc Coc, the method is similar, just a few small differences.

Step 1: Install or enable   the latest version of IDM for your browser.

Step 2: Then, open Google Drive and select the file you want to download.

When the browser starts downloading, right-click on the file that is downloading and select Cancel .

Step 3: Look to the right and click on the Show all downloads line.

On new versions of Chrome, this line might be Show all .

Step 4: Chrome will open a tab displaying a list of downloaded files.

Here, right-click on the file you just deleted and select Download with IDM .

At this point, IDM will catch the link and you can download the file from Google Drive as desired.

If you right-click and don't see the Download with IDM option , it may be because the IDM extension on the browser is not enabled. You can see how to enable this extension here: Instructions  to Enable IDM CC  on Firefox and Chrome.

Above are instructions on how to download files from Google Drive using IDM. However, sometimes you may encounter a download limit error on Google Drive. If so, please refer to how to  download files that exceed the limit on Google Drive  to continue downloading without interruption.

Micah Soto

Update 25 May 2025