How to fix Google Docs not automatically saving changes

Error Google Docs does not automatically save changes that could be due to the network connection that you are using is not stable, or it could also be due to a down of Google Drive server, below TipsMake will guide you. Some ways to fix this Google Docs error.

To fix Google Docs not automatically saving changes, you can refer to some ways to fix the error below:

Method 1: Check the server status of Google Drive

One of the main causes of Google Docs not automatically saving changes can be due to the issue that Google Drive server temporarily crashes or something goes wrong. So the first solution to fix Google Docs is to try to check whether the Google Drive server is down or not.

To test the Google Drive server, the easiest way is to use Down Detector. Also here you can see real-time reports from other users to see if they are experiencing problems, Google Docs errors and similar Sheets, Slides and Forms.

Visit the Down Detector Home page here.

Here, look in the left pane, if any service is interrupted, there will be an orange circle icon next to the service. Or if the translation doesn't work you will see a red dot. Finally, if the services are all stable, you should see a green dot.

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In case if the Google Drive server or the Google Docs, Sheets, . services are faulty, crash. The only option for you is to wait until Google fixes these problems.

Or, if in urgent need, you can copy and paste into Word files on your computer.

Method 2: Open Google Docs in another browser

In some cases it could be due to a Chrome browser crash, something that leads to a Google Docs error. Try opening Google Docs in another browser, such as Firefox or Edge, Safari (Mac users), . and check if Google Docs is working properly.

According to some users sharing on technology forums, this way also helps to correct errors.

Method 3: Check that the Internet connection is working properly

In addition, a slow network connection, unstable performance is also one of the culprits causing the error that Google Docs does not automatically save changes. So if the above methods are not available, the next solution is to try to check if the network connection is stable or not.

To test the speed of your network connection, the easiest way is to use specialized online tools or software. Refer to the article below for a detailed list of the best software to test the network speed today.

Or you can also use the Speedtest tool to test the Internet connection speed more accurately and faster.

Visit the Speedtest homepage and click the GO button to start.

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If the ping time is higher, the lower speed means that the network connection is not stable. It's time to use a different, more stable network connection to access Google Docs.

Method 4: Enable Google Docs Offline

Important Note:

While in Google Docs Offline mode, some features are unavailable, including:

- You cannot see edits made by other online users on the document.
- You cannot share the document to other users.
- The settings for checking typos, adding images and other attachments are not available.

By activating Google Docs Offline, all changes you make to Google Docs will be stored locally on your computer.

Follow the steps below:

Step 1: First, on your Google Docs document window, find and click on the 3-line vertical icon in the top left corner. This will access the Docs home page.

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Step 2: On a new window displayed on the screen, find and click the 3 dashed icon in the top left corner as below and select Settings.

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Step 3: Here, find and activate the slider next to the Offline option to activate the feature, then click OK to save the changes.

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Method 5: Check Google Drive memory and delete unnecessary files

A full Google Drive memory can also be a cause of problems uploading or saving new Google Docs document changes. Usually Docs and Sheets files consume more memory and storage space than other documents.

Step 1: First access your Google Drive account. In the left pane, the Storage section shows how much memory you have used.

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Step 2: Click on the option to see which files are the culprits using the most memory.

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Find and right-click old files that you don't need, select Remove to remove and free up Google Drive storage.

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Step 3: Also you should delete unnecessary files in the recycle bin to free up more Drive space. The easiest way is to click Trash (trash) in the left pane.

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In the window displayed in the right pane, find and right-click the file, and select Delete Forever.

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Above TipsMake has guided you some ways to fix Google Docs not automatically save changes. Besides, readers can refer to some existing articles on TipsMake to learn more about how to fix offline Google Docs not working.

Jessica Tanner

Update 08 February 2021