iOS 17.2.1 (and earlier iOS 15) cannot copy a folder+files using Google Drive help app 4.2348.11601

Question

Level 1

4 points

iOS 17.2.1 (and earlier iOS 15) cannot copy a folder+files using Google Drive help app 4.2348.11601

I am signed on to Google with the GDrive helper app signed in.
On my Google drive is a folder with 10 files.
Using iOS Files app, I select the folder from the Google drive and 'copy files' specifying any other external storage (iCloud, OneDrive, external USB).
The operation fails with 'Cannot communicate with helper app".
If the source folder is on OneDrive or iCloud, the operation completes without error.

My cumbersome workaround (iPhone or iPad) is:

Create the folder on the external storage files app.
Using iOS Files app, I select the files in this folder from the Google drive and 'copy files' specifying the newly created folder in the external storage (iCloud, OneDrive, external USB).
Operation completes without error.

I suspect this is a GDrive help app problem and have opened a ticket with Google (I can hardly wait). Does anyone have a less cumbersome workaround?

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

Posted on Dec 28, 2023 7:32 AM

Reply

Answer 1

hlcRaleigh Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 31, 2023 3:56 AM in response to hlcRaleigh

This morning, I received an unacceptable 'blow off' from Google:

"I have read your post about having an issue copying a Drive folder to your OneDrive account and no worries, I am more than willing to help.

I appreciate the information you shared and for the screen recording. Based on this screen recording you were copying the folder via the file manager app of your iPhone. This process is actually not a feature of Google Drive. This is why you are getting an error " cannot communicate with the help app” when trying to copy those files from Google Drive to OneDrive as this action is not possible with Google Drive app.

Based on further research, this error message usually happens with iOS devices. That typically pops up when an application on your iOS/iPadOS device or Mac is unable to establish a connection with a cloud service-specific helper application. You may reach with Apple support to get more help regarding the said error.

If you want one of your Google Drive folders to be saved in OneDrive, you can download the said folder to your device (this fails in the same way) and upload them to OneDrive. The option to download a folder in Google Drive is only available for computers, only files can be downloaded on Google Drive app. So you can download those files and upload them to your OneDrive account and organize your files from there by creating a folder to those files.

I hope I am able to explain this clearly. Should you have other concerns about your Google Drive, please do not hesitate to contact us back. Our team and I are always here to help.

"

Silly me.

Reply

iOS 17.2.1 (and earlier iOS 15) cannot copy a folder+files using Google Drive help app 4.2348.11601

Similar questions