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Question

Google Drive access denied error when uploading email attachments

  • January 2, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 10 views
I

I’m trying to create a Zap that triggers when a specific email is received with an attachment (.csv file type). The attachment file is then to be uploaded to a specific google drive folder (based on the file name of the attachment). I’ve retrieved the specific subfolder Google Drive ID in a prior step, and when I attempt to upload the file and test the step I get an error “

Failed to create a file in Google Drive. The app returned ‘Access Denied’.

However, this error only seems to arise when uploading the “Attachment” field from the Gmail trigger. If I attempt to upload another field, such as the Attachment File Name as a txt file, this is successful. I should have full access permissions as I am the administrator of the Google workspace account. 

Current settings are as shown:

 

2 replies

Troy Tessalone
Zapier Orchestrator & Solution Partner
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  • Troy TessaloneZapier Orchestrator & Solution Partner
  • Zapier Orchestrator & Solution Partner
  • January 2, 2026

Hi ​@instratus 

Help links for using GDrive in Zaps: https://zapier.com/apps/google-drive/integrations#help

 

Things to check/try:

  • Make sure you are using a fresh Zap trigger example to test as the file objects are temp files that expire
  • The combo of Drive/Folder may be invalid

 

Zapier Google Drive error explanation

Error:
Failed to create a file in Google Drive. The app returned “Access Denied”.

What it means
Zapier is authenticated to Google Drive, but the specific location or permission required to create the file is not allowed for the connected Google account.

Most common causes

  1. Folder permission mismatch
    The target folder is owned by another user or a Shared Drive and the connected account only has Viewer or Commenter access. File creation requires Editor or Manager access.

  2. Shared Drive restrictions
    The folder is in a Shared Drive and the Zap is not configured to create files in Shared Drives, or the account lacks Content Manager or higher permissions.

  3. Disconnected or outdated Google authorization
    The Google Drive connection token is expired or missing required scopes after a permission change.

  4. Invalid or stale folder ID
    The folder was deleted, moved, or the Zap is referencing a cached folder ID that no longer exists or is no longer accessible.

  5. Domain or admin policy block
    Google Workspace admin settings restrict third-party apps from creating files in certain folders or Shared Drives.

How to fix

  1. Verify the connected Google account has Editor or higher access to the exact folder.

  2. If using a Shared Drive, ensure the account is Content Manager or Manager, and reselect the folder in the Zap step.

  3. Reconnect Google Drive in Zapier to refresh permissions.

  4. Manually reselect the destination folder instead of relying on a mapped folder ID.

  5. Check Workspace admin settings for third-party app restrictions.

Quick diagnostic
If the same account cannot manually upload a file to that folder in Google Drive, Zapier will also fail with “Access Denied”.

⚡ Troy Tessalone - AutomationAce.com | Platinum Zapier Solution Partner | #1 Zapier Community Contributor
I
  • instratusBeginner
  • Author
  • Beginner
  • January 2, 2026

Regarding 

Things to check/try:

  • Make sure you are using a fresh Zap trigger example to test as the file objects are temp files that expire
  • The combo of Drive/Folder may be invalid

Regarding the second bullet point, I am certain the folder ID is within the specified Drive. 

I believe your first bullet point may be the issue. I published the zap regardless of the error and sent a new trial file to trigger the zap. It functioned as required and uploaded the file properly. 

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