How to Fix Cannot Open a Word Document from Google Drive on iPad with WPS Office
Question details
The user needs to open a Word document stored in Google Drive on an iPad, but the file fails to open.
- Product
- Google Drive and Microsoft Word for iPad
- Device & OS
- iPadOS (iPad)
- Scenario
- The user saved or synced a Word document in Google Drive and is trying to open it on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The Word document fails to open from Google Drive on the iPad.
Before troubleshooting, check that the document is fully uploaded to Google Drive and that your iPad has an active internet connection. If possible, open the same Google Drive file on a computer or another mobile device to determine whether the file or the iPad is causing the failure.
Open the Word Document in WPS Office on iPad
Use this when the document is intact but Microsoft Word for iPad or Google Drive is not opening it; WPS Office can open .docx files directly from Google Drive.
WPS Office for iPad supports Word .docx files and can connect to Google Drive, so you can often open the document without repairing Word or the Google Drive app.
Open the App Store on your iPad, tap Search, enter "WPS Office," and install the WPS Office app.
Open WPS Office, tap the cloud or folder icon, choose Google Drive, and sign in with your Google account.
Navigate to the saved Word document in Google Drive, tap the file, and allow WPS Office to open or download it.
Once the file opens, review the content. If prompted, choose Open in WPS Office and select Edit to modify the document.
Test the File on Another Device and Isolate the Cause
Use this first when you need to know whether the document itself is corrupted or the iPad setup is causing the failure.
Update iPadOS, Google Drive, and Microsoft Word, then Reinstall Word
Use this when the document is valid but Word for iPad still cannot open it due to outdated or corrupted app installations.
Open Google Drive Word Documents on iPad with WPS Office
WPS Office for iPad opens .docx Word documents directly from Google Drive, so you can view and edit files without relying only on Microsoft Word. It provides a familiar interface and Word-compatible format support.
- 1. Download WPS Office on your iPad: Open the App Store, search for "WPS Office," and tap Get to install the free app.
- 2. Connect Google Drive: Launch WPS Office, tap the cloud icon, select Google Drive, and sign in to your Google account.
- 3. Open the Word document: Navigate to the Word file in Google Drive, tap it, and choose to open it in WPS Office.
- 4. Edit or export the file: Use WPS Writer to edit the document, then save or export it as a .docx file if you need Word format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Word document open from Google Drive on my iPad?
The file may be corrupted, Google Drive may not have fully synced it, or Word for iPad and iPadOS may need an update. Open the file on another device first, then update iPadOS, Google Drive, and Word, or open it in WPS Office for iPad.
Can I open a Google Drive Word document without installing Microsoft Word on iPad?
Yes. Install WPS Office for iPad, sign in to Google Drive inside WPS Office, and tap the Word document to open it. WPS Writer supports .docx files for viewing and editing.
How do I update Word, Google Drive, and iPadOS on an iPad?
Open Settings > General > Software Update to update iPadOS. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and update Google Drive and Microsoft Word from the available updates list.
When should I reinstall Word for iPad?
Reinstall Word if the file opens on another device but still fails on your iPad after updating iPadOS and the apps. Press and hold the Word app icon, tap Remove App > Delete App, then reinstall Word from the App Store.
Is the document itself damaged if it won't open anywhere?
If the Word document fails on every device, the file or Google Drive sync is likely the cause. Download a fresh copy from Google Drive, ask the owner to re-export it as .docx, or contact Google Drive support.
