Set Google Drive as a Trusted Site for UBlock Origin

Introduction

uBlock Origin is widely advertised as an open-source browser extension that eliminates ads and trackers while enhancing speed and privacy. However, it is true that, at times, the extension may also prevent downloads that one would consider harmless on the Google Drive site, simply because it considers them unwanted. Consequently, this can cause inconvenience for users who rely on Google Drive for important files. Therefore, in order to ensure that users do not face problems while staying protected, they can also set Google Drive as a trusted site for uBlock Origin. By doing so, they can maintain both security and seamless access to their files.

This article explains how to set Google Drive as a trusted site for uBlock Origin and answers some frequently asked questions about this subject.

Why Whitelist Google Drive in uBlock Origin?

By default, uBlock Origin blocks all sorts of elements on web pages: scripts, third-party content, etc.

  • Nevertheless, this might still interfere with loading Google Drive files, especially when it comes to embedded content or previews. As a result, users may experience delays or incomplete loading. In such cases, it is advisable to review uBlock Origin’s settings and make necessary adjustments accordingly.
  • Synchronization with other Google services
  • and viewing or editing shared documents. 

To bypass these problems, users may manually attempt to set Google Drive as a whitelist in uBlock Origin.

How to Set Google Drive as a Trusted Site in uBlock Origin

Follow these steps to whitelist Google Drive in uBlock Origin:

1: Open uBlock Origin Dashboard

  1. Click on the uBlock Origin extension icon in your browser’s toolbar.
  2. Click the “Open the dashboard” (gear icon) in the bottom right corner.

2: Navigate to the Trusted Sites List

  1. In the dashboard, go to the “Whitelist” or “Trusted Sites” section.
  2. You will see a list of sites that are currently whitelisted.

3: Add Google Drive to the Whitelist

  1. Scroll to the custom whitelist section.

Type the following URL:
drive.google.com

  1. •Press Enter or click Save to confirm the changes.

Step 4: Test Google Drive Functionality

  1. Open a new tab and visit Google Drive.
  2. Try opening a file or sharing a document to see if it loads properly.
  3. If issues persist, clear the browser cache and restart your browser.

Alternative Method: Temporarily Disable uBlock Origin for Google Drive

If you don’t want to permanently whitelist Google Drive, you can temporarily disable uBlock Origin on the site:

  1. Visit Google Drive (drive.google.com).
  2. Click the uBlock Origin icon in your browser.
  3. Click the “Power” button to disable uBlock Origin on Google Drive.
  4. Refresh the page, and Google Drive should function properly.

This method allows you to disable uBlock Origin only for the current session, and it will be re-enabled once you restart the browser.

Troubleshooting Issues

If you still experience problems with Google Drive after whitelisting it, try these steps:

  • Clear Browser Cache: Go to your browser settings and clear cached files.
  • Update uBlock Origin: Ensure you have the latest version of the extension installed.
  • Disable Other Extensions: Some extensions may conflict with uBlock Origin.
  • Check Firewall or Antivirus Settings: Some security software may block Google Drive.

Conclusion

The efficiency of uBlock Origin in blocking ads is only matched by its ability to prevent genuine sites from displaying. Following the aforementioned instructions, you should set Google Drive as a trusted site for uBlock Origin for full access. However, if that does not work, you may need to try temporarily disabling the extension.

Additionally, you can consider changing the security parameters in your browser. Consequently, this may help in resolving access issues without completely disabling protections. Therefore, by carefully adjusting these settings, you can ensure a smoother browsing experience while still maintaining a high level of security. Moreover, this approach provides flexibility, allowing you to customize security preferences based on your needs.

Read Also: How to Update UBlock Origin: A Step-by-Step Guide

5 Short Questions with Answers

1. Why does uBlock Origin block Google Drive?

Answer: uBlock Origin might stop scripts or content from being embedded in Google Drive from working, leading to issues with file editing and loading.

2. How do I whitelist Google Drive in uBlock Origin?

Answer: Totally! You can first open your uBlock Origin Dashboard located in the uBlock Origin settings. It has a section for the whitelist. Just add drive.google.com to trusted sites. 

3. Can I deactivate uBlock Origin for Google Drive just for a while?

Answer: Yes, just click on the uBlock Origin icon and click on the power button to disable it for the session.

4. What should I do if Google Drive still doesn’t work after whitelisting?

Answer: Clear your browser cache, try updating uBlock Origin, or disable other conflicting extensions.

5. Will whitelisting Google Drive reduce my security?

Answer: No, whitelisting would not really change the security much, provided you trust Google Drive. Ads and trackers by other sites would still be blocked by uBlock Origin.

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