iOS Google Drive SDK: Retrieving Google Docs content without download URL

Other Questions Google docs
1

I have integrated the Google Drive SDK into my iOS application, but I’m encountering a challenge when trying to download specific types of files.

Currently, I can download standard files via their download links without any problems. However, when it comes to Google Docs files (which have the mime type application/vnd.google-apps.document), these do not provide a standard download link through the Google Drive SDK.

Here’s my code for reference:

- (void)retrieveFileData {
    GTMHTTPFetcher *httpFetcher = 
    [self.googleDriveService.fetcherService fetcherWithURLString:[[self.documentArray objectAtIndex:currentFileIndex] downloadUrl]];
    
    [httpFetcher beginFetchWithCompletionHandler:^(NSData *fileData, NSError *fetchError) {
        if (fetchError == nil) {
            NSLog(@"File %@ retrieved successfully", [[self.documentArray objectAtIndex:currentFileIndex] originalFilename]);
            
            // Save the fetched content in a temporary location
            
        } else {
            NSLog(@"Error occurred: %@", fetchError);
        }
    }];
}

Given that Google Docs files do not have download URLs, could using the alternateLink be a valid approach? What is the best way to programmatically access Google Docs content within an iOS app?

2

Indeed, this is a common challenge with Google Workspace files since they’re not standard downloadable files. For Google Docs, direct downloads are not possible; the export functionality must be used instead. The Drive API provides export URLs that can convert your document into various formats such as PDF and DOCX. When retrieving file metadata, be sure to check the exportLinks property. Replace your downloadUrl with the appropriate export URL from exportLinks; for example, use exportLinks[‘application/pdf’] for a PDF format. I’ve implemented this approach in production iOS applications, and it has proven effective as Google manages the conversion.

3

totally, alternateLink just sends you to a browser. Instead, try using exportLinks from the metadata! It’ll give you direct download options for PDF and DOCX and more that you can use in your app.

4

Had this exact same problem last year building a document management feature. Google Docs aren’t stored like regular files - they’re database entries in Google’s system, so there’s no downloadUrl property. The alternateLink just opens the web editor, which doesn’t help for programmatic access. What fixed it for me was using the exportLinks dictionary to let users pick their format. Every Google Doc has multiple export options through this property. I usually go with PDF for read-only stuff or DOCX when people need to edit later. Just make sure your export URL logic handles different MIME types - available formats change based on document type and user permissions.