Respond to a File ‘Request to Access’ Notification

Overview

When someone needs access to a file or folder you own in Google Drive, Google sends you a "Request to access" email notification. This article explains what these notifications mean, how to respond to them, and when to contact IT.

This applies to files and folders stored in your RCS Google Drive (@acarcs.org).

Steps

Approve the Access Request

1. Open the "Request to access" email in Gmail.
2. Check the requester's name and email address - make sure you recognize them and the request makes sense.
3. Click the Share button in the email, or open the file directly in Google Drive.
4. In Google Drive, click Share in the top right corner of the file.
5. Enter the requester's email address, choose their access level (Viewer, Commenter, or Editor), and click Send.

Deny the Access Request

1. Do not click Share and do not reply to the email - the request will expire on its own.
2. If you receive repeated requests from someone who should not have access, submit a ticket at acarcs.zendesk.com and IT will help.

Share a File Directly (Prevent Future Requests)

To avoid access request emails, share files proactively before people need them:

1. Open the file in Google Drive.
2. Click Share in the top right.
3. Add the person's RCS email address and select their access level.
4. Click Send. They receive a share notification right away instead of having to request access.

Troubleshooting

I don't recognize the person requesting access.
Do not approve the request. If the email address looks unfamiliar or suspicious, forward the notification to IT at acarcs.zendesk.com. Do not click any links in the email other than your own Google Drive.

I received this notification but I don't own the file.
You may be listed as an editor with sharing rights. Open the file in Google Drive to check. If you are not the right person to approve access, forward the email to the actual file owner or contact IT.

The Share button in the email is not working.
Go directly to drive.google.com, find the file, and share it from there. If you cannot locate the file, submit a ticket at acarcs.zendesk.com.

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• Who to Contact When Self-Service Does Not Work

RCS Information Technology · IT Help Center