How to use Google Drive: A guide to making your storage helpful
Cloud storage is an excellent option to keep your pictures, videos, documents, and files safe. It’s also an excellent way to free up storage on your phone, especially if you have abudget Android phonethat doesn’t have loads of internal storage. Google Drive is a popular cloud storage option. It’s easy to use and affordable. It’s a great service that packs handy features that give you access to your files and data from anywhere in the world and virtually any smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Read on to learn more about how Google Drive works, get tips on how to get started, and maximize your storage space.
What is Google Drive?
Before setting up Google Drive, let’s explore what the service does and how it compares to the competition. Google Drive is a cloud storage service. You can use it to save files on Google’s cloud and access them from any device, virtually anywhere in the world. Since it’s a Google service, you don’t need to create an account. You can use your Gmail or YouTube account.
It’s also broadly integrated withGoogle Workspaceand bundled with editing services like Docs, Slides, and Sheets, on top of Gmail, which makes it a strong competitor against Microsoft OneDrive. Compared to other services like Dropbox and Box, Google Drive comes with 15GB of free space and is among the cheapest options when you need more space, making it one of the best solutions on the market. However, this storage space is shared across other Google services, including Gmail. Google Drive’s paid storage options are affordable if you need more space.
The pricing structure for Google Drive storage options is tiered based on the amount of space. For smaller storage needs, 100GB is available at $2 per month or a discounted rate of $20 annually. Doubling the storage to 200GB costs $3 monthly or $30 for the year. If you need more storage, 2TB is offered at $10 monthly or an annual rate of $100. Business needs can be met with higher storage capacities, with 10TB at $100 per month, 20TB at $200 per month, and the largest offering of 30TB at $300 per month, making it a great choice.
Google Drive offers versatile access options for its users. It’s accessible through the cloud atdrive.google.com. It’s available for iPhone users via the App Store, allowing for seamless integration with iOS devices. Google Drive is preinstalled on most Android phones, so you don’t have to download it on your handset if you’re an Android user.
How to upload files to Google Drive from your phone
Now that you know what Google Drive is, start uploading files and use your storage space. You can create folders and subfolders for further organization, just like you would on your computer.
Before you begin, ensure your phone is connected to a speedy Wi-Fi network when uploading large files. Google Drive’s default is set so that files aren’t uploaded when using mobile data. To change this, navigate to the Google Drive settings menu and turn off theTransfer files only over Wi-Fioption, which makes sense if you have a large 4G or 5G data allowance that comes with your mobile subscription.
After you’ve made this change, it’s possible to upload any file you want. Here’s how:
How to set up Google Drive on your PC
In addition to its Android app, Google Drive has an app for Windows computers. Here’s how to download and use it:
You’ll see a virtual drive for Google Drive on your desktop. Use this Drive to sync files to the cloud and access them from your other devices. Upload files to Google Drive by copying and pasting files or dragging and dropping files to the virtual Drive folder.
How to set up Google Drive on your Mac
Apple users can make the most of Google Drive, as a Mac app is available. It works almost the same way as the Windows app:
you’re able to access your Google Drive folder in Finder when the setup process is complete. Paste or drag and drop files to Google Drive to sync them to the cloud automatically.
How to sync files and folders to Google Drive
You don’t always need to upload files and folders to Drive from your computer. you’re able to sync a specific folder so that changes automatically upload to the cloud and vice versa. First, ensure the Google Drive client is installed on your PC or Mac. Then, follow the steps below to sync files and folders to the cloud.
How to share files on Google Drive
You can share files stored on Google Drive with your friends or family. Any file you share that’s stored in your Drive does not count against their storage.
Sharing files from Google Drive on your phone
Sharing files from Google Drive on the web
How to download files from Google Drive
Downloading files from Google Drive is straightforward, irrespective of your device:
Google Drive tips and tricks for Android and iPhone
Now that you’re set up, make the most of Google Drive. Here are some tips that will help you use the app efficiently on your Android device or iPhone.
Manage your Android phone backups
Google backs up an Android phone’s text messages, call logs, app data, and device settings to the cloud. If you have multiple devices or want to manage this backup, open the Google Drive app.
Save files for offline access
If there are files in Google Drive that you need to access when you don’t have an active internet connection, save them for offline access. Here’s how:
Use different colors for folder icons
If you have a lot of folders in Google Drive, finding the right one can be a chore, especially when you’re in a hurry. Changing the folder’s color makes it easier to find. This way, you can differentiate between folders based on color.
Quickly convert files to PDF
Want to quickly convert a Word or a Google Docs file to PDF for sharing purposes? You can do so using Google Drive.
Scan documents using the Google Drive app
you could use the Google Drive app on mobile to scan and upload documents to the cloud. When you scan an image, any text on it instantly becomes searchable.
Your central hub for all your files and media
Google Drive is a great way to organize and access all your files, regardless of your device and location. It’s also an easy way to share files with others and control their permissions. Talking about sharing, check out our selection of thebest Google Photos tips and tricksto share pictures with your loved ones and organize your photo library seamlessly.
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