How to Use Google Drive with Android File Manager

The Drive app is a simple way to store and manage your files from anywhere. Best of all, most Android devices have Google Drive built in, so you don't need to download an app, and it's super simple to use.

The native file manager on most Android devices is directly compatible with Google Drive, allowing you to manage your local files as well as your cloud data in one place. This guide will show you how to upload, download, and manage files on Google Drive using an Android file manager. This article will show you how to upload, download, and manage files on Google Drive using an Android file manager.

Why use Google Drive with Android File Manager?

Accessing Google Drive directly through the Android file manager is convenient, especially if you want to manage your local and cloud files in one place. No need to switch between apps, it's also the perfect solution for you to organize content stored on your phone and in the cloud at the same time.

With direct integration with the file manager, you can quickly send local files to Drive without opening the Google Drive app. The Google Drive app has more advanced features, but the file manager is better for quick backups. It stores everything in one place alongside your local storage.

This guide covers Google's file manager, called "Files." Many Android devices—including Pixel phones—come with this app preinstalled, but not all do. For example, if you have a Samsung Galaxy device, you may have another app that does the same thing called "My Files."

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In Samsung's "My Files" app, you can access Google Drive by scrolling down to the " Storage " section and selecting " Google Drive ."

Access Google Drive from Android File Manager

Start by opening the 'Files' app (called 'Files by Google' in the Play Store). Scroll down and look for ' All Storage ' in the available storage options. If you don't see ' Drive ,' you probably don't have the Google Drive app installed on your phone.

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Once you find ' All Storage ,' select it. In this area, you can browse all the storage options available in Android File Manager. Select ' Drive ' to be taken immediately to your Google Drive files.

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When the " Drive " option is selected, Android will launch the Drive app directly so you can browse uploaded files. However, downloads from Drive will appear in the " Downloads " folder of Files.

Backup files to memory from file manager

Transferring files from your device to Google Drive is quick and easy. To upload a file, tap the three-dot menu button next to the file you want to upload, select " Backup to Google Drive ," select " OK " in the Drive pop-up message, click "Save," and the process is complete.

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If you need to upload multiple files at once, tap on all the files you want to select. Then tap on the three-dot menu button next to the files you want to upload, select " Backup to Google Drive ", select " OK " in the Drive pop-up message, click " Save " and they will be uploaded to Google Drive.

Google's decision to integrate Drive into the Files app on Android is a great one. It allows you to easily back up your files to the cloud and access them anywhere without having to switch between multiple apps. So if you need to share files from your Android device to your Google Drive account, the Files app on Android is the quickest and easiest way to do it!

Samuel Daniel

Update 29 October 2024