Cloud storage & backup app
Google Drive
Google’s file storage, with Docs, Sheets and Slides built in.
Google Drive is where the files in a Google Account live. You can upload any kind of file, open it on another device, and share a file or a folder with a link or with named people.
Drive also holds the documents made in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms, which several people can edit at the same time in a browser. Files from Microsoft Office can be opened and edited there too.
Storage is shared across Gmail, Google Photos and Drive, so large photo backups can fill the space your email needs. A free account has 15 GB. Accounts created since 9 March 2026 start with 5 GB and get the rest once a phone number is verified. More space comes with a paid Google One plan.
01Is Google Drive free?
Drive is free with a Google Account and includes 15 GB of storage shared with Gmail and Google Photos. Google Docs, Sheets and Slides cost nothing to use. More storage comes from a Google One subscription, and businesses get Drive as part of Google Workspace.
02How to start using Google Drive
- 1
Sign in at drive.google.com with a Google Account, or install the Drive app on your phone.
- 2
Select New, then File upload or Folder upload, or drag files into the browser window. Our upload guide also covers the phone apps and Drive for desktop.
- 3
Make folders with New, New folder, so files you share stay together.
- 4
To share, select a file, choose Share and type the email addresses of the people who should see it.
- 5
Install Google Drive for desktop on Windows or Mac if you want Drive to appear as a folder on your computer.
03Is Google Drive safe?
Sharing links
A file set to Anyone with the link opens for whoever has that link, including people it was forwarded to. Share private files with named people, and check General access before sending a link.
Account security
Drive is as safe as your Google Account. Turn on 2-Step Verification at myaccount.google.com, under Security.
Deleted files
Deleted files stay in Trash for 30 days and still count towards your storage until they are removed for good.
