How To Send/Transfer Files with Google Drive (FAST & EASY)
Learn how to easily send and transfer files with Google Drive. This guide covers uploading, downloading, and sharing links on PC, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
Key Takeaways
Google Drive is a powerful, free tool for transferring and sharing files across all your devices. Whether you need to move videos, photos, music, or documents between a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android device, the cloud storage process is fast and easy.
By the end of this guide, you will know how to upload files, download them to different devices, and create shareable links so anyone can access your content.
Google Drive Platform Requirements
Before you begin, here is a quick overview of what you will need depending on the device you are using:
FAQ
Can I share multiple files at once using Google Drive?
Yes! Instead of sharing individual files one by one, you can place multiple files into a single folder and apply the sharing steps to the entire folder. Anyone with the folder link will be able to view and download all the files inside it.
Why am I getting a warning that Google Drive cannot scan my file for viruses?
If you are sending or downloading a very large file, Google Drive might display a warning stating that it could not scan the file for viruses. As long as it is your own safe file, this is completely normal.
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Access Google Drive via drive.google.com on Windows or Mac to quickly drag and drop files for upload.
Install the Google Drive app on iPhone, iPad, or Android to easily upload and download files directly to your device's local storage.
Generate universal download URLs by changing the General Access settings to Anyone with the link, ensuring recipients can download the specific file without accessing the rest of your drive.
Manage files across all platforms by clicking the three dots menu next to any uploaded item to quickly Share, Download, or Copy Link.
Apply these sharing settings to entire folders to efficiently send multiple files at once.
On the left-hand menu, click My Drive, click the + New button, and select New Folder.
Type in a name for your folder (such as "Transfer") and click Create.
Double-click your newly created folder to open it.
To upload your files, simply drag and drop them from your computer directly into the browser window.
Keep the browser window open while your files upload. You can monitor the progress indicator in the bottom corner of the screen.
How to Share Files and Send Links from Your Computer
Once your file has finished uploading to Google Drive, you can easily share it with others.
Click the three dots next to the uploaded file.
Hover over Share in the menu and click Share. This will open a dialogue box.
Choose your preferred sharing method:
Share via Email: Type in the Gmail address of the specific person you want to send the file to.
Share via Link: Under the "General Access" section, click the dropdown menu and select Anyone with the link. (This ensures that anyone who clicks the link can download the file, but they will not be able to see any of your other files).
Click the Copy link button to save the URL to your clipboard, then click Done.
You can now paste this link into an email, messaging app, or document. When the recipient opens the link, they can preview the file and click Download in the upper right corner.
Pro Tips:
Large Files: If you are sharing a very large file, Google Drive might display a warning stating that it could not scan the file for viruses. As long as it is your own safe file, this is completely normal.
Folder Sharing: You can apply these exact same sharing steps to an entire folder if you want to share multiple files at once.
Transferring Files on Android, iPhone, or iPad
To transfer your files to a mobile device, you can either email yourself the share link generated from your computer, or you can use the dedicated Google Drive mobile app. Using the app is highly recommended for managing files on the go.
Open the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or the Play Store (Android) and search for Google Drive.
Install the app and open it.
Sign in using the same Google account that you used on your computer.
Tap Files in the lower right corner, and open the "Transfer" folder you created earlier.
Downloading Files to Your Mobile Device
To save a file from your cloud storage directly onto your phone or tablet's local storage:
Locate the file inside your folder.
Tap the three dots next to the file.
Tap Download.
Uploading Files from Your Mobile Device
If you want to transfer photos or videos from your phone back to your computer or to another person:
Navigate to the folder where you want to store the file.
Tap the + (Plus) icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
Choose Upload (or Upload File).
Select the file from your device that you want to upload.
Sending and Sharing Links from Mobile
Sharing files from a smartphone or tablet follows a very similar process to sharing on a computer:
Tap the three dots next to the uploaded file and select Share.
From this screen, you can enter someone's email address. To create a shareable link instead, tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the sharing screen and choose Manage Access.
Tap Restricted, tap it again, and change the setting to Anyone with the link.
Navigate all the way back to your file list.
Tap the three dots next to the file one more time and tap Copy Link.
The link is now copied to your device's clipboard, and anyone you send it to will be able to easily download your file.
Keep Learning
Transferring and sending files via Google Drive is one of the most efficient ways to manage your digital life across multiple platforms. If you found this guide helpful and want to expand your tech skills even further, watch this video next.
Do I have to pay to transfer files with Google Drive?
No, Google Drive is a free cloud storage tool for transferring and sharing files. You simply need a Google account to access drive.google.com on a computer or to use the mobile apps.
Does the person receiving my file need a Google account to download it?
No, the recipient does not need a Google account as long as you share the file using a public link. By changing your file's access settings to Anyone with the link, anyone who clicks the URL can download the file, but they will not be able to see any of your other private files.
