Google Drive is Google’s official cloud storage app for Android phones and tablets. It can store documents, photos, videos and other files, synchronise them across devices and share them with other users.

A Google Account is required. Uploaded content can be accessed through the mobile app, a web browser and other devices signed in to the same account.

Google Drive features

Users can upload files from their phone, create folders, rename or move items and search for content. Important documents can be marked for easier access, while recently opened and shared files are displayed in dedicated sections.

Key features include:

• cloud storage for documents, photos, videos and archives;

• file synchronisation across compatible devices;

• folders for organising uploaded content;

• document scanning with the phone’s camera;

• sharing by email address or link;

• viewer, commenter and editor permissions;

• activity and version information for supported files;

• offline access to selected content.

The built-in scanner can capture receipts, letters and other paper documents. Pages can be cropped and adjusted before being saved as a PDF.

Google Docs, Sheets and Slides files can be viewed from Drive. Their separate Android apps may be required for full editing functionality.

Sharing and storage

File owners can invite individual users and decide whether they are allowed to view, comment on or edit an item. Depending on the account and its settings, access may also be provided through a shareable link.

A standard Google Account includes 15 GB of storage at no charge. This allowance is shared between Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Additional capacity is available through Google One, while storage for work or school accounts depends on the organisation’s plan.

Things to consider

An internet connection is required to upload and synchronise content. Files that may be needed without a connection should be marked as available offline in advance.

Sharing settings should be checked before sending a link. Confidential documents should not be made accessible to everyone with the link unless that level of access is intentional.

How to download and install Google Drive

To download Google Drive for Android, tap the download button on this page. Google Play will open, where you can select “Install” or “Update”.

Drive comes pre-installed on many Android devices. After opening the app, select an existing Google Account or sign in to the account containing your files.