How to Upload to Google Drive (Step-by-Step)

Google Drive is hands-down one of the best innovations in the technological world.

You can store your files and folders online in the cloud, which allows you to access them from anywhere and at any time provided you have a stable internet connection.

This feature is particularly useful with workforces going remote and more people opting to work from home.

What makes things better is uploading files and folders to Google Drive is very simple – whether you do it from your desktop or mobile phone.

How to Upload Files to Google Drive

Google Drive gives you 15 GB of free storage space. You also have the option to purchase more storage space if needed.

Here’s how you can upload files to Google Drive:

Step #1: Type in the following URL in the search bar of your web browser: https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive.

If you haven’t already entered your Google account credentials, you’ll be prompted to do so. If that’s the case, simply fill in your email address and password.

Yep, if you have Gmail, you have access to Google Drive too.

Step #2: The Google Drive page will open. Click on New located on the top left-hand side of your screen. A dropdown box will open.

Step #3: Go to File upload from the displayed options.

Step #4: A new window will appear on your screen, showing all your files and folders in one place.

Select the file that you want to upload to Google Drive.

Step #5: As soon as you double-click on the file, it will start getting uploaded to Google Drive automatically. Wait until the upload process is complete.

Step #6: Once the upload process is complete, you’ll see a confirmation that looks something like this:

Step #7: You’ll be able to view the uploaded file on your Google Drive under the Files tab.

The other option is to simply type in the name of the file in the Search in Drive search bar located at the top of the screen.

Alternative Method: The Drag-and-Drop Method

After opening a Google Drive folder – one that is completely empty – you’ll see the message to Drop files here.

Image Source: Tech Republic

Instead of using the New button, you can directly upload a file to Google Drive by simply dragging it and dropping it on this empty space.

Next, open the folder which contains the document you want to upload to Google Drive. While Mac users can use the Finder app, Windows users can use Explorer.

Image Source: Tech Republic

Click and hold the document you want to upload, and then slowly drag it to Google Drive. Finally, release the file.

The whole upload process might take a few seconds, during which you’ll see a window in the bottom right corner of your Google Drive page. This window indicates the upload status of the file.

Image Source: Tech Republic

Once everything is complete, you’ll find the file listed in your Google Drive folder.

Super simple, right?

How to Upload Folders to Google Drive

Similar to how you upload files, you can also upload folders to Google Drive. Again, the process is super simple and almost exactly the same.

Just follow the steps below, and you can upload folders to Google Drive easily:

Step #1: We’re assuming that you’ve already logged into your Google account. Enter the following URL in the search bar of your web browser: https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive. The Google Drive page will open.

Step #2: Go to New. This is just below the Google Drive logo. A dropdown box will open.

Step #3: Go to Folder upload from the displayed options.

Step #4: You’ll see a pop-up on your screen. You can select the folder that you want to upload to Google Drive by exploring through the different file/folder locations.

Single-click on the folder that you want to upload to Google Drive.

Step #5: The folder will start getting uploaded to Google Drive as soon as a double-click on it.

You might see a warning pop-up window asking you whether you trust the folder to be safe. Click on Upload to continue the uploading process.

Step #6: Once the upload process is complete, you’ll see a confirmation that looks something like this:

You’ll also find the newly uploaded folder under the Folders tab.

How to Upload Large Files to Google Drive

You may have found yourself wanting to send someone a large file at one point or the other. Unfortunately, in such cases, email messages don’t usually cut it.

Most email services have a small file size limit, forcing you to look for other alternatives when it comes to sharing large files.

Like always, though, Google Drive is there for your rescue.

You have to upload the large file on Google Drive before being able to share it.

Start by logging in to your Google Drive account by visiting drive.google.com. In case you’re using a mobile device, you can use a Google Drive app. It’s available for both Android and iOS devices.

The remaining steps are exactly similar to how you would upload files – something we’ve discussed above.

To give you a brief summary, you have to click on the New button and then File upload. Select the large file you want to upload to Google Drive, and it’ll start to upload automatically.

Now, all that’s left is to wait for the file to upload, and you can then share the file.

Keep in mind that uploading large files can take a significant amount of time. More so, if you have a slow internet connection. You shouldn’t close the window while the file is still uploading, as otherwise, the upload will get canceled.

In other words, the Google Drive window should remain open until the large file gets uploaded successfully.

How to Upload Files and Folders to Google Drive on Android Devices

Similar to how you upload files and folders to Google Drive using your desktop, you can also use your Android devices.

Here’s how to go about this:

Step #1: Find the file or folder you want to upload to Google Drive on your phone. We’ve chosen to upload a photo, but you can upload anything you want.

You’ll find a small Share button that looks like a left-pointing triangle complete with a dot at every point. Click on it.

Image Source: Android Central

Step #2: Tap on the Save to Drive icon.

You may see a prompt asking you to allow Google Drive to access photos, media, and files on your phone. Tap on Allow.

Step #3: Add a title to the document (this is optional). Tap on Save, located towards the bottom right corner of your screen, and you’re done.

Image Source: Android Central

Your file is now uploaded to Google Drive, and you can view it from any device that has access to Google.

How to Upload Files and Folders to Google Drive on iOS Devices

No, we haven’t forgotten iPhone and iPad users!

Just like Android users, even iOS loyalists can upload files and folders to Google Drive from their devices.

Step #1: Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone or iPad. If you haven’t already downloaded the app, do so from the App Store.

Step #2: Tap on the multicolored + icon located towards the lower right-hand side of your screen.

Step #3: You’ll see the Create new menu. Tap on Upload.

Step #4: Tap on select Photos and Videos. Make sure your images and videos are in a format supported by Google (.JPEG, .PNG, .GIF, .BMP, .TIFF, and .SVG).