No matter you are using an iPhone or Android device, you must be familiar with Google Drive which enables you to transfer, manage and back up different kinds of phone data. But have you made full use of this helpful but free tool? Probably not! Then how to fully use Google Drive on Android phone or computer? Just read on - this article can be a tutorial for you.
What is Google Drive?
Upload Files to Google Drive - On Android Phone. On the primary interface of the Google Drive App, tap on the '+' icon in the bottom right corner. Select the option 'Upload' and choose the files you want to save to Google Drive. Select the file or folder you want to upload from your computer. At the Backup & reset screen, tap on the option to Back up my data, which automatically backs up the data and settings on your device to Google Drive. Turn On Backup Turn on the switch to Back up. Backup and Sync is essentially the Google Drive and Google Photos uploader apps smashed together. Essentially, with Backup and Sync you're picking and choosing what files and folders you'd like to backup, while retaining the option to sync a single folder on your computer. From Device Settings Backing Up Messages to Google Drive. On your Android smartphone, you can take a backup of almost all kinds of data. By default, when you take a backup of your device, SMS text.
Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. Just like other cloud storage service, it allows users to store files on their servers, synchronize files across devices and share files. In addition, for ease of use, it offers several versions to its users, including website, Windows, Mac, Android and iOS version. You can use the server on the devices running on these operating systems freely. And compared with other servers, one of the advantages of this tool is that its free storage space is much larger - 15GB.
Then what types of files does Google Drive support? They are various, including:
- Photos;
- Stories;
- Designs;
- Drawings;
- Recordings;
- Videos;
- Documents;
- .
Maybe you are interested in:
How to Use Google Drive on Android & PC?
In Google Drive, you are able to upload, share, download, delete files, check available storage space and more. Then how to complete them? The followings are the details for you:
1. Enter Your Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Download the Google Drive App from Google Play Store and go with the prompts to properly install it.
Step 2. Launch the application and then login with your Google account.
- On Computer
Step 1. Go to drive.google.com in your web browser.
Step 2. Type in your Gmail address and password and then tap on 'Sign in' to enter your Google Drive.
2. Upload Files to Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. On the primary interface of the Google Drive App, tap on the '+' icon in the bottom right corner.
Step 2. Select the option 'Upload' and choose the files you want to save to Google Drive.
- On Computer
Step 1. Select the file or folder you want to upload from your computer.
Step 2. Drag it to the interface of Google Drive and drop it.
Or you can choose to:
Step 1. Click the 'New' button located in the top left corner of the webpage.
Step 2. Choose 'File upload' or 'Folder upload' as you like.
Step 3. Elect the files or folders you want and click on 'Open' or 'Upload'.
While the uploading process ends, you can go back to the home screen of Google Drive and tap on the uploaded folder or file to view them.
You can also click to learn:
3. Share Files from Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Find out the file that you want to share from the home screen and tap the 'more (three vertical dots)' button.
How to play minecraft in laptop. Step 2. Tap on 'Share link' or 'Send file' as you like.
Step 3. Choose a sharing method, such as Email, Messaging, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- On Computer
Step 1. Right click on the file you want to share.
Step 2. Tap on the 'Share' button.
4. View the Files Shared with You
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Hit the 'menu' button at the top left of your screen.
How To Backup Google Drive On Phone Number
Step 2. Choose the option 'Shared with me' and select the file that you want to view.
- On Computer
Step 1. On the primary interface of Google Drive, you will see list of options displayed on the left side.
Step 2. Tap the option 'Shared with me' and the files and folders others have shared with you will be located.
Step 3. Choose the file or folder you want to view and click to open it.
5. Download Files from Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Find out the file you want to download and click on the three vertical dots icon, namely the 'more' icon of the file.
Step 2. Simply tap on 'Download' to get your wanted files.
- On Computer
Step 1. Tap on 'My Drive' on the primary interface of Google Drive and then the files saved in your drive will be displayed.
Step 2. Right click the file and a window with several options will pop up.
Step 3. Choose 'Download' from the list.
6. Check the Available Storage Space of Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Tap on the 'menu' button on the top left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Choose 'Settings' from the menu and the first item in the Setting list is the 'Storage'. You can easily check it.
- On Computer
The 'Storage' is listed at the bottom left corner of the primary interface, so you can check it without selecting and entering any setting.
7. Delete Unwanted Files from Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Tap on the 'more' button on the file you'd like to delete.
Step 2. Microsoft for macbook free download. Elect and click on the 'Remove' option to delete the file.
- On Computer
Step 1. Right click on file you wish to delete.
Step 2. Choose 'Remove' from the listed options.
8. Enable Offline Mode
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Tap the 'three vertical dots' icon next to a file that you want to see or edit offline. If you want to turn on the offline mode for multiple files, you can long press one file and then select other files you want. After that, tap on the 'more' option.
Step 2. Check the option 'Available offline'.
- On Computer
Step 1. Open the settings menu of Google Drive by tapping on the 'Settings' button.
Step 2. Find the option 'Offline' and check it. Then the files saved in your Google Drive will be synced and you can edit them without internet.
Tips for Using Google Drive
Knowing some tips and tricks for using Google Drive can help you use the server more quickly. Then what are the tips? They are:
Tip 1. If you are not sure of the functions of the buttons while using Google Drive on the web, just move your mouse to the button and then a pop-up window will appear to tell you its function.
Tip 2. You can quickly find the wanted item in Google Drive by typing in its name or file type in the searching box that is located at the top of every page. Supposed that you want to find the file more accurately, you can press the downward-facing arrow in this field or choose 'More search tools' to search for files based on specific criteria.
Tip 3. The functions and operating manners of Google's Sheets, Docs and Slide are similar to Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint. So for those who often need to use Microsoft Office, you can turn to Google's Sheets, Docs and Slides since they are free. But meanwhile, the functions of the Google's Sheets, Docs and Slide are less advanced than Microsoft's software.
Write in the End
That's all for how to use Google Drive on Android phone and computer. After learning them, you fully use Google Drive on your device and benefit a lot from the service. Now just follow the steps to manage your files with Google Drive if needed.
Related Articles:
If you are here, you probably already experienced the bitterness of important data loss. Maybe you deleted it by accident, or someone who shared access to Google Drive with you deleted initial data. Maybe your business became a victim of some malicious actions, which resulted in major data loss. Or maybe, you're just cautious and working ahead of the curve.
In any case, you know what Google Drive backup is, and that backup files on Google Drive should be backed up as well. So you came here to find out how to back up your Google Drive data, and this step-by-step guide is here to help you. As an expert in data backup and recovery solutions, we will tell you about five main methods that will surely save your data from disaster.
But first, a word of caution. Note that just saving data to local devices or other cloud storage may preserve your personal or your company's files if they get deleted, but not if your files were corrupted by ransomware or viruses.
How to Backup Google Drive Manually
Here are some options for individuals to back up your data manually, without using any tools.
For such purposes, you have three means, and every one of them works in the same way – you are supposed to copy your data – just in a bit different ways. All have their pros and cons, so choose the one that is the most convenient for you!
Backing up Google Drive to the external hard drive
If you are dealing with a small amount of data you need to save one time, the best way to backup Google Drive is to backup Google Drive locally. The simplest and fully manual method to make a backup of Google Drive is to copy your files and download them on your hard drive.
The simplest and fully manual method to make a backup of Google Drive is to copy your files and download them on your hard drive.
Pros:
- Quick and easy
- Requires no software
Cons:
- Manual backup
- Possibility to forget to save new or updated files
- It either takes your hard drive place or requires constant manual copying to other cloud services.
- Go to your Google Drive documents.
1. Hold Ctrl+A to select all files or manually chose those you want to copy.
2. Right-click and select Download. The files will be in a zip format.
3. Preserve this copy in a reliable place and extract files whenever needed.
Using Backup and Sync Client by Google
This app from Google allows you to synchronize your local drive with Google Drive. This way, you don't just make a one-time copy; you sync your local and Google Drive data, which means all new files added to Google Drive will be automatically saved on your hard drive.
But here is one moment: since files will be synced, every change in your Drive files will be reflected on the desktop as well. Deleted from Google Drive = deleted from a hard drive. Keep that in mind and save files to other devices or folders if needed.
Pros:
- Full automation. All chosen files and edits will be backed up on your computer whenever they appear on Google Drive.
- Double-sided backup. It works both ways: you can save your cloud data on your computer and customize it to automatically save your hard drive data on the cloud, making it available from any device.
Cons:
- It takes your hard drive space, so you need to be selective with the files you save
- Copied files can still be deleted or changed since your hard drive, and Google Drive are synced. It means you still need to resave important files somewhere else.
- Download Backup and sync.
- Install and launch the application.
- Sign in to your Google account and set up synchronization options:
- For your local drive. If you want to back up some files from your hard drive to Google Drive, at this stage, you can choose folders for backup.
- Then sync settings to back up your Google Drive in your local disk. You can choose the folders that need to be backed up, or you can choose to copy all your data from Google Drive. Press Start.
After that, it will start copying. It can take time depending on the amount of data, so be patient.
Using Google Takeout
Google Takeout is designed to make one-time copies of your Google account data. It includes Google Drive, Gmail, Photo, Contacts, and so on. In our case, you need to make a copy of your Google Drive data, in particular, so we will focus on them in our tutorial.
Pros:
- Supports all Google services
- Ability to send copied data directly to other clouds or download them on your desktop
Cons:
- One-time save with no automatic backup options. It means you can lose files if you forgot to save them previously.
1. First, log in to your Google account and click on Download your data. There you will see all apps that contain your data. All of them are selected by default, so to choose only particular files, press Deselect All, and then put a tick beside the field you need.
2. To download some parts of your data, just leave all the data selected and uncheck the box near the files you don't want to save. Then press Next step.
3. Customize your archive by choosing the delivery method, type of export, type, and size of the file.
Kontakt library maker download. Done! Your archive soon will be delivered.
Google Drive: Automatic Backup Tools for Businesses
The previous manual options come in handy to individual users. But they won't be helpful to small-to-medium and enterprise-sized organizations to prevent data loss.
On the other hand, the following options will be a much better option to backup and restore high volumes of business-critical data. They consist of automatic third-party backup services and native Google features accessible to business users only.
Those tools are different by their usability, features, price, and reliability.
Using Google Vault
Google Vault is a web-based archive and eDiscovery service that helps IT administrators keep all Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) users' data. It backs up and saves files regardless of any next manipulations with the initial ones original.
Initially, this tool serves to retain data that is specified by some industrial and regional compliance requirements in case of legal proceedings. This lets companies preserve some valuable information from data loss even if this data is not subject to legislation.
To archive data with Google Vault you need to set up retention policies that specify what data to preserve and for what period of time.
To gain access to this functionality, you need to buy a Business Plus subscription for $18/month per user.
But here is the important information: Vault is not a backup, but an archiver. And this makes a big difference when it comes to Vault's data recovery features.
Pros:
- Requires no installation
- Keeps data for a long time in an unlimited storage
- Lets you to easily search for data you need
Cons:
- Can restore data only by one piece at a time. The main goal of the tool is to keep data for possible legal reference, not to quickly restore it. So you won't get quick restoration if something happens to your files.
- You can't use Vault if you aren't a Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise, or Education package subscriber.
- It is quite expensive: for a 50-person organization, it will cost $10 800/year or more, depending on the subscription.
If you want to know how to save up to 64% on Google Workspace licenses, check out this article→
If you are still interested in Vault as a solution for your business, here is what you should do:
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Download the Google Drive App from Google Play Store and go with the prompts to properly install it.
Step 2. Launch the application and then login with your Google account.
- On Computer
Step 1. Go to drive.google.com in your web browser.
Step 2. Type in your Gmail address and password and then tap on 'Sign in' to enter your Google Drive.
2. Upload Files to Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. On the primary interface of the Google Drive App, tap on the '+' icon in the bottom right corner.
Step 2. Select the option 'Upload' and choose the files you want to save to Google Drive.
- On Computer
Step 1. Select the file or folder you want to upload from your computer.
Step 2. Drag it to the interface of Google Drive and drop it.
Or you can choose to:
Step 1. Click the 'New' button located in the top left corner of the webpage.
Step 2. Choose 'File upload' or 'Folder upload' as you like.
Step 3. Elect the files or folders you want and click on 'Open' or 'Upload'.
While the uploading process ends, you can go back to the home screen of Google Drive and tap on the uploaded folder or file to view them.
You can also click to learn:
3. Share Files from Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Find out the file that you want to share from the home screen and tap the 'more (three vertical dots)' button.
How to play minecraft in laptop. Step 2. Tap on 'Share link' or 'Send file' as you like.
Step 3. Choose a sharing method, such as Email, Messaging, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
- On Computer
Step 1. Right click on the file you want to share.
Step 2. Tap on the 'Share' button.
4. View the Files Shared with You
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Hit the 'menu' button at the top left of your screen.
How To Backup Google Drive On Phone Number
Step 2. Choose the option 'Shared with me' and select the file that you want to view.
- On Computer
Step 1. On the primary interface of Google Drive, you will see list of options displayed on the left side.
Step 2. Tap the option 'Shared with me' and the files and folders others have shared with you will be located.
Step 3. Choose the file or folder you want to view and click to open it.
5. Download Files from Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Find out the file you want to download and click on the three vertical dots icon, namely the 'more' icon of the file.
Step 2. Simply tap on 'Download' to get your wanted files.
- On Computer
Step 1. Tap on 'My Drive' on the primary interface of Google Drive and then the files saved in your drive will be displayed.
Step 2. Right click the file and a window with several options will pop up.
Step 3. Choose 'Download' from the list.
6. Check the Available Storage Space of Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Tap on the 'menu' button on the top left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Choose 'Settings' from the menu and the first item in the Setting list is the 'Storage'. You can easily check it.
- On Computer
The 'Storage' is listed at the bottom left corner of the primary interface, so you can check it without selecting and entering any setting.
7. Delete Unwanted Files from Google Drive
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Tap on the 'more' button on the file you'd like to delete.
Step 2. Microsoft for macbook free download. Elect and click on the 'Remove' option to delete the file.
- On Computer
Step 1. Right click on file you wish to delete.
Step 2. Choose 'Remove' from the listed options.
8. Enable Offline Mode
- On Android Phone
Step 1. Tap the 'three vertical dots' icon next to a file that you want to see or edit offline. If you want to turn on the offline mode for multiple files, you can long press one file and then select other files you want. After that, tap on the 'more' option.
Step 2. Check the option 'Available offline'.
- On Computer
Step 1. Open the settings menu of Google Drive by tapping on the 'Settings' button.
Step 2. Find the option 'Offline' and check it. Then the files saved in your Google Drive will be synced and you can edit them without internet.
Tips for Using Google Drive
Knowing some tips and tricks for using Google Drive can help you use the server more quickly. Then what are the tips? They are:
Tip 1. If you are not sure of the functions of the buttons while using Google Drive on the web, just move your mouse to the button and then a pop-up window will appear to tell you its function.
Tip 2. You can quickly find the wanted item in Google Drive by typing in its name or file type in the searching box that is located at the top of every page. Supposed that you want to find the file more accurately, you can press the downward-facing arrow in this field or choose 'More search tools' to search for files based on specific criteria.
Tip 3. The functions and operating manners of Google's Sheets, Docs and Slide are similar to Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint. So for those who often need to use Microsoft Office, you can turn to Google's Sheets, Docs and Slides since they are free. But meanwhile, the functions of the Google's Sheets, Docs and Slide are less advanced than Microsoft's software.
Write in the End
That's all for how to use Google Drive on Android phone and computer. After learning them, you fully use Google Drive on your device and benefit a lot from the service. Now just follow the steps to manage your files with Google Drive if needed.
Related Articles:
If you are here, you probably already experienced the bitterness of important data loss. Maybe you deleted it by accident, or someone who shared access to Google Drive with you deleted initial data. Maybe your business became a victim of some malicious actions, which resulted in major data loss. Or maybe, you're just cautious and working ahead of the curve.
In any case, you know what Google Drive backup is, and that backup files on Google Drive should be backed up as well. So you came here to find out how to back up your Google Drive data, and this step-by-step guide is here to help you. As an expert in data backup and recovery solutions, we will tell you about five main methods that will surely save your data from disaster.
But first, a word of caution. Note that just saving data to local devices or other cloud storage may preserve your personal or your company's files if they get deleted, but not if your files were corrupted by ransomware or viruses.
How to Backup Google Drive Manually
Here are some options for individuals to back up your data manually, without using any tools.
For such purposes, you have three means, and every one of them works in the same way – you are supposed to copy your data – just in a bit different ways. All have their pros and cons, so choose the one that is the most convenient for you!
Backing up Google Drive to the external hard drive
If you are dealing with a small amount of data you need to save one time, the best way to backup Google Drive is to backup Google Drive locally. The simplest and fully manual method to make a backup of Google Drive is to copy your files and download them on your hard drive.
The simplest and fully manual method to make a backup of Google Drive is to copy your files and download them on your hard drive.
Pros:
- Quick and easy
- Requires no software
Cons:
- Manual backup
- Possibility to forget to save new or updated files
- It either takes your hard drive place or requires constant manual copying to other cloud services.
- Go to your Google Drive documents.
1. Hold Ctrl+A to select all files or manually chose those you want to copy.
2. Right-click and select Download. The files will be in a zip format.
3. Preserve this copy in a reliable place and extract files whenever needed.
Using Backup and Sync Client by Google
This app from Google allows you to synchronize your local drive with Google Drive. This way, you don't just make a one-time copy; you sync your local and Google Drive data, which means all new files added to Google Drive will be automatically saved on your hard drive.
But here is one moment: since files will be synced, every change in your Drive files will be reflected on the desktop as well. Deleted from Google Drive = deleted from a hard drive. Keep that in mind and save files to other devices or folders if needed.
Pros:
- Full automation. All chosen files and edits will be backed up on your computer whenever they appear on Google Drive.
- Double-sided backup. It works both ways: you can save your cloud data on your computer and customize it to automatically save your hard drive data on the cloud, making it available from any device.
Cons:
- It takes your hard drive space, so you need to be selective with the files you save
- Copied files can still be deleted or changed since your hard drive, and Google Drive are synced. It means you still need to resave important files somewhere else.
- Download Backup and sync.
- Install and launch the application.
- Sign in to your Google account and set up synchronization options:
- For your local drive. If you want to back up some files from your hard drive to Google Drive, at this stage, you can choose folders for backup.
- Then sync settings to back up your Google Drive in your local disk. You can choose the folders that need to be backed up, or you can choose to copy all your data from Google Drive. Press Start.
After that, it will start copying. It can take time depending on the amount of data, so be patient.
Using Google Takeout
Google Takeout is designed to make one-time copies of your Google account data. It includes Google Drive, Gmail, Photo, Contacts, and so on. In our case, you need to make a copy of your Google Drive data, in particular, so we will focus on them in our tutorial.
Pros:
- Supports all Google services
- Ability to send copied data directly to other clouds or download them on your desktop
Cons:
- One-time save with no automatic backup options. It means you can lose files if you forgot to save them previously.
1. First, log in to your Google account and click on Download your data. There you will see all apps that contain your data. All of them are selected by default, so to choose only particular files, press Deselect All, and then put a tick beside the field you need.
2. To download some parts of your data, just leave all the data selected and uncheck the box near the files you don't want to save. Then press Next step.
3. Customize your archive by choosing the delivery method, type of export, type, and size of the file.
Kontakt library maker download. Done! Your archive soon will be delivered.
Google Drive: Automatic Backup Tools for Businesses
The previous manual options come in handy to individual users. But they won't be helpful to small-to-medium and enterprise-sized organizations to prevent data loss.
On the other hand, the following options will be a much better option to backup and restore high volumes of business-critical data. They consist of automatic third-party backup services and native Google features accessible to business users only.
Those tools are different by their usability, features, price, and reliability.
Using Google Vault
Google Vault is a web-based archive and eDiscovery service that helps IT administrators keep all Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) users' data. It backs up and saves files regardless of any next manipulations with the initial ones original.
Initially, this tool serves to retain data that is specified by some industrial and regional compliance requirements in case of legal proceedings. This lets companies preserve some valuable information from data loss even if this data is not subject to legislation.
To archive data with Google Vault you need to set up retention policies that specify what data to preserve and for what period of time.
To gain access to this functionality, you need to buy a Business Plus subscription for $18/month per user.
But here is the important information: Vault is not a backup, but an archiver. And this makes a big difference when it comes to Vault's data recovery features.
Pros:
- Requires no installation
- Keeps data for a long time in an unlimited storage
- Lets you to easily search for data you need
Cons:
- Can restore data only by one piece at a time. The main goal of the tool is to keep data for possible legal reference, not to quickly restore it. So you won't get quick restoration if something happens to your files.
- You can't use Vault if you aren't a Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise, or Education package subscriber.
- It is quite expensive: for a 50-person organization, it will cost $10 800/year or more, depending on the subscription.
If you want to know how to save up to 64% on Google Workspace licenses, check out this article→
If you are still interested in Vault as a solution for your business, here is what you should do:
How To Backup Phone On Google Drive
- 1. Sign in using the admin G Suite account and land on the Google Vault homepage.
- 2. Go to the Retention pitch left.
- 3. Choose Drive and edit the retention policy.
- 4. Mark the field named Set a default retention rule for Drive.
- 5. Choose the radio button 'Indefinitely' and save it.
Using Third-Party Backup Software to Back Up Your Google Drive
Google Vault and other built-in Google features are not designed to restore and protect your data. It which leaves they still leave your data insecure and makes it It would be problematic to access and restore your records if they were deleted or stolen. You can't be sure if your files won't be leaked to competitors or corrupted by ransomware. In other words, you pay for unlimited cloud data storage, not for data protection.
Third-party backup software solves all these problems, usually for a very modest price of $4-$5/month per user. For this money, you get over-the-top functionality, security, unlimited storage, and recovery quality. Mac lipstick swatches. It makes its usage much cheaper than paying for Google Vault or for possible damage due to not having a backup at all.
Spinbackup is one of such backup providers. To demonstrate to you how to backup Google Drive (and any other data) in a few clicks using Spinbackup, we'll walk you through the process.
Here is how to backup data with Spinbackup:
Go to www.spinbackup.com and create an account. If you need to sign up, follow the instructions to sign up. Automatic backup of your Drive will start the day after you sign up.
To start the backup of your Google Drive manually, you need to:
1. Tap the Log in as G Suite / Google Apps Administrator button in the upper right corner.
2. Use your credentials to log in or sign in with Google.
3. Click Users on the left dashboard.
4. You will see a list of all your domain users subscribed to Spinbackup. Choose the name of a user whose GD account must be backed up, unfold it by clicking the +/- button, and click the Google Drive button under the user's name. Press Backup.
5. When the backup process is complete, you will see all your Google Drive files with your folders hierarchy backed up to your Spinbackup account.
P.S.: if you want to know how to restore Google Drive, you should read this article→
Want to take a closer look at how the backup solution works?
