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To upload files to Google Drive, use New > File upload on a computer or the Drive app on Android and iPhone/iPad. To download, open the file’s menu and choose Download; on iPhone and iPad, you can also save a copy to Files or Photos. Uploads use Drive storage, and download availability can depend on the owner’s permissions and device settings.
How do I upload files to Google Drive?
Choose the workflow for your device. On a computer, Drive’s website supports files and folders; the mobile app provides a file picker and platform-specific settings.
From a computer using Drive on the web
- Go to Google Drive on the web and sign in.
- Select New, then choose File upload or Folder upload.
- Choose the file or folder on your computer. You can also open or create a Drive folder and drag files or folders into it.
If you prefer an integrated desktop workflow, install Drive for desktop and move items into the computer’s Google Drive folder; they upload to Drive. An upload uses Drive storage even if the destination folder belongs to someone else. If a file with the same name already exists, Drive may upload it as a revision; you can choose to keep both files. Google notes that the upload time may be recorded as the creation time, while the modification time reflects the local source.
From an Android phone or tablet
- Open the Google Drive app and tap New, then Upload.
- Find and select the files to upload. They appear in My Drive until you move them to another folder.
To prevent uploads over mobile data, open the app’s settings and turn on Transfer files only over Wi-Fi. Google says this setting appears when the device can use mobile data or a network connection.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
From an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Google Drive app, then tap Add and File upload.
- Select the files. Use Location to choose a destination folder; you can also change File Name.
- Tap Upload.
How do I download a file from Google Drive?
To a computer
- Open Drive on the web and select the file. To select multiple files, hold Command while selecting on Mac or Ctrl on Windows.
- Right-click and choose Download. Drive does not support dragging files directly to the desktop.
To export a Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file in another format, open it and select File > Download. Choose an available format, such as PDF, DOCX, PPTX, or JPEG.
To Android
In the Drive app, tap More beside the file, then tap Download. The download option is unavailable when Android’s Data Saver is on.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
To iPhone or iPad
In the Drive app, tap More beside the file. Choose Download for a local copy, or select Open in > Save to Files and choose a location. To save an image or video to Photos, tap Send a copy, then choose Save image or Save video. You can also open a file directly in another app.
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What storage and file-size limits should I know?
Uploads count against your available Drive storage. Google Drive Help lists these size limits for particular file types: converted Google Docs text documents may be up to 50 MB, converted Google Slides presentations up to 100 MB, and other files up to 5 TB, subject to available Drive storage. Google-editor formats such as spreadsheets have different limits; check Google’s file-size and storage limits for the applicable format. These limits and storage entitlements may change.
Rank #3
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- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
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What can prevent an upload or download?
Uploads that stall or fail
- Check that the internet connection is stable and that your Drive storage has room for the file.
- For video problems, Google suggests trying another upload route or browser and checking the file format, browser extensions, cookies, and app or browser updates. These are troubleshooting options, not guaranteed fixes.
- Google says Drive video playback is capped at 1920 × 1080; playback quality can depend on internet quality and speed.
For more detail, see Google’s video upload and playback guidance.
Downloads that are missing or fail
- The file owner may have disabled downloading, copying, or printing for viewers and commenters. Ask the owner for access or a downloadable copy.
- Blocked third-party cookies can prevent downloads from Drive on the web. Google recommends allowing cookies for Drive or checking browser extensions.
- On Android, turn off Data Saver if the app does not offer the download option.
For steps by platform, see Google’s guides for uploading on a computer, Android uploads, iPhone and iPad uploads, computer downloads, Android downloads, and iPhone and iPad downloads.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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