How to Add Files to Google Drive from iPhone

Adding files to Google Drive from your iPhone can be a convenient way to store and access your documents, photos, and other important files on the go. Whether you want to back up your files or share them with others, Google Drive offers a seamless solution. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to easily add files to Google Drive from your iPhone.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Adding Files to Google Drive from Your iPhone

When it comes to adding files to Google Drive from your iPhone, you might find it challenging because the process isn’t as straightforward as it is on a computer. Unlike on a computer, where you can easily drag and drop files into your Google Drive, on an iPhone, you need to follow different methods to achieve the same result. However, once you understand these methods, adding files to Google Drive from your iPhone becomes a breeze.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we dive into the various methods of adding files to Google Drive from your iPhone, there are a few things you need to prepare:

1. Make sure you have a Google account and the Google Drive app installed on your iPhone.
2. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection for seamless uploading.
3. Organize the files you want to add to Google Drive for easy access.

Now that you are ready, let’s explore the different methods you can use to add files to Google Drive from your iPhone.

Method 1: Uploading Files via the Google Drive App

One of the simplest ways to add files to Google Drive from your iPhone is to use the Google Drive app itself. Here is how you can do it:

1. Launch the Google Drive app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the "+" icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Select "Upload" from the menu that appears.
4. Choose the type of file you want to upload (e.g., document, photo, video).
5. Navigate to the location of the file on your iPhone and select it.
6. Tap "Upload" to start the uploading process.
7. Wait for the file to upload to Google Drive.

Pros:
– Easy and straightforward process.
– Allows you to choose the type of file you want to upload.
– Provides a visual progress bar for tracking the upload process.

Cons:
– Files need to be selected individually for uploading.
– Limited to the storage space available in your Google Drive account.

Method 2: Uploading Files via the Files App

If you prefer to manage your files using the native Files app on your iPhone, you can also upload files to Google Drive from there. Here’s how:

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to the location of the file you want to upload.
3. Long press on the file, then tap "Share" in the menu that appears.
4. Scroll through the options and select "Save to Files."
5. Choose a location within the Files app to save the file (e.g., On My iPhone).
6. Tap on "Add" to save the file to the selected location.
7. Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone.
8. Tap the "+" icon and select "Upload."
9. Navigate to the location where you saved the file in the Files app and select it.
10. Tap "Upload" to start the uploading process.
11. Wait for the file to upload to Google Drive.

Pros:
– Allows you to upload files directly from the Files app, making it convenient if you use multiple cloud storage services.
– Provides a familiar interface for managing your files.

Cons:
– Requires switching between apps for the uploading process.
– Files need to be saved in the Files app before uploading to Google Drive.

Method 3: Uploading Files via Email

Another method to add files to Google Drive from your iPhone is via email. This method can be useful for directly uploading files from email attachments to your Google Drive. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the email containing the file attachment on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the attachment to open it.
3. Tap the share icon (usually represented as an arrow pointing up) in the top right corner of the screen.
4. Scroll through the options and select "Save to Files."
5. Choose a location within the Files app to save the file (e.g., On My iPhone).
6. Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone.
7. Tap the "+" icon and select "Upload."
8. Navigate to the location where you saved the file in the Files app and select it.
9. Tap "Upload" to start the uploading process.
10. Wait for the file to upload to Google Drive.

Pros:
– Allows you to directly upload files from email attachments to Google Drive.
– Streamlines the process if you frequently receive files via email.

Cons:
– Requires downloading the file from the email attachment before uploading it to Google Drive.
– Limited to the file types supported by the email attachment.

Method 4: Uploading Files via Safari Browser

If you prefer using the web interface of Google Drive, you can upload files from Safari browser on your iPhone. Here’s how:

1. Open Safari browser on your iPhone.
2. Go to the Google Drive website (https://drive.google.com).
3. Sign in to your Google account if you haven’t already.
4. Tap the "+" icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
5. Select "Upload" from the menu that appears.
6. Choose the type of file you want to upload.
7. Navigate to the location of the file on your iPhone and select it.
8. Tap "Open" or "Upload" to start the uploading process.
9. Wait for the file to upload to Google Drive.

Pros:
– Gives you access to the full features of Google Drive’s web interface.
– Allows you to upload files directly from the browser.

Cons:
– Requires signing in to your Google account through the browser.
– Uploading files may take longer compared to other methods.

Why Can’t I Add Files to Google Drive from My iPhone?

There are several reasons why you might encounter difficulties adding files to Google Drive from your iPhone. Here are some common ones and their fixes:

1. Insufficient storage space in your Google Drive account:
– Fix: Delete unnecessary files from Google Drive or upgrade your storage plan.

2. Poor or unstable internet connection on your iPhone:
– Fix: Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network or switch to a cellular data network with a strong signal.

3. Outdated version of the Google Drive app:
– Fix: Update the Google Drive app to the latest version from the App Store.

4. Incorrect app settings:
– Fix: Check the app settings to ensure that uploading to Google Drive is enabled.

5. Lack of necessary permissions:
– Fix: Grant the necessary permissions to the Google Drive app in your iPhone’s settings.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to enhance your experience of adding files to Google Drive from your iPhone:

1. Use automatic backup: Enable automatic backup in the Google Drive app settings to have your iPhone files automatically uploaded to Google Drive.

2. Utilize file organization: Create folders and subfolders within your Google Drive to keep your files organized and easily accessible.

3. Utilize offline access: Enable offline access for certain files in the Google Drive app settings to access them even when you’re not connected to the internet.

5 FAQs about Adding Files to Google Drive from Your iPhone

Q1: Can I add multiple files to Google Drive at once?

A: Yes, you can add multiple files to Google Drive at once by selecting them together during the upload process.

Q2: Is there a file size limit when uploading to Google Drive from my iPhone?

A: Yes, the file size limit imposed by Google Drive is 5 TB per file.

Q3: Can I upload files to specific folders in Google Drive from my iPhone?

A: Yes, both the Google Drive app and the Files app allow you to choose the destination folder during the upload process.

Q4: Are there any restrictions on the types of files I can upload to Google Drive from my iPhone?

A: Google Drive supports a wide range of file types, including documents, images, audio, video, and more. However, some file types may have limited editing capabilities within Google Drive.

Q5: Can I add files to Google Drive from my iPhone while offline?

A: Yes, you can add files to Google Drive from your iPhone while offline by enabling offline access for the respective files in the Google Drive app settings.

In Conclusion

Adding files to Google Drive from your iPhone is a straightforward process once you know the available methods. Whether you choose to use the Google Drive app, the Files app, email attachments, or the Safari browser, you can easily store, access, and share your files using the power of Google Drive. By following the methods and tips outlined in this blog post, you can make the most out of your Google Drive experience on your iPhone.