Google Drive: Cloud Storage and File Sharing

Google Drive is a cloud storage and file management application by Google LLC that lets you store, organize, and share files and folders across devices. It addresses the problem of scattered files and limited local storage by providing a centralized space in the cloud, accessible from any device. The app allows you to edit and store over 100 file types, scan paper documents with your camera, search by name or content, filter files, and set sharing permissions. It also offers offline access and notifications for important activity. Google accounts include 15 GB of free storage, shared across Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. For additional space, you can upgrade to Google One through an in-app purchase, with US subscriptions starting at $1.99 per month for 100 GB. While the core service is free, note that the app requests access to identity, contacts, photos, media, files, storage, camera, and Wi-Fi information to deliver these features.

Key features

• Store and access files from anywhere, on any device
• Edit and store more than 100 file types, including PDFs, Office files, and videos
• Scan paper documents using your device's camera
• Quick access to recent and important files
• Search for files by name and content, and filter by type or last modified date
• Share files and folders with customizable permissions
• View content offline and receive notifications about important activity
• On Android tablets, enjoy side-by-side view and drag-and-drop functionality

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file (124 MB).
2. When Android prompts, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
4. Tap Install and wait for the installation to complete.
5. Open the app and sign in with your Google account. Note: the app requires Android 8.0 or higher.

What's New

The latest update to Google Drive, released on October 23, 2026, focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements to ensure a smoother, more reliable experience. This maintenance release helps keep the app running efficiently, so you can continue to securely store, organize, and collaborate on your files from any device.

Google Drive is ideal for individuals and professionals who need reliable cloud storage and the ability to access, share, and collaborate on files across multiple devices. It suits students, remote workers, and teams who want to keep documents, photos, and videos organized and easily retrievable, especially those already using Google Workspace. The offline viewing and tablet-friendly layout also make it a good choice for frequent travelers and tablet users. However, users who are privacy-sensitive may want to review the permissions requested, as the app accesses contacts, camera, and storage.

To minimize data usage, use the offline feature to download important files before traveling. You can also control which permissions the app uses by adjusting them in your device's app settings after installation.

Google Drive remains a robust and widely used cloud storage solution with solid feature depth, but the broad permissions and in-app purchase model are worth considering. For most users requiring dependable file access and sharing, it delivers good value, especially with the free 15 GB tier.