How to Set Up Google Drive on Linux

Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Setting up Google Drive on a Linux system may seem a bit challenging for those who are accustomed to its seamless integration on Windows and MacOS. Linux does not offer any dedicated official client for Google Drive, but there are many third-party solutions available to bridge this gap. In this detailed guide, we will explore various tools and methods to configure Google Drive on a Linux environment, including their installation, configuration, and usage so that you can manage your files efficiently. Whether you are using Ubuntu, Fedora, or any other distribution, the principle is the same.

Why use Google Drive on Linux?

Before we dive into the setup, let’s discuss why you should use Google Drive on Linux. Like any cloud storage service, Google Drive also offers the following features:

• Access: Access your files from any device with an internet connection.
• Backup & Sync: Keep your data safe and synchronized across all platforms.
• Collaboration: Easily share and work on documents with others in real-time.
• Storage: Free and additional paid storage options to suit different needs.

How to set up Google Drive on Linux

There are several options for setting up Google Drive on Linux, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below are some popular methods:

1. Using Google Drive via a web browser

This is the simplest method, accessible from any major web browser like Firefox or Chrome. You don’t need any installation or configuration other than the web browser. Here are the steps:

1. Open your favorite web browser.
2. Go to https://drive.google.com.
3. Sign in with your Google Account credentials.
4. Once logged in, you can upload, download, and organize your files using Google Drive's online interface.

Although this method is easy, it is limited to manual upload and download, there is no offline support.

2. Using the inSync Client

inSync is a popular third-party application that offers several features to sync files between Linux computers and Google Drive. It is a paid service, but it has powerful functionalities:

1. Go to the Insync website and download the appropriate .deb or .rpm package for your Linux distribution.
2. Install the package using your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, open a terminal and use:

sudo dpkg -i insync_VERSION_amd64.deb

3. If there are dependency issues, resolve them as follows:

sudo apt-get install -f

4. After installation, run Insync by searching for it in your Applications menu or by doing the following:

insync start

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your Google account and give Insync access to your drive.
6. Choose the folders you want to sync and manage your files.

With inSync, you can enjoy offline access, selective sync, and multiple account support.

3. Using rclone

Rclone is a command-line program that enables you to manage files across multiple cloud storage providers, including Google Drive. It's free and open-source, perfect for command-line enthusiasts:

1. Install Rclone using your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, run:

sudo apt install rclone

2. Once installed, initiate the configuration with this command:

rclone config

3. You will see a menu. Type n to create a new remote.
4. Enter a name for this remote, such as mygoogledrive.
5. From the list of cloud providers, type the number that corresponds to Google Drive (for example, 13).
6. Leave client_id and client_secret blank, press Enter.
7. Do not select advanced configuration - type n.
8. When asked if you want to use auto-configuration, select Y.
9. A new browser window will open; sign in to your Google account and allow Rclone to access your drive.
10. Return to the terminal and confirm that the process is successful.

You can now use several commands to work with your Google Drive files. For example, to list all files, you could use the following:

rclone ls mygoogledrive:

rclone provides a robust solution for scripted operations and advanced use cases.

4. Using the GDrive Command Line Utility

GDrive is a simple command-line tool for interacting with Google Drive. It's especially useful for developers or users familiar with the terminal:

1. Download the latest binary from Github.
2. Make the downloaded binary executable. Execute:

chmod +x gdrive-linux-x64

3. Move the binary to a directory in your PATH for easier access:

sudo mv gdrive-linux-x64 /usr/local/bin/gdrive

4. Run the program to authenticate with your Google account:

gdrive list

5. Follow the instructions to obtain an authentication token and complete the setup.

This tool is great for scripting and automating tasks related to Google Drive.

Conclusion

Using Google Drive on Linux doesn't require an official client to be effective. With options ranging from a web interface to powerful command-line utilities, Linux users can access and manage their Google Drive files effortlessly. Consider your specific needs - whether it's full drive sync, command-line access, or just a simple connection - and choose the method that best suits your workflow.

This guide covers four primary methods, but there are even more tools available that meet specific needs, ensuring that no matter your distribution or use case, you have a way to integrate Google Drive into your Linux experience.

With some initial setup, you can enjoy the full benefits of Google Drive on your Linux system like any other OS.

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