Google Drive, Google's reliable cloud storage service, simplifies file management across devices. Back up your photos directly from your Android phone without needing a PC. Discover three proven methods to upload photos to Google Drive seamlessly.
Contents
Method 1: Upload Using the Google Drive App
Tip 1: Upload Multiple Photos
Tip 2: View More Files
Method 2: Upload Directly from Other Apps
Can You Delete Photos from Gallery After Uploading to Google Drive?
Method 3: Automatically Sync Photos and Folders
Make Regular Backups
Upload photos and files from your Android phone or tablet to Google Drive using these three methods. The first two require manual uploads, while the third enables automatic syncing.
Note: Uploaded photos count toward your Google Drive storage quota.
Let's dive into the steps, based on hands-on testing across Android devices.
One of the simplest ways to upload single or multiple photos and videos is through the Google Drive app's built-in upload feature.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Ensure the Google Drive app is installed on your phone.
Download Google Drive
Step 2: Open the Google Drive app. Upload to the root directory or tap a folder to navigate there first.
Step 3: Tap the floating Add icon, then select Upload.
Step 4: File Explorer opens—select your photo. It uploads to Google Drive, with progress visible.
Long-press a photo to select it, tap others, then hit Select at the top. Upload progresses in the app.
File Explorer shows recent files by default. Tap the three-bar icon to access other folders or switch gallery apps.
Skip opening Google Drive—use the Share menu from gallery, file manager, or any app to upload to Drive folders.
Steps (using Gallery app; adaptable to others):
Note: Google Drive app must be installed.
Step 1: Open the app, select photo(s).
Step 2: Tap Share, find Drive or Save to Drive.
Step 3: On the Save to Drive screen, name the file, choose account/folder. Use the folder icon to create new ones or navigate via Drive.
Step 4: Tap Save.
Yes—uploads are independent, unlike Google Photos. Safely delete from Gallery post-upload, but keep Drive copies.
Tip: Compare Google Photos vs. Drive for backups.
Google Drive lacks native auto-sync or folder imports on mobile. Use third-party apps for this—we've detailed solutions for Android photo sync and folder uploads.
These methods ensure secure photo backups. For large batches, upload in small groups to avoid network glitches.
