How to install Google Drive on Linux Mint

Google Drive is an online/cloud storage mechanism that enables users to save files on the internet and retrieve them from any computer with a web browser. The service provides various free capabilities, including accessing files from any place, sharing them with others, and reading them from anywhere. Google Drive is a good alternative for individuals seeking a dependable, accessible, and straightforward cloud storage service.

Linux Mint’s Google drive functions identically to Windows and macOS. As everyone knows, Google gives a substantial amount of free Cloud storage. Incoming users will have access to around 15 GB, while existing users will get much more space depending on the package they opt for.

The primary advantage of installing Google Drive on Linux Mint is uploading and synchronizing crucial data straight to Google Drive. Additionally, Google cloud is one of the most secure personal and business data platforms.

By default, Linux Mint 18 or older versions do not support G-Drive or Cloud accounts; thus, to access Google, Google Drive must be installed using a GNOME Online account. Check out this step-by-step tutorial guide for installing and using Google Drive on Linux Mint using the command line.

Google Drive clients on Linux are classified into three kinds. Open-source programs such as Google-drive-ocamlfuse or gcsf are available for more sophisticated users. ExpanDrive users get full access to the desktop client’s functionality, including offline sync, background syncing, and more. ExpanDrive is securely connected to the Google Drive API, allowing it to securely access the Drive API and support ADFS and 2FA. ExpanDrive supports Google Drive and GSuite Drive accounts. The open source project Google Drive-ocamlfuse is most likely the most popular and well-maintained means of storing Google Drive.

This Java-based software may be executed from the command line. The FUSE-based GCSF project is also accessible for Linux users (and Macs). The Insync client for Linux/Unix is the most feature-rich Google Drive sync client. A one-time licensing cost of $49.95 is required for the complete range of functions. OverGrive is a cheaper variant of Insync that costs $4.95. The Rclone command line program is needed to execute data from the cloud. With all that in mind, let us dive deep into the installation process.

Installing and configuring Google Drive on Linux Mint

Connecting Google Drive to your Linux desktop is a piece of cake if you use Linux Mint 19 or above because everything is already incorporated into the operating system, notably via the Online Accounts function. In such a case, skip to step 5 below. However, if you are already on an earlier version, you will need to take some extra steps to install Online Accounts. So let’s assume you’re using Linux Mint 18.3 or lower. To begin, we will install GNOME Online Accounts and GNOME Control Center.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to launch the terminal.

Launch terminal

Step 2: Press Enter after typing the following command.

sudo apt-get update

Update system resources

Step 3: Press Enter after typing the following command

sudo apt-get install gnome-control-center

Install gnome control center

Step 4: Input the following line of code, then press “Enter” on your keyboard

sudo apt-get install gnome-online-accounts

Install gnome online accounts

The foundation for the next course of action has now been established. These procedures must be undertaken for all Linux Mint versions.

Step 5: Click the Linux Mint start button to launch the Application Menu.

Step 6: Look for “System Settings.”

Step 7: To open it, click System Settings.

System settings

The option “Online Accounts” is available in the System Settings.

Step 8: Select “Online Accounts.”

Online Accounts

Step 9: Select “Google.”

Select google

Online Accounts will now contact Google and request that you login.

Login prompt

Step 10: Enter your email address and then click Next.

Step 11: Enter your password and then click Next.

You should now get a window indicating that GNOME wants to access your Google account.

Step 12: Select Allow.

Click Allow

You should now see a window with options for your Google account.

The available choices can be selected or deselected here. These settings are available in the desktop environments and programs listed below:

Google account options

Step 13: When you’re finished, close the popup window.

Google Drive has been integrated and can now be accessed using the Nemo file manager. On the other hand, Calendar and Contacts allow you to access and manage your calendar items and contacts. Understanding that your files on Google Drive are not copied on your local PC is critical. As a result, there is no offline synchronization folder. The Google Drive content is not visible if you are not connected to an internet connection.

How to Obtain Access to Your Google Drive Folder

Below are the vital steps you need to consider to obtain access to your Google Drive Folder on your Linux Mint OS.

1. Open the program menu by clicking on the Linux Mint start button.
2. Find “Files” and click it to launch the Nemo file manager.
   

   Nemo file manager

3. Locate Network on the left-hand side. You may locate your Google email address there.
4. Navigate to your Google email address.

It now takes some time to load your Google Drive content. The Nemo file manager displays a “Loading” status message in the lower right-hand corner. After a few seconds, all your personal and shared folders will be displayed in the file manager and may be accessed to search or move files.

Select your email address

That’s it! Enjoy using Google Drive on your Linux Mint OS.

Final Thoughts

When you sync your files and folders with Google Drive, the file or folder changes in real time. For example, if you have three desktops, a tablet, and a smartphone linked to Google Drive, you would modify them all simultaneously. Furthermore, if you are not connected to the internet, you will be unable to access those files. You must constantly have an online connection to benefit from syncing your Google Drive with all your devices.

I hope you enjoyed reading this tutorial article guide. Installing Google Drive on Linux mint is quite simple despite there not being a native application. All you need to do is follow the steps to complete the installation process. If you enjoyed this guide, let us know via the message board below.