Google Drive hacks: How to set up, use Google Drive on your Mac

Google Drive is an incredibly useful cloud-based storage platform that is available to all Google account holders. While the service is available to all users — Android, Windows, Mac and iOS — on the web, users can also download the Google Drive app on their PCs and smartphones for accessing the cloud-based storage platform more easily. Downloading Google Drive on a smartphone — Android phone or iPhone — is simple. The process is similar to all other apps. However, Apple’s PCs work a little differently. So, if you are a Mac user, here is an easy guide that will help you install and use Google Drive on your Mac. Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: 5 biggest changes that will change the overall experience

How to install Google Drive on Mac

Step 1: Head to Google Drive web on your Mac.
Step 2: Click on Download Drive for desktop.
Step 3: Find the installation file from the Finder app.
Step 4: Now, double click on the installation file and follow the on-screen instruction to complete the setup. Also Read: 6 best AI-powered smartphones to buy in January 2026

How to sync Google Drive on your Mac

Step 1: Select Google Drive in the menu bar.
Step 2: Now click the Settings gear and open Preferences.
Step 3: Next, select Google Drive from the sidebar and check syncing options.
Here, you can either Stream files or Mirror files.
Step 4: Choose Stream files to store all My Drive files in the cloud.
Step 5: Choose Mirror files to store all My Drive files in the cloud and on your Mac. All your files will automatically be available for offline use.

How to launch Google Drive during startup on your Mac

Step 1: Select Google Drive in the menu bar.
Step 2: Now click the Settings gear and open Preferences.
Step 3: Select Settings in the upper-right corner of the window.
Step 4: Scroll down and enable the checkmark that is right next to the Launch Google Drive on System Startup option.

How to sync your Mac folders with Google Drive

Step 1: Select Google Drive in the menu bar.
Step 2: Now click the Settings gear and open Preferences.
Step 3: Select the Add folder option.
Step 4: Select your local Mac folder and then click the open button.
Step 5: You can either sync the folder to Google Drive or backup to Google Photos.