Mount Google Drive on a Mac with Step-by-Step Tutorial

Brithny updated on Mar 11, 2024 | Home >Computer Instruction

This article provides step-by-step directions for mounting Google Drive on a Mac to guarantee easy setup and integration. Cloud storage systems like Google Drive are essential for storing, accessing, and sharing data across devices in a digital environment. Mac users may boost productivity and convenience by easily connecting Google Drive to their devices.

Learning how to mount Google Drive on a Mac helps ease file management for professionals and students alike. Follow these steps to maximize the potential of Google Drive on your macOS device.

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Step 1. Download Google Drive for Desktop Go to the Google Drive web and select Download for Desktop to save the GoogleDrive.dmg...Full steps
Step 2. Set Up Google Drive in Finder Open a Finder window on your Mac. Then, navigate to and open the User folder...Full steps
Step 3. Check Google Drive Settings Click on the icon in the menu bar, click the Settings gear icon, and then pick Preferences...Full steps
Step 4. Set Google Drive Launch on System Startup Locate and click the Google Drive icon in your Mac's Menu Bar, and click the Settings button...Full steps

Step 1. Download Google Drive for Desktop on Your Mac

Downloading and installing Google Drive for the desktop will connect with your Mac's file system and make cloud files and folders simple to access. Follow the steps below to get started with the installation.

Step 1. Start by going to the Google Drive download page in your web browser.

Google Drive Download page

Step 2. Select "Download for Desktop" to begin the download procedure. The file will be saved as GoogleDrive.dmg on your Mac.

GoogleDrive.dmg on a Mac

Step 3. After downloading, open dmg files on Mac and then click on GoogleDrive.pkg to begin the installation.

install Google Drive

Step 4. Follow the installer's onscreen instructions. After installation, find Google Drive in your Applications area and launch it. Sign in with your Google account credentials.

google drive installation complete

Step 2. Set Up Google Drive in Finder

After installing Google Drive for Desktop on your Mac, let's set up Google Drive with Mac Finder. This step is necessary for Finder-based Google Drive file access. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. To access your internal hard disk, open a "Finder" window on your Mac. Then, navigate to and open the User folder.

Step 2. In the User folder (your Home folder), look for the "Google Drive" folder.

Step 3. Press and hold the "Command" key on your keyboard, then drag and drop the Google Drive folder to the Favorites tab in the Finder window.

Step 4. Release the mouse button to move the Google Drive folder to the Favorites tab. Once added, Google Drive will be neatly placed under Favorites on your Finder sidebar.

access google drive in finder

Step 5. You can now access your Google Drive files and folders straight from the Finder, which improves workflow efficiency and file management.

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Step 3. Check Google Drive Settings on Your Mac

After installing Google Drive on your Mac, check that it meets your requirements. Now, let's examine ways to ensure data synchronization and access. Follow the steps listed below.

Step 1. To access Google Drive, click on the icon in the menu bar.

Step 2. To access Google Drive settings, click the Settings gear icon and then pick "Preferences".

Step 3. To access syncing settings, open the preferences window and pick "Google Drive" from the sidebar.

google drive settings

Step 4. Review the possible synchronization options:

  • Choose "Stream files" to store your My Drive files in the cloud and access them only when necessary. You may set individual files and folders to be viewable offline.
  • Alternatively, choose "Mirror files" to keep My Drive files both in the cloud and locally on your Mac, making them all accessible offline.

Step 5. Streaming files saves space on your Mac, while mirroring uploads all files to your Mac, requiring more storage.

Step 4. Set Google Drive Launch on System Startup

Ensuring that Google Drive launches immediately when your Mac boots up is critical for easy synchronization and file access. Follow the steps below to set it up:

Step 1. Locate and click the Google Drive icon in your Mac's Menu Bar.

Step 2. Click the "Settings" button and then choose "Preferences" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. In the Preferences panel, choose the Settings (tool) icon in the upper right corner.

Step 4. Scroll down to the "Launch on system startup" area.

Step 5. Check the option next to "Launch Google Drive at system startup".

launch google drive on system startup

Step 6. Once finished, click the Done button in the bottom right corner to save your changes.

Step 7. By activating this option, Google Drive will begin automatically whenever your Mac boots up or restarts, ensuring that your files remain in sync without your action.

Extra Tips: Give macOS Permission to Sync Files on a Mac

Allowing macOS to sync files with Google Drive assures fast functioning and easy access to your data. Here's how to provide macOS with the required permissions:

Step 1. Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen.

Step 2. Navigate to "System Settings > Privacy and Security."

Step 3. Depending on your requirements, go to either the Files & Folders or Photos sections.

Step 4. Change the permissions to give access to folders and devices such as Desktops, Documents, Downloads, removable and network drives, and your Photos library.

Step 5. If you originally rejected permission but subsequently wish to sync a folder or device, return to the Privacy and Security settings and make the required changes.

Step 6. Remember to restart Drive for Desktop or your computer so that the modifications take effect.

By completing these steps, you guarantee that macOS has the necessary rights to sync files with Google Drive, allowing for efficient data management and access on your Mac.

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Conclusion

Mounting Google Drive on a Mac provides easy access to online storage and efficient file management. By following the steps provided in this article, users can quickly set up and manage Google Drive on their Macs, ensuring that files and folders sync seamlessly.

This article covers all elements of streamlining the Google Drive experience, including viewing files in Finder, configuring automatic launch on system startup, and providing essential rights. Embracing Google Drive integration boosts productivity and maintains data accessible across devices, making it an important addition to any Mac user's toolset.

Mount Google Drive on a Mac FAQs

Let's have a look at common queries users have related to the mount Google Drive Mac issue:

1. How do I mount Google Drive on my Macbook?

Google Drive for Desktop may be downloaded and installed from the Google Drive website to mount Google Drive on your MacBook. After installing Google Drive, sign in with your Google account, and it will automatically link to your Mac's Finder so you can easily see and manage your files.

2. Can you mount Google Drive?

Yes, you may utilize Google Drive on your Mac by downloading Google Drive for Desktop. This software syncs Google Drive files and folders to your Mac, making them accessible from the Finder. Once mounted, you may read, edit, and organize Google Drive files like Mac files.

3. Can I add Google Drive to my Mac Finder?

Yes, you can add Google Drive to the Mac Finder by installing Google Drive for Desktop. It integrates Google Drive into the Finder so you may see and manage Google Drive files and folders alongside local ones.

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Updated by Brithny

Brithny is a technology enthusiast, aiming to make readers' tech lives easy and enjoyable. She loves exploring new technologies and writing technical how-to tips. In her spare time, she loves sharing things about her game experience on Facebook or Twitter.

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