Making the switch from iCloud to Google Drive can be a game-changer for your productivity. Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage, which is a significant upgrade from iCloud's 5 GB.
You can access your files from anywhere, thanks to Google Drive's seamless syncing capabilities. This means you can work on a file on your computer and pick up right where you left off on your phone or tablet.
Google Drive also integrates well with other Google apps, such as Google Docs and Google Sheets, making it easy to collaborate with others.
Methods to Migrate Data
If you're looking to migrate your data from iCloud to Google Drive, you have several methods to choose from. You can use desktop apps, web-based methods, or even a third-party tool like AnyTrans.
To sync files from iCloud Drive to Google Drive at once, you can use the desktop apps. For PC users, you need to download the iCloud Drive app first. On Mac, open two Finder windows, and on PC, open two File Explorer windows. Click iCloud Drive in one window and Google Drive in the other.
You can also log in to your Google account via the web and drag the files to it. For PC computers, you should download the iCloud Drive app in advance. Open the iCloud Drive folder, log in to your Google Drive account on the web, and click the Add New button to create a new folder in Google Drive.
If you don't want to download desktop apps, you can transfer files from iCloud to Google Drive via the web. Download the files from iCloud and then upload them to Google Drive. This method is a bit more tedious, but it gets the job done.
If you're looking for an alternative to transferring files, you can manage your iCloud data and files in other ways. AnyTrans allows you to preview iCloud data, download iCloud content to your computer, or sync your iCloud account to another iCloud account.
Here are the basic steps to transfer files from iCloud to Google Drive using desktop apps:
You can also use third-party tools like AnyTrans to manage your iCloud data and files. This tool allows you to preview iCloud data, download iCloud content to your computer, or sync your iCloud account to another iCloud account.
Why Migrate to Google Drive
If you're still using iCloud, you might want to consider making the switch to Google Drive. With 15 GB of free storage for all users, Google Drive far surpasses iCloud's 1 GB for non-Apple hardware users and 5 GB for Apple hardware users.
Google Drive is also more versatile than iCloud, thanks to its integrations with a wide range of apps and services. You can store data manually, just like with iCloud, but Google Drive's integrations with Google's own services make it a more convenient choice.
Here's a comparison of iCloud and Google Drive:
Google Drive's office integration is particularly useful, as it allows you to work seamlessly with Google's own productivity suite, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. With full online collaboration, Google Drive makes it easy to work with others in real-time.
Migrating Files
You can transfer files from iCloud Drive to Google Drive using desktop apps. To do this, you need to download the iCloud Drive app on your PC, and then open two File Explorer windows. Click on the iCloud Drive folder in one window and the Google Drive folder in the other.
For Mac users, opening two Finder windows is the first step. Click on iCloud Drive in the left bar in one window and Google Drive in the other.
To select multiple files at once, hold the shift key and click on the bottom file in the iCloud Drive folder. Then, click and drag all the selected files to the Google Drive folder.
Alternatively, you can log in to your Google Drive account on the web and drag the files from the iCloud Drive folder to Google Drive. This method is more tedious, but it gets the job done.
Here are the general steps to transfer files from iCloud Drive to Google Drive:
- Download the iCloud Drive app on your PC (if you're a PC user)
- Open two File Explorer windows (or two Finder windows on Mac)
- Click on the iCloud Drive folder in one window and the Google Drive folder in the other
- Select the files you want to transfer by holding the shift key and clicking on the bottom file
- Drag the selected files to the Google Drive folder
It's worth noting that you can also transfer files from iCloud Drive to Google Drive without using the Google Drive app. However, this method requires more steps and can be more time-consuming.
Benefits and Compatibility
If you use a mix of devices, Google Drive is a more versatile option. It works seamlessly across multiple devices, including iPhones, Windows PCs, and Android tablets.
Google Drive's integration with Google Workspace services is a game-changer for frequent users. It automatically syncs all your files, including documents, sheets, and images, if you use the same email account across these services.
Manual uploads and syncs are a thing of the past with Google Drive. Any document, sheet, file, or image shared with you will automatically sync with your Google Drive, making life much easier.
Workspace Syncs Better
Google Drive integrates perfectly with Google Workspace services like Google Sheets and Docs if you use the same email account across these services.
Any document, sheet, file, and image shared with you will automatically sync with your Google Drive.
On the other hand, iCloud requires manual uploading of files unless you're creating them with apps that specifically use iCloud as a storage medium.
Automatic backups and syncs make life much easier with Google Drive's seamless integration.
Multi-Device Compatibility
Google Drive is a more versatile option for users who don't rely solely on Apple devices. This is because it's easier to share files across multiple devices, including iPhones, Windows PCs, and Android tablets.
Google Drive's storage is more useful for those who use a mix of devices. If you use a lot of non-Apple devices, Google Drive's storage is likely to be more beneficial.
iCloud, on the other hand, is native to iPhones and the Apple ecosystem. This makes it easy to back up your iPhone and other Apple devices regularly.
If you back up your iPhone and other Apple devices regularly, you'll never have to worry about losing your app data, files, information, photos, and videos.
Alternatives and Considerations
If you're considering a switch from iCloud to Google Drive, you have several alternatives to consider.
One option is to explore other cloud storage services like Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox, which offer similar features and pricing plans.
Another consideration is the cost, as Google Drive's free plan offers 15GB of storage, which is more generous than iCloud's 5GB free plan.
Prices Are Comparable
iCloud's paid plans are quite pricey compared to other cloud storage providers like Google Drive, especially in regions outside of the US.
The pricing from both providers is pretty much the same in the US, with iCloud's 50GB plan costing $0.99/month and Google Drive's 100GB plan costing $1.99/month.
Google Drive sometimes offers discounts on its cloud storage plans, which could save you some money - we're looking at savings from $3 to $39 on their plans at the time of writing.
If you live in Europe, Asia, or Africa, you could be paying twice as much as someone in the US for the same iCloud storage plan, which is a significant difference.
Google Drive offers consistent pricing worldwide, unlike iCloud, which has different pricing across regions.
Can I Data?
You can transfer data from iCloud to Google Drive in two quick ways. One of the users was able to transfer 4,000 photos from iCloud to Google Drive.
It's worth noting that the user had a shared iCloud with their wife, and they were both using iPhones before switching to Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace iCloud with Google Drive?
Yes, you can replace iCloud with Google Drive, but be aware that manual backups are required. For iPhone users, consider the convenience of automatic iCloud backups before making the switch.
Can you drag and drop from iCloud to Google Drive?
Yes, you can drag and drop files from iCloud to Google Drive, allowing for a seamless transfer of data between the two platforms. Follow the simple steps outlined in our guide to get started.
Sources
- https://www.imobie.com/cloud-transfer/transfer-icloud-to-google-drive.htm
- https://www.howtogeek.com/can-you-ditch-icloud-for-google-drive-i-gave-it-a-shot/
- https://inclowdz.wondershare.com/cloud-transfer/transfer-icloud-to-google-drive.html
- https://www.cbackup.com/articles/transfer-icloud-to-google-drive-5026-rc.html
- https://crackberry.com/icloud-drive-google-drive
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