Using Google Drive on Linux may not be as straightforward as on Windows or macOS, but several solutions make it possible to access, sync, and manage files seamlessly. In this guide, I’ll explore ways to enable Google Drive on Linux using both GUI tools and command-line utilities.
Method 1: Using GNOME Online Accounts (For GNOME Users)
If you’re using a GNOME desktop environment (such as on Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian), you can integrate Google Drive directly.
Step 1: Open GNOME Online Accounts
- Go to Settings → Online Accounts.
- Click Add Account → Select Google.
Step 2: Login to Google Account
- Enter your Google credentials and sign in.
- Grant permission for GNOME to access your Google Drive.
Step 3: Access Google Drive
- Once connected, Google Drive will appear in your file manager under “Google” or “Remote Files”.
- You can now browse, open, and manage files directly from the file manager.
Method 2: Use rclone to Sync Google Drive via Terminal
If you prefer working with the command line, is a powerful tool to sync Google Drive with Linux.
Step 1: First install google drive tool repository called: “ppa:alessandro-strada/ppa”. In terminal type: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alessandro-strada/ppa .
Step 2: Update the system. Type : sudo apt-get update.
Step 3: Install the tool called : google-drive-ocamlfuse. In terminal type : sudo apt-get install google-drive-ocamlfuse.
Step 4: To connect with google drive type in terminal : “google-drive-ocamlfuse”. this will go for login in your gdrive in browser. accept all the permissions. It will take some time to authenticate the token.
Step 5: After successful token authorization try to mount the gdrive content in your desired location type in terminal : google-drive-ocamlfuse your location path.
Thats it!!!.
