How to Share Google Drive Files With Anyone (Anywhere)

Mehvish Mushtaq is a computer engineer by degree. Her love for Android and gadgets led her to develop the first Android app for Kashmir. Known as Dial Kashmir, she won the prestigious Nari Shakti award from the President of India. She has been writing about technology for 6+ years and her favorite categories include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, social media, and web apps.

Afam has been a content writer with Guiding Tech Media since August 2023. However, his experience in tech writing dates back to 2018, when he worked as a freelance writer for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has grown a reputation for publishing quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles. His work is featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, and Next of Windows. He has training as a Microsoft Certified Professional and has covered more Microsoft-related guides on these platforms.

Method 1: Sending It as an Email

One of the easiest ways to share files or folders from Google Drive is by emailing. Enter the email addresses, and recipients will receive an email with the shared files or folders. Follow these steps to share a Google Drive folder or file on a PC or mobile:

On Computer

Step 1: Open theGoogle Drive websiteandright-clickon the file or folder you want to share.

Step 2:SelectShare>Share.

Step 3:A pop-up window will appear. In it, enter theemail addressesof the people with whom you want to share the selected Google Drive file or folder.

Step 4:On the next screen, customize the sharing permission. By default, the users have editing permissions, which you can change by clicking on theEditorbox and selectingViewerorCommenter.

Step 5:You can also add a custom message for the email and click onSend.

Tip: Knowhow sharing works on Google Drive

On Mobile

Step 1:Open theGoogle Drive appon your Android or iPhone.

Step 2:Tap thethree-doticonnext to or under the file or folder and selectSharefrom the menu.

Step 3:Add theemail addresseswith whom you want to share the file > tap onEditorto change the permission > click theSendicon.

Tip:Know how todownload files from Google Drive on iPhone

The above method lets you share Google Drive files through email. But what if you want to send them using a different app? Thankfully, you can do it by sharing a unique Google Drive link. Simply create the link, copy it, and send it in any app you choose, like WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Outlook, etc.

On PC

Step 1:The first few steps are the same as the above method, i.e., right-click on the file or folder. SelectShare>Share.

Step 2:TheRestrictedoption is selected by default. Click on theCopy linkbutton and paste it into your chosen app.

Step 3:Alternatively, you can share it with anyone by clicking on theRestrictedtext > selectingAnyone with the link.

Step 4:Next, click on theViewer/Editorbox and select thepermissionyou want users to have.

Step 5:Finally, click theCopy linkbutton and share it with your friends, family, or co-workers.

Step 6:Click onDoneto close the window.

Tip:Know what happens when youshare a Google Drive link.

On Mobile

Step 1: In the Google Drive mobile app, tap thethree-dot iconnext to the file or folder > selectSharefrom the menu.

Step 2:Tap theNot Shared(or any other)iconat the bottom under Manage Access.

Step 3:If you want to email the link to the users with whom you have shared the files, tap on theLink iconat the top to copy the link to your clipboard.

Step 4:Alternatively, tap onChangeunder Restricted >Restricted.

Step 5: SelectAnyone with the link.

Step 6: Tap onViewerto manage the permission of the file. Finally, tap on theLink iconat the top to copy the link, which you can share with anyone.

A few things to note:

Method 3: Share Multiple Files or Folders

Sharing multiple files or folders from Google Drive is easy. First, select the files, and then the methods to share those files are the same as above. Let’s learn how to select and share multiple Google Drive files on a PC:

Step 1:Select one of the files or folders. Then, hold theCtrlkey > click thefilesyou want to select.

Tip: If you want to select multiple files in succession, select the first file, hold theShiftkey, and click on the last file to select.

Step 2:Release theShiftorCtrlkey. The selected items will show as highlighted. Right-click on anyselected item> chooseShare>Share.

Step 3:Then, you can share the multiple files via email or copy their individual links. You can manage their access permissions individually.

Note:You can’t share multiple files from an Android or iPhone. You mustadd the files to a folderand share that folder.

Method 4: Sharing an Open File

Whenever you open any file stored in Google Drive, be it the native Google Drive files like Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, and Slides or any image or video, you will find aSharebutton at the top. Click on it to open the Share pop-up, from where you can send the file in an email or copy its link.

In the case of Google Forms, open the Form and click on the three-dot icon, followed by Add collaborators if you want others to change your Google Form.

Note:When you share a Google Doc, Sheets, or Slides, people can change the document if you have set the permission to Editor.

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Last updated on 12 August, 2024

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