Quick Search:

What Is Google Drive Storage?

Google Drive
Google Drive

Google Drive storage is essentially your personal cloud locker. When you sign up for a Google account, you automatically get 15GB of free space. This storage is shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

Think of it like a digital backpack—it holds your files, photos, emails, and videos all in one place, accessible from any device. But once that backpack fills up, you’re forced to either clean it out or get a bigger one.

That’s where upgrading your storage plan—or better yet, sharing it—comes in.

Types of Google Drive Plans

Google offers several plans beyond the free tier. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Plan Storage Monthly Cost (USD)
Free 15 GB $0
Basic 100 GB $1.99
Standard 200 GB $2.99
Premium 2 TB $9.99

With these paid plans, especially the 200GB or 2TB plans, you can share storage with up to five family members using Google One. It's more affordable and efficient—no need for each person to pay separately.

>> Let’s clearly know Google One vs Google Drive.

Why Share Google Drive Storage?

Sharing your Google Drive storage isn’t just generous—it’s practical. Let’s break it down.

Save Money with Shared Plans

Buying individual storage plans for every family member can get pricey. Instead, one shared plan means everyone gets access without multiple subscriptions.

Simplify File Management

Need to keep work docs, school projects, or travel plans in one place? Shared storage makes it easy to collaborate without bouncing links back and forth.

Enhance Collaboration

Whether you're working on a group project, running a business, or planning a family vacation, sharing storage keeps everyone on the same page—literally.

Google One: The Key to Sharing Storage

Here’s the kicker—you can’t actually share storage directly through basic Google Drive. You need Google One.

What Is Google One?

Google One is Google’s premium subscription service that bundles extra storage across Drive, Gmail, and Photos. It also unlocks support, VPN access (on some plans), and, yep—you guessed it—family sharing.

Storage Plans That Support Sharing

Google One plans start at 100GB and go all the way up to 30TB. You can share most plans (100GB and up) with up to five family members.

Who Can You Share With?

Only members of your Google Family Group. More on that shortly!

How to Set Up a Google Family Group

Google Family Group
Google Family Group

1. Creating a Family Group

Before you can share storage, you need to set up a family group. Here’s how:

1. Go to families.google.com.

2. Click Get Started.

Get Started
Get Started

3. Add your family name and click Next.

4. Invite members via email.

Boom. Your family group is live.

2. Adding Members to the Group

Now that your group is created:

1. Head back to families.google.com.

2. Click Invite family members.

3. Enter the Gmail address of up to 5 people.

Invite Family Members
Invite Family Members

4. They’ll receive an invite link in their email.

5. Once accepted, they’re part of the group.

That’s the foundation. Once this is set, you’re ready to share that sweet storage space.

How to Share Google Drive Storage via Google One

Alright, once your family group is set up, here’s how to actually share your storage:

1. Go to Google One: Head to one.google.com.

2. Sign In: Use the account that has the paid Google One plan.

3. Go to Settings: Look for the gear icon in the left-hand menu.

4. Manage Family Settings: Under "Manage Family Settings", you’ll see the option to manage your family group.

5. Toggle On "Share Google One with Family": Click to enable the feature.

Toggle On Share Google One with Family
Toggle On Share Google One with Family

As soon as it’s turned on, your storage gets distributed to everyone in your family group. Each member still uses their own Drive, but now they all pull from your shared storage pool. It’s like giving everyone their own locker in the same digital storage room.

This setup doesn’t allow access to your personal files—only the space is shared. So, you can relax—nobody’s accidentally stumbling upon your old tax returns or cat memes (unless you want them to).

Tips for Managing Shared Storage Effectively

Let’s be honest: sharing space can get messy. Here’s how to keep things tidy and drama-free.

Monitor Usage Regularly

Use your Google One dashboard to see who’s using how much space. That way, if someone’s hoarding 80GB of cat videos, you’ll know.

Organize Shared Folders

Create shared folders for projects or themes—like "School", "Photos", or "Vacations"—so people know where to put things.

Communicate with Members

Have a quick chat with your group about what should (and shouldn’t) go in Drive. Trust me, it saves headaches later.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! If you’ve ever wondered how to share Google Drive storage, how do I share Google Drive storage with others, or how to share Google Drive storage with family, you’re now fully equipped. It’s all about upgrading to Google One, creating a family group, and managing the space smartly.

Whether you're collaborating on projects or just want to save a few bucks, shared storage is a win-win for everyone involved.

Bonus Tip: Best Way to Move Google Drive Data to Another

If you're looking for the best way to move Google Drive data to another account or cloud, look no further than MultCloud. MultCloud is an all-in-one cloud management platform that makes transferring, syncing, and backing up files between multiple cloud drives incredibly easy and secure.

Instead of downloading files manually and re-uploading them to a new account, MultCloud lets you migrate your Google Drive data directly and automatically — saving you tons of time and effort. With its intuitive interface, powerful transfer features, and support for over 30 popular cloud services, MultCloud is the ultimate tool for anyone wanting a hassle-free cloud-to-cloud transfer experience.

  • Cloud Transfer: Seamless cloud migration between different services and accounts, supporting scheduled migration.
  • Team Transfer: Seamless cloud migration between different enterprise storage services, supporting batch migration of sub-accounts.
  • Cloud Sync: Real-time sync of data between different services, supporting 10 sync modes.
  • Cloud Backup: Important data backup between different services, supporting version management and data recovery.
MultCloud Logo

Manage 30+ popular clouds in one platform.

Sign up Free

100% secure

New Release

Instagram Downloader

Effortlessly download and save Instagram posts, reels, stories, and highlights to manage your favorite content anytime.

Get Started for Free