Google Drive has become an essential tool for many users, allowing them to store and access files in the cloud, collaborate with others, and synchronize data across multiple devices. If you’re an Ubuntu user, integrating Google Drive with your desktop environment can make managing your files and workflow much easier. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of accessing Google Drive on Ubuntu using Gnome Online Accounts, a built-in feature that simplifies the integration of online services with the GNOME desktop environment.

Using Gnome Online Accounts

Gnome Online Accounts is a feature in the GNOME desktop environment that allows users to easily integrate their online accounts and services with their Linux desktop. It provides a centralized location for managing various online accounts such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and other services.

By adding an account in Gnome Online Accounts, users can access and synchronize their data across multiple applications and services, such as email, calendar, contacts, and cloud storage. This integration enables seamless access to the user’s online data through the GNOME desktop environment, making it easier to manage and work with their accounts and files.

For example, when a user adds their Google account to Gnome Online Accounts, they can access their Google Drive files directly from the Files application (Nautilus), use the Evolution email client to manage their Gmail, and have their Google Calendar events show up in the GNOME Calendar app.

Step 1: Open Settings

Click on the Activities menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Type Settings into the search bar and press Enter. Click on the Settings icon to open the application.

Step 2: Add Google Account

In the Settings window, click on Online Accounts in the left pane. Click on the + button in the bottom-left corner to add a new account. Select Google from the list of available online accounts.

Step 3: Sign in to your Google Account

Enter your Google email address and click Next. Enter your password and click Next. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, complete the verification process. Once you’ve successfully signed in, you’ll be asked which services you’d like to use with your Google Account. Make sure the Files option is enabled.

Step 4: Access Google Drive

Open the Files application (Nautilus) from the Activities menu. In the left pane, you’ll see your Google Account listed under the Other Locations section. Click on your account to access your Google Drive files.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accessing Google Drive on Ubuntu using Gnome Online Accounts offers a seamless and convenient way to integrate your cloud storage with the Ubuntu desktop environment. By following this guide, you have successfully connected your Google account to your Ubuntu system, allowing you to access your Google Drive files directly through the Files application and synchronize other Google services such as Gmail and Calendar. This integration not only simplifies your workflow but also enhances your overall experience, making Ubuntu a powerful platform for managing your online data and services.