Sharing Made Simple: Sending Google Drive files and links on WhatsApp

Key Takeaways in a Nutshell:

• Direct Link Sharing: Grant access to specific Google Drive files or folders through a link, allowing recipients to view (or edit, with your permission) the content within WhatsApp.
• Download and Upload: Download desired files from Google Drive to your phone’s storage and then upload them directly into WhatsApp like any other media.
• Bonus Tip: Streamline multi-photo sharing by creating a Google Drive folder, adding your photos, and sharing the folder’s link, eliminating the need for individual link creation.

Ever have a document or photo stored in Google Drive that you need to share with someone on WhatsApp? This guide dives into two effective methods for accomplishing this task, empowering you to leverage the strengths of both platforms seamlessly.

Method 1: Sharing the Google Drive Link on WhatsApp

This method is ideal for situations where you want to grant access to the file without physically downloading it to your phone. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

1. Locate and Access File/Folder: Within the Google Drive app (Android or iPhone), navigate to the file or folder you wish to share. Tap the three-dot menu icon next to it.
2. Manage Access and Permissions: Select “Manage Access” from the menu. Under the “General Access” section, locate “Change” (or “Restricted” on iPhones) and tap on it.
3. Grant Access via Link: Choose “Restricted” and then select “Anyone with the link.” This ensures anyone with the link can view the file.
4. Copy the Link: Tap the Link icon (or the three-dot menu followed by “Copy link” if the icon is absent) to copy the file’s link to your clipboard.
5. Paste and Share in WhatsApp: Open your desired WhatsApp chat and tap and hold on the typing area. Select “Paste” from the pop-up menu to share the Google Drive link.

Important Considerations:

• Link Accessibility: Anyone with the link can access the shared file. Be mindful if the recipient forwards the link, as it grants access to others as well.
• Default Permissions: By default, recipients can only view the file (Viewer mode). To grant editing capabilities, go to “Manage access” > “Change” > “Viewer” and choose “Editor.”
• File Type Versatility: This method works for photos, videos, documents, and even Google files like Docs and Sheets.
• Storage Efficiency: Sharing links doesn’t affect your phone’s storage since you’re not sharing the actual file.

Method 2: Sharing Google Drive Files Like Photos or Videos on WhatsApp

This method is better suited for scenarios where you want to share the actual file as a media element within WhatsApp. Here’s how to achieve this:

1. Download the File: Locate the desired video or photo in Google Drive, tap the three-dot menu icon, and select “Download.” This will save the file to your phone’s storage (Gallery app on Android).
2. Upload to WhatsApp: Open WhatsApp and initiate the upload process. On Android, tap the Attachment icon followed by “Gallery.” On iPhone, tap the “+” icon and choose “Photos.” Select the downloaded file to share it.

Things to Remember:

• Document Handling: Downloaded documents like PDFs will be stored in the Downloads folder and need to be sent as documents within WhatsApp.
• Storage Consumption: Downloading files utilizes your phone’s storage space.

Bonus Method: Sharing Multiple Photos From Google Drive to WhatsApp

Both methods above can be used to share multiple photos, but with limitations. Consider this alternative approach for efficiency:

1. Create a Google Drive Folder: Tap the “+” button and select “Folder” to create a new folder in Google Drive. Name your folder and tap “Create.”
2. Move Photos to the Folder: Select the desired photos in Google Drive and tap the three-dot menu icon. Choose “Move” and select the newly created folder.
3. Share the Folder Link: Finally, follow the steps outlined in Method 1 to share the folder’s link, granting access to all photos within the folder.

By employing these methods, you can effortlessly share Google Drive content directly within your WhatsApp conversations, enhancing collaboration and file sharing experiences.