Migrating from Google Drive to Nextcloud

Nextcloud is a self-hosted productivity platform that provides functionality similar to Google Drive but with full control over your data. It's an open-source solution that aligns with EU digital sovereignty principles.

Why Switch to Nextcloud?

Google Drive stores your data on Google's servers, where it can be analyzed for advertising purposes. Nextcloud, on the other hand, can be hosted in the EU on servers compliant with GDPR regulations, giving you:

• Complete data ownership
• Enhanced privacy protection
• No tracking or profiling
• Freedom from vendor lock-in

Before You Begin

Prerequisites

• Active Google Drive account with files you want to migrate
• A Nextcloud account (either self-hosted or through a provider)
• Sufficient storage space on your Nextcloud account
• Stable internet connection

What You'll Need

• Computer with internet access
• Google account credentials
• Nextcloud login credentials
• Optional: External hard drive for large migrations

Step 1: Set Up Nextcloud

Option A: Choose a Nextcloud Provider

1. Visit the Nextcloud providers list
2. Compare providers based on location, storage limits, and pricing
3. Sign up with your chosen provider
4. Verify your account and log in

Option B: Self-Host Nextcloud

If you're technically inclined and want complete control:

1. Acquire server space (either physical or from a cloud provider)
2. Follow the Nextcloud server installation guide
3. Configure your server settings
4. Create your administrator account

Step 2: Install Nextcloud Desktop Client

1. Download the Nextcloud desktop client for your operating system
2. Install the application following the on-screen instructions
3. Launch the Nextcloud client
4. Enter your Nextcloud server address and login credentials
5. Choose which folders to synchronize

Step 3: Download Your Google Drive Data

For Small to Medium Amount of Data

1. Go to Google Drive
2. Select files and folders you want to migrate
3. Right-click and select "Download"
4. Wait for the download to complete
5. Extract the downloaded ZIP file if necessary

For Large Amount of Data

1. Visit Google Takeout
2. Deselect all services except "Drive"
3. Click "Next step"
4. Choose delivery method, frequency, and file size
5. Click "Create export"
6. Download your data when ready (this may take hours or days)

Step 4: Upload to Nextcloud

Using the Web Interface

1. Log in to your Nextcloud web interface
2. Click the "+" button to create new folders matching your Google Drive structure
3. Navigate to each folder and click "Upload" to add files
4. Repeat until all your content is uploaded

Using the Desktop Client

1. Ensure the Nextcloud client is running and connected
2. Open the local Nextcloud folder on your computer
3. Create folders matching your Google Drive structure
4. Copy your downloaded Google Drive files into these folders
5. Wait for synchronization to complete

Step 5: Verify Your Migration

1. Log in to your Nextcloud web interface
2. Compare the folder structure with your original Google Drive
3. Open several files to ensure they transferred correctly
4. Check for any missing files or folders
5. Test file sharing and permissions if needed

Step 6: Set Up Mobile Access

1. Download the Nextcloud app from your device's app store
2. Open the app and enter your server address
3. Log in with your Nextcloud credentials
4. Configure auto-upload for photos and videos if desired
5. Select folders to make available offline

Step 7: Clean Up

1. Make a final verification that all data has been transferred successfully
2. Consider keeping your Google Drive account active for a transition period
3. Update any shared links to point to your Nextcloud shares
4. Inform collaborators about your new storage location

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Synchronization Problems

• Files not syncing: Check your internet connection and restart the Nextcloud client
• Conflict errors: Open the Nextcloud client, check for conflict notifications and resolve them

Storage Limitations

• Insufficient space: Upgrade your storage plan or clean up unnecessary files
• File size limits: Check if your Nextcloud instance has file size limitations

Permission Issues

• Cannot access files: Verify that your account has the correct permissions
• Sharing problems: Ensure that sharing is enabled for your Nextcloud instance

Getting Help

• Visit the Nextcloud support forums
• Check the Nextcloud documentation
• Contact your Nextcloud provider's support team

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully migrated from Google Drive to Nextcloud. You now have greater control over your data, improved privacy, and are supporting digital sovereignty principles.

Remember to explore Nextcloud's additional features beyond file storage, such as calendar, contacts, tasks, and collaborative document editing.

This guide was last updated on March 20, 2025. If you find outdated information, please let us know.