OneDrive will soon be able to import files from Google Drive

It looks like OneDrive will now be able to import files from Google Drive and other competing cloud services. This makes migrating to Microsoft’s cloud storage platform much easier.

The potential new options were discovered by Android Authority in an APK teardown done for the latest OneDrive app Beta 1 update (v7.4). According to the report, this version includes strings that indicate future file import functionality from other cloud storage services. This string mentions new features as well as compatible services.

OneDrive may soon be able to import Google Drive and Dropbox files

In the sources, we found direct references to Google Drive, Google Photos, and even Dropbox. This feature seems to only work when connected to a Wi-Fi network. One of the strings says:OneDrive imports photos and files without using your device’s mobile data plan.The import will continue even if you close the app”

There are also tips on configuring the import process. One of the strings says:Sign in to your account to import” This suggests that you need to log into the service from which you want to import files from the OneDrive app. So you can do everything in one place without having to move between different apps. “”Import cloud files‘ option is available directly from the app’s main settings menu.

Another string contains the phrase “”.Quota limit exceeded” So if the total size of the files you import from another service (such as Google Drive) exceeds the available space in your OneDrive account, you may receive a notification.

We do not know when this feature will be available

It is still unclear when this feature will be implemented, or if it will be implemented at all. However, this finding suggests a much easier way to migrate to OneDrive. Such an option could also drive adoption of Microsoft’s cloud storage services. After all, one of the reasons to keep this style of service is how cumbersome it is to completely migrate your files.

April 22, 2024