Switch cloud storage providers
Moving between Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive or iCloud can break shared links, camera uploads and connected apps. Copy everything, check it arrived, and cancel the old plan last.
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A few questions, revealed as they become relevant. Your answers stay in this browser.
Start with the basics
We never ask for phone numbers, card numbers, passwords or codes. Names of providers or nicknames are enough.
Your plan so far
9things this change touches
- critical2
- high1
- moderate6
- low0
Updates as you answer. Every item will explain why it’s there.
What could break
In a typical cloud storage plan, these are the most serious things to get right.
Dropbox: download a full copy
Critical · Data & files
Files that fail to transfer could be lost when the old account closes.
Compare file counts and sizes before deleting anything
Critical · Data & files
You delete the only copy of something that didn't transfer.
Make sure the new service has enough space
High · Subscriptions & billing
Part of your library silently fails to copy.
Photos: albums, edits and metadata
High · Data & files
Photos arrive without albums, with the wrong dates, or as duplicates.
Switch camera upload to the new service
High · Devices
New photos go to the old service, or to neither, and are lost if the phone is.
Phone and computer backups
High · Devices
If the old backup is deleted before a new one exists, a lost or broken device can't be restored.
Shared folders and collaborators
High · People to tell
Collaborators lose access, keep editing the old copy, or you lose access to folders they own.
Links you've sent or published will break
High · Website & DNS
People clicking links on your website, in documents or old emails see an error or nothing at all.
Take stock of what's stored and how much
Moderate · Data & files
You discover a forgotten folder or backup only after the old account is gone.
Secure the new storage account
Moderate · Sign-in & recovery
A lockout or takeover could put your whole library out of reach.
Before and after the change
Before you change it
- Make sure the new service has enough space
- Take stock of what's stored and how much
- Secure the new storage account
- Dropbox: download a full copy
After the change
- Photos: albums, edits and metadata
- Upload to the new service in batches
- Version history and comments won't move
- Switch camera upload to the new service
- Phone and computer backups
- Switch the sync apps on your computers
- Shared folders and collaborators
- Links you've sent or published will break
- Apps and automations connected to the old storage
- Compare file counts and sizes before deleting anything
- Cancel the paid plan last
- Decide what to do with the old account
Your own plan adds or removes items based on your answers, and explains why each one is there.
The safe order
Doing things in the right sequence is what keeps you from getting locked out halfway through.
Before the change
Step 1: Take stock and check space
Know what you have and make sure it fits.
- Make sure the new service has enough space (high risk)
- Take stock of what's stored and how much (moderate risk)
- Secure the new storage account (moderate risk)
Step 2: Make a full copy you control
Download everything before you change anything.
- Dropbox: download a full copy (critical risk)
During the change
Step 3: Move files and photos in batches
Most important first, keeping the folder structure.
- Photos: albums, edits and metadata (high risk)
- Upload to the new service in batches (moderate risk)
- Version history and comments won't move (moderate risk)
Step 4: Switch sync apps, camera upload and backups
So new files and photos go to the new service.
- Switch camera upload to the new service (high risk)
- Phone and computer backups (high risk)
- Switch the sync apps on your computers (moderate risk)
Immediately after
Step 5: Re-share folders and reconnect apps
Sharing, links and integrations don't move with the files.
- Shared folders and collaborators (high risk)
- Links you've sent or published will break (high risk)
- Apps and automations connected to the old storage (moderate risk)
Verify
Step 6: Check everything arrived
Compare counts and sizes before you delete anything.
- Compare file counts and sizes before deleting anything (critical risk)
Clean up
Step 7: Cancel and clean up last
Only after the copy is verified.
- Cancel the paid plan last (moderate risk)
- Decide what to do with the old account (moderate risk)
Why this change needs a plan
Cloud storage feels like a folder, but it's also a set of shared links, collaborator permissions, phone photo uploads, device backups and connections to other apps. None of those move when you copy the files.
Some things don't transfer at all. Version history and comments stay behind, some photo albums, edits and metadata may be lost, and documents in a provider's own format are converted when downloaded. Keep the old account until you're sure.
The safe order is: take stock, make a full copy, move and switch your devices, reconnect sharing and apps, verify, then cancel the old plan last.
Why it matters
Your photos and documents may exist only in the cloud. A rushed switch can leave gaps you don't notice until you need a file, and cancelling too early can put old files beyond reach.
What makes it risky
Risk is highest when you have a large photo library, folders shared with other people, links published elsewhere, or devices that back up to the old service.
Common mistakes
- Deleting files or cancelling the old plan before checking that everything arrived.
- Leaving camera upload on in both apps, or turning it off in both.
- Forgetting that links you've sent or published will stop working.
- Assuming albums, edits and version history move with the files.
- Expecting folders other people own to move with your account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer directly between cloud services?
Sometimes. Apple offers a transfer of a copy of iCloud Photos to Google Photos, and Google Takeout can export Drive and Photos. Otherwise, download a full copy and upload it to the new service. Check each provider's current options.
Will my shared links still work?
No. Links point to files in the old service. Re-share from the new service and update anywhere you've posted or sent the old links.
What happens to my files if I cancel a paid plan?
It depends on the provider. Going over the free storage limit may stop syncing or uploads, and files may eventually be removed. Check the provider's current policy and download everything before you downgrade.
How do I know everything transferred?
Compare total size, file counts and top-level folders between the two services, open a sample of files from different folders and years, and check your photo library's oldest and newest items.