How to Use Multiple Google Drive Accounts on macOS

Do you use multiple Google Drive accounts for work, personal projects, or other reasons? Unfortunately, Google Drive for macOS doesn’t allow users to switch between accounts easily or sync multiple accounts at the same time.

But don’t worry—there are ways to install and use multiple instances of Google Drive on your macOS device. This guide will walk you through several methods, from creating separate macOS user profiles to using third-party tools, so you can manage multiple accounts efficiently.

What You Need Before You Start

Before setting up multiple instances of Google Drive on macOS, make sure you have the following ready:

• macOS Version: Ensure your Mac is running macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later. Google Drive works best with newer versions of macOS.
• Google Drive App: Download and install the official Google Drive app from Google’s website.
• Secondary Google Accounts: Have your additional Google accounts ready with login credentials.
• Stable Internet Connection: A reliable connection is required for syncing data between accounts.

Once you’ve checked these requirements, you can proceed with one of the methods below to set up multiple Google Drive instances.

Method 1: Using Separate User Accounts on macOS

One of the easiest ways to run multiple Google Drive instances on macOS is by creating separate user accounts. Each account can have its own Google Drive app, logged into a different Google account. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New User Profile

1. Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences.



2. Go to Users & Groups and click the Lock icon to make changes.



3. Click the + button to add a new user.



4. Fill in the details for the new user and click Create User.

Step 2: Set Up Google Drive in the New Profile

1. Log out of your current account and sign in to the new user profile.



2. Download and install the Google Drive app.



3. Sign in with your secondary Google account and set up sync preferences.

Step 3: Switch Between Profiles as Needed

When you need access to a different Google Drive account, simply switch profiles from the Apple Menu > Log Out, and sign into the other user account.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Completely separate profiles ensure no data overlap between accounts.
• Cons: Switching between macOS profiles can be time-consuming.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

If you prefer a more seamless solution without switching macOS profiles, third-party apps like CloudMounter or ExpanDrive allow you to mount multiple Google Drive accounts as network drives. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Download and Install the App

1. Visit the official website for CloudMounter or ExpanDrive.
2. Download and install the application on your Mac.

Step 2: Add Multiple Google Drive Accounts

1. Launch the app and click Add New Connection (or similar option).
2. Select Google Drive as the storage type.



3. Sign in with your first Google account and grant the necessary permissions.



4. Repeat the process to add additional Google accounts.

Step 3: Access Google Drives in Finder

Once connected, each Google Drive account will appear as a separate network drive in Finder, allowing you to manage files just like a local folder.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Centralized access to all accounts without switching profiles.
• Cons: Requires a paid subscription for most features.

Method 3: Using Web Browsers for Multiple Accounts

If you only need occasional access to multiple Google Drive accounts and don’t require Finder integration, web browsers can help. You can either use different browsers or set up multiple profiles in Chrome. Here’s how:

Option 1: Use Different Browsers

1. Log in to your primary Google Drive account using Safari.



2. Open another browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, and log in to your secondary account.

This allows you to manage both accounts simultaneously without switching profiles or installing additional software.

Option 2: Use Multiple Profiles in Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome and click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.



2. Select Add to create a new profile.
3. Log in with a different Google account in the new profile.
4. Switch between profiles by clicking on the profile icon.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: No additional software required, quick and easy setup.
• Cons: Limited to browser access—doesn’t integrate with Finder for local file management.

Method 4: Using Virtual Machines or Containers

For advanced users, virtual machines (VMs) or containers offer a way to run multiple instances of Google Drive in isolated environments. This method is useful if you need complete separation between accounts without switching macOS profiles. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Install a Virtual Machine Application

1. Download and install a VM tool like Parallels Desktop or VirtualBox.



2. Set up a new virtual machine with macOS or a Linux operating system.

Step 2: Configure Google Drive

1. Install the Google Drive app within the virtual machine.
2. Log in with a secondary Google account and configure sync settings.

Step 3: Use Shared Folders (Optional)

You can set up shared folders between the host macOS and the VM to transfer files easily without re-downloading them.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Full isolation of accounts and complete independence between instances.
• Cons: Complex setup, requires additional resources like RAM and storage.

Troubleshooting Tips

Running multiple instances of Google Drive can sometimes lead to errors or syncing issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Sync Errors Between Accounts

• Ensure the Google Drive app is updated to the latest version.
• Check that there is enough storage available in each account.
• Pause and resume syncing in the app to restart the process.

2. Conflicts with File Versioning

• Avoid modifying the same files across multiple accounts to prevent version conflicts.
• Use the “Backup and Sync” option instead of “Stream Files” if conflicts persist.

3. Performance Issues

• Reduce the number of files being synced at once by selecting specific folders instead of syncing everything.
• Close unused applications to free up memory and processing power.
• Restart the Google Drive app or reboot your Mac if performance slows down.

4. Login or Authentication Problems

• Clear browser cache and cookies if web-based logins fail.
• Reinstall the Google Drive app if authentication issues occur within the app.

Following these troubleshooting steps should resolve most issues you encounter. If problems persist, visit the Google Drive Help Center for additional support.

Security and Privacy Considerations

When using multiple Google Drive accounts, it’s essential to prioritize security and privacy to protect your data. Here are a few best practices:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Activate 2FA for each Google account to add an extra layer of security.
• Visit Google Account Security to enable this feature.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Ensure each Google account has a strong, unique password.
• Use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass to manage passwords securely.

3. Encrypt Sensitive Files

• Encrypt files before uploading them to Google Drive for added security.
• Tools like Cryptomator can help encrypt your files locally before syncing.

4. Monitor Account Activity

• Regularly check for suspicious activity in your Google account under Security Settings.
• Log out of inactive devices connected to your Google Drive accounts.

5. Backup Important Data

• Keep offline backups of critical files to avoid data loss in case of accidental deletions or sync errors.
• Consider using an external hard drive or another cloud service for redundancy.

Following these steps will help keep your data safe while managing multiple Google Drive accounts.

Conclusion

Managing multiple Google Drive accounts on macOS might seem tricky at first, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. Whether you prefer using separate macOS profiles, third-party tools, browser-based solutions, or virtual machines, this guide provides the steps you need to get started.

For quick access and simplicity, using web browsers or Chrome profiles works best. If you need Finder integration and seamless syncing, third-party apps like CloudMounter or ExpanDrive are excellent options. On the other hand, advanced users may find virtual machines more suitable for complete isolation between accounts.

No matter which method you choose, don’t forget to follow the security tips outlined above to keep your data safe and secure. If you run into any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section for quick fixes.