How to Access Your Files on Google Drive or Google Cloud with Globus

You can use Globus to access, share, and manage your data stored in Google Drive or Google Cloud. To do so, you will need access to a mapped collection that supports the Google Drive or Google Cloud connector. This type of collection must be installed and configured by a system administrator, requires an active Globus subscription, and is typically operated by your institution or a collaborator’s institution. If you do not have access to such a collection, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

To begin, use the Collection Search interface of the Globus Web App to find the mapped collection.

Collection Search interface with 'Globus Staff' in collection input

Once you choose the collection, Globus will prompt you to login.

File Manager with 'Authentication/Consent Required' message

You will be presented with options for choosing an identity required for access. In this example, only Globus staff members may access the collection, and therefore the user must login with their globus.org identity.

Globus interface with 'Identity Required' message

Once you have logged in, you will be asked to consent to allow Globus services to access data on your behalf if this is the first time you are accessing the collection.

Globus interface listing permissions the Globus Web App is requesting

Next, you need to register your Google credential and grant permissions to allow the Globus endpoint operated by your institution to access data on Google Drive or Google Cloud on your behalf. This is a two step process. The first step is to register your credential.

File Manager interface with 'Authentication Required' message

If this is the first time you are accessing the collection, you will be asked to consent to allow the Globus endpoint at your institution to manage your Google credential.

Collection details page on Credentials tab with 'Authentication/Consent Required' message

Select continue to register your credential. You may need to choose which Google account to register for use with this collection.

The second step is to log into Google and grant permissions for the Globus endpoint operated by your institution to access data on Google Drive or Google Cloud on your behalf.

Google page stating Globus wants access to Google Account

Once your credentials are registered and permission is granted, you should see your data on Google Drive or Google Cloud in the familiar Globus listing interface.

File Manager interface with directory listing

If you would like to share your data on Google Drive or Google Cloud, please read the How to Guide on data sharing using Globus.