How to Switch from Google Drive to Nextcloud

Why Switch from Google Drive to Nextcloud?

Google Drive stores all your files on Google’s servers where they can be scanned, analyzed, and potentially accessed by Google or third parties. Nextcloud gives you complete control over your data—host it yourself or with a trusted provider.

Option A: Self-Hosted Nextcloud

Step 1: Choose Your Hosting

VPS Providers (recommended for beginners):

• Hetzner Cloud (~$5/month)
• DigitalOcean Droplets
• Linode

Home Server Options:

• Raspberry Pi 4 (8GB recommended)
• Old desktop computer
• NAS devices with Nextcloud support

Step 2: Install Nextcloud

Using Snap (easiest):

sudo snap install nextcloud

Using Docker:

docker run -d \
  -v nextcloud:/var/www/html \
  -p 8080:80 \
  nextcloud

Manual Installation: Follow the Nextcloud documentation for your server type.

Step 3: Configure SSL

1. Point your domain to your server
2. Install Certbot for free SSL
3. Run: sudo certbot --nginx or --apache

Option B: Managed Nextcloud

Skip the setup with a managed provider:

• Hetzner Managed Nextcloud
• Disroot
• Various Nextcloud hosting providers

Step 4: Export Google Drive Data

1. Go to Google Takeout
2. Deselect all products
3. Select only “Drive”
4. Choose export settings:
   • Format: Original or .zip
   • Frequency: One-time export
   • File size: 50GB (or larger)
5. Start export and wait for download links

Step 5: Import to Nextcloud

Via Web Interface:

1. Log into your Nextcloud instance
2. Click the + button > Upload folder
3. Select your Google Drive export folders
4. Wait for upload to complete

Via Desktop Sync Client (faster for large amounts):

1. Download the Nextcloud desktop client
2. Connect to your Nextcloud instance
3. Copy extracted Google Drive files to your Nextcloud sync folder
4. Wait for sync to complete

Step 6: Install Nextcloud Apps

Enhance functionality with apps:

1. Go to your Nextcloud > Apps
2. Install essential apps:
   • Nextcloud Office (Collabora or OnlyOffice)
   • Calendar (for Google Calendar replacement)
   • Contacts (for Google Contacts)
   • Talk (for Google Meet replacement)
   • Notes (for Google Keep)

Step 7: Set Up Sync Clients

Install Nextcloud clients on all devices:

• Desktop: nextcloud.com/install
• Mobile: App Store / Google Play
• File Manager: Use WebDAV in your OS file manager

Step 8: Migrate Collaborators

If you share files with others:

1. Create accounts for collaborators on your Nextcloud
2. Share folders using Nextcloud’s sharing feature
3. Or use public links with passwords for external sharing

Step 9: Clean Up Google Drive

Once migration is complete:

1. Verify all files are in Nextcloud
2. Remove files from Google Drive
3. Consider keeping Google account for legacy access
4. Or delete via Google Account settings

Troubleshooting

Upload speed is slow: Use the desktop sync client instead of web upload.

File format issues: Google Docs format needs to be exported as .docx/.xlsx first.

Storage running out: Expand your server storage or consider external storage mounts.

Office documents not editing: Install Collabora or OnlyOffice integration.

What’s Next?

• Set up automatic backups for your Nextcloud
• Enable end-to-end encryption for sensitive folders
• Connect calendar and contacts to replace Google Calendar
• Explore the Nextcloud app ecosystem