Google Drive file request: how to let others upload to your Drive

Updated 2026-10-17. Sources are linked inline; we cite Google's own help pages where possible.

Dropbox has File Requests and OneDrive has “Request files”. Google Drive has no equivalent upload-only link for people outside Google. Sharing a folder as Editor lets people add files, but it requires a Google account and also lets them see, rename or delete everything else in the folder. Google's “visitor sharing” lets non-Google users collaborate only in eligible Google Workspace setups, with PIN verification (Google Drive Help).

Option 1: Share a folder as Editor (Google users only)

Free and native, but uploaders need a Google account and get full edit access to the folder's contents.

Option 2: Google Form with a File upload question

Upload-only, and files land in your Drive, but every uploader must sign in (Google), and the form can't be embedded on your site.

Option 3: Visitor sharing (Google Workspace only)

If your organization is on an eligible Workspace edition and the admin enables it, non-Google visitors can be invited with a PIN (Google). Not available on personal Gmail.

Option 4: A third-party file request link

An upload-only page that anyone can use, saving into a Drive folder you pick. Examples: cloudHQ File Request (Gmail add-on, freemium), DriveUploader (free plan, Pro $17.99/month), File Request Pro (from $19/month), and CatchFolder (early access: $12 for a 30-day event or $59/year, running inside your own Google account).

What to look for

Upload-only: uploaders can't see other people's files.
Files go to your Drive, not a vendor's storage.
A log of who sent what (a Sheet row per file).
Limits on file type, size and count, plus an expiry date.

Want a link anyone can upload to, straight into your Drive? CatchFolder gives you an upload link that needs no Google account and drops files into a folder in your own Google Drive. Early access: $12 for a 30-day Event Pass, with your license and setup guide right after checkout and a full refund if it doesn't work for you within 21 days. See how it works and pricing →

FAQ

Does Google Drive have a file request feature like Dropbox?

No native upload-only request link exists for people without a Google account. Visitor sharing is limited to eligible Google Workspace setups (source: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/9195194?hl=en).

Can I send someone a link to upload to my Google Drive?

Yes: share a folder as Editor (they need a Google account and get edit access), use a Google Form (they must sign in), or use a third-party file request link that needs no account.

Is sharing a folder as Editor safe for collecting files?

Not for strangers: editors can open, rename or delete other files in that folder. An upload-only link is safer.