Google Form file upload without sign-in: what actually works

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

Short answer: you can't turn it off. As soon as a Google Form has a File upload question, Google requires every respondent to sign in. Google's help says: “To answer this question, responders need to sign in to a Google Account” (Google Docs Editors Help). To accept files from people who won't or can't sign in, you have to collect the files outside the File upload question.

Why Google requires sign-in for uploads

Uploaded files are stored in the form owner's Google Drive, in a folder created for the form (Google). Google attaches each upload to the respondent's Google identity, which is why the File upload question can't be answered anonymously. Settings like “Collect email addresses: Do not collect” or removing “Restrict to users in your organization” don't change it.

Your options, compared

Option	Uploaders need Google account?	Files land in your Drive?	Cost
Google Forms File upload question	Yes (Google)	Yes	Free
Ask for a shared link instead (Drive/Dropbox/WeTransfer link as a short-answer)	No	No: you download each one	Free
Email attachments	No	No: manual sorting	Free
Formfacade upload add-on	No	Yes (synced)	From $28/month (pricing)
DriveUploader / File Request Pro / EZ File Drop	No	Yes	Free tier to $19+/month (DriveUploader, File Request Pro)
Another form builder (Tally, Jotform)	No	Via integration	Free tiers; Jotform paid from $34/month
CatchFolder (early access)	No	Yes, directly	$12 per 30-day event, or $59/year

Free workaround: ask for a link instead of a file

Delete the File upload question (this removes the forced sign-in for the rest of the form, unless another setting such as “Limit to 1 response” also requires sign-in).
Add a Short answer question: “Paste a link to your file (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or WeTransfer)”.
Use response validation → Text → URL so people paste a real link.

Downside: links expire or are set to private, and you have to download each file yourself.

Paid workaround: a no-login upload link into your Drive

Tools such as Formfacade, DriveUploader, File Request Pro and EZ File Drop give uploaders a page that doesn't need sign-in and deliver files into Google Drive. CatchFolder does the same with a different model: the upload app runs inside your Google account, files go straight into your Drive, and you pay per event ($12 for 30 days) instead of monthly.

Check your own form

Not sure whether your form forces sign-in? Paste the link into our free Google Form sign-in checker.

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

Can I make a Google Forms file upload question anonymous?

No. Google states that responders need to sign in to a Google Account to answer a file upload question, and there is no setting to disable this (source: Google Docs Editors Help, https://support.google.com/docs/answer/7322334?hl=en).

Will removing the File upload question remove the sign-in?

Usually yes, unless another setting also requires sign-in, such as 'Limit to 1 response', verified email collection, or restricting the form to your organization.

What's the cheapest way to accept files without sign-in?

Free: ask for a share link in a short-answer question, or use a free tier of a form builder. Paid: a no-login upload tool that writes into your Drive, such as CatchFolder ($12 per 30-day event, pre-order).