You can upload to an appropriately shared Google Drive folder using your own authorized account. You do not need the folder owner’s password. Check the folder’s role and account requirements before transferring files, particularly when external collaborators are involved.
Confirm the upload destination and role
Open the folder’s original link under the account invited to collaborate. Inspect its sharing and confirm that your role permits adding files. Being able to view a folder does not establish upload permission.
Check whether it is a My Drive folder or part of a shared drive. Shared-drive roles and organizational restrictions differ. A visitor without a Google Account cannot upload into My Drive through the visitor workflow, although supported shared-drive folder workflows can allow uploads.
Upload only intended material
Use the supported File upload action in the folder and select the local source. Keep the original until completion. Review the destination’s audience before uploading confidential content because its permissions can affect who can open the new item.
Uploading into someone else’s My Drive folder can still consume your own account’s storage. Do not assume the folder owner’s quota or ownership automatically applies to your upload.
Verify the shared result
After completion, open the uploaded item and confirm its contents, owner, and intended access. Tell the recipient which original link to use. If uploading is blocked, have the owner or manager inspect the narrow permission or policy issue. Do not request account credentials, make the whole folder public, or move company data through an unauthorized personal account. Keep incomplete transfers distinguishable from completed files so the team does not rely on a partial delivery.
References
- Upload files & folders to Google Drive
- Share and manage access to files and folders in Google Drive
- Share documents with visitors
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.