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User Case: How to Migrate Google Drive to Synology NAS

 

Migrating (not syncing) from Google Drive to Synology

I have 6TB in a Google Drive and I have been notified that I am losing my space and it will all be deleted in a few months. I am purchasing a 923+ to host all this data. I have watched Youtube videos on how to setup Synology cloud syncing so that Google Drive can sync locally on your Synology but that's not what I want. I just want to do a one-time migration of my Google Drive to my Synology.

- Question from Reddit

Why Transfer Files from Google Drive to Synology NAS?

Let's first discuss the reasons you would want to move files from Google Drive to your Synology NAS before getting into the various techniques. Even while Google Drive is convenient and accessible from anywhere, Synology NAS might be a better option for some purposes for a number of reasons:

  • Storage Control: Unlike cloud storage, which may create privacy concerns, you have total control over your data when it's stored on your Synology NAS.
  • Cost Efficiency: Google Drive has limited free storage, and premium plans can get expensive over time. A Synology NAS offers more storage for a one-time cost.
  • Security and Backup: Unlike depending on outside cloud services, a Synology NAS allows you to keep your files safely at home or in your office.

Overview of Google Drive and Synology NAS

Let's quickly review the main points of these two services.

Google Drive: The Solution for Cloud Storage

One of the most widely used cloud storage services is Google Drive. It is simple to use, provides free storage up to 15GB, and works in unison with Google's office suite. For people and companies who require convenient file access from any device, it's ideal.

>> Let’s know about more Google Drive alternatives here:

Synology NAS: Your Personal Cloud at Home

A device called Synology NAS (Network-Attached Storage) offers centralized storage for all of your data and files. It's similar to having a personal cloud server at home or at work. Compared to cloud-based options, a Synology NAS gives you greater control and privacy because it allows you to store and access files, backup data, and even run apps straight from the device.

>> Let’s know about more details of Synology vs QNAP.

Method 1: Manual Download and Upload

The most straightforward method of moving files from Google Drive to Synology NAS is to download and upload the items by hand. Although it takes a little while, it's ideal for smaller file batches or when you don't want to set up complicated synchronizing techniques.

Step 1: Get Files from Google Drive

Click the download option after choosing the files or folders you wish to move from your Google Drive account. If you are downloading more than one file at a time, the files will be saved to your computer in a compressed ZIP format.

Download from Google Drive
Download from Google Drive

Step 2: Upload Files to Synology NAS

Next, open your Synology NAS interface (DSM) and log in. Use File Station, which is the file management tool in DSM, to upload the downloaded files from your computer to your NAS.

Upload Files to Synology NAS
Upload Files to Synology NAS

Advantages of Manual Transfer

  • No Setup Required: This method requires no additional software or tools.
  • Great for Small Transfers: If you're only transferring a few files, this is the easiest way.

Disadvantages of Manual Transfer

  • Time-Consuming: If you have a large number of files, this process can be tedious.
  • No Automation: You’ll have to repeat this process every time you want to transfer files.

Method 2: Using Cloud Sync Feature in Synology NAS

Cloud Sync could be the ideal choice if you're looking for a more automated and smooth file transfer method. Any new files added to Google Drive will be automatically moved to your NAS if you use this approach to sync your Google Drive with Synology NAS.

Step 1: Install Synology Cloud Sync

To use Cloud Sync, you’ll need to set it up first. Here’s how:

  • Open Synology DSM.
  • Go to Package Center and search for Cloud Sync.
  • Install and open the Cloud Sync application.
Select Cloud Sync
Select Cloud Sync

Step 2: Set Up Google Drive and Synology Sync Task

  • Once the app is open, click + to add a new cloud service.
  • Choose Google Drive from the list of cloud services.
  • Then, configure the cloud sync task. Choose which Google Drive folders you want to sync with your NAS. Set sync options like one-way sync (only from Google Drive to NAS) or two-way sync (files sync in both directions).
Task Settings
Task Settings

Once configured, Google Drive and your Synology NAS will automatically sync your data. When you add new files to Google Drive, you don't have to bother about doing it by hand.

Benefits of Using Cloud Sync

  • Automatic Updates: Without your intervention, any newly added files to Google Drive will automatically sync to your NAS.
  • Time-saving: You won't have to worry about manually transferring files once everything is set up.
  • Backup Solution: Maintains file synchronization and backups on both platforms.
  • Customizable: You can choose which folders to sync and configure the sync schedule.

Limitations of Cloud Sync Method

  • Initial Setup: The setup process can be a little technical, especially for beginners.
  • Internet Dependency: The syncing process requires a stable internet connection to work properly.
  • Storage Space: You must ensure your NAS has enough space to accommodate all the synced data.

Method 3: Transfer Files from Google Drive to Synology NAS   with MultCloud

Using the cloud-to-cloud transfer service MultCloud is an additional effective method of moving files from Google Drive to Synology NAS. By using this technique, you can connect several cloud storage accounts and move data between them without having to download them to your PC.

Step 1: Setting Up MultCloud for Google Drive and Synology NAS

First, create a free account on MultCloud. Then, connect both your Google Drive and Synology NAS accounts to MultCloud. MultCloud supports a wide range of cloud storage providers, including Google Drive and Synology NAS.

Add Google Drive and NAS
Add Google Drive and NAS

Step 2: Transferring Files Using MultCloud

After linking both accounts, files can be moved straight from Google Drive to Synology NAS. Choose your NAS as the destination, pick the files you wish to move, and then begin the transfer. You don't need to physically download or upload anything because the operation takes place in the cloud.

Transfer Google Drive to Synology NAS
Transfer Google Drive to Synology NAS 

Pros of Using MultCloud for File Transfer

  • No Need for Downloading: The transfer happens directly between the cloud services, so no need to download the files to your computer.
  • Multiple Clouds Supported: You can connect multiple cloud accounts and transfer between them easily.

Cons of MultCloud for File Transfer

  • Limited Free Plan: The free version of MultCloud has some limitations in terms of transfer speed and cloud connections.

Conclusion: Which Method is Right for You?

Now that you are aware of three distinct methods for moving data from Google Drive to Synology NAS, your demands will determine which one you use. The physical Download and Upload technique is the simplest option if you simply need to move a small number of files and don't mind the physical labor. Nonetheless, Synology Cloud Sync might be your best bet if you need an automated solution and need to move a lot of files. Finally, MultCloud is a useful tool to take into consideration if you want a cloud-to-cloud transfer without having to download or upload things yourself.

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