Why do I need to create my own Google OAuth Client ID?

Google disabled rclone’s default shared credentials for security reasons. Providing your own Google Cloud Console credentials (Desktop app type) is the official method: it avoids rate-limiting and provides 100% dedicated API quotas.

Can I connect with a Service Account instead?

Yes! If you are running on a server or prefer a headless setup without browser prompts, paste the JSON content of your Google Cloud Service Account key in the dedicated field.

Are my credentials sent to an external server?

No. Your client ID, secret and refresh token are stored on your device, in the local rclone configuration. They are only sent to Google.

Can I access Team Drives (Shared Drives)?

Yes, Ultra Explorer natively supports Google Workspace Shared Drives and lets you scope navigation to any subfolder or Team Drive via advanced options.

Cloud DrivesGoogle Cloud Credentials (OAuth 2.0)

Google Drive

Dual-pane explorer and multi-cloud manager for Google Drive & Workspace

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Overview of Google Drive Integration

Google no longer allows rclone's shared default credentials for Drive, so Ultra Explorer connects with your own OAuth client or a service account key. The API quota is yours alone, and you reach your Drive, shared drives and files shared with you.

Your own OAuth client or service account, with a dedicated API quota
Shared drives (Team Drives) and files shared with you
Direct copies to Dropbox, OneDrive, S3 or a NAS without going through the local disk

In-App Configuration Dialog

Capture Google Drive — Ultra Explorer — Google Drive configuration window in Ultra Explorer: entering dedicated Google Cloud credentials for private, quota-free transfers.

How to connect Google Drive in Ultra Explorer

Create a Google Cloud Project

Go to console.cloud.google.com, create a project (e.g. "Ultra Explorer"), and enable the "Google Drive API".
Generate OAuth Credentials

Under Credentials, create an "OAuth client ID" of type "Desktop app". Save your generated Client ID and Client Secret.
Fill in Ultra Explorer Fields

In Ultra Explorer, add a Google Drive remote, name it, and paste your Client ID and Client Secret (or your Service Account JSON).
Authorize in Browser

Click "Connect Google Drive and verify". Your browser will open to securely authorize access to your Google account.

Configuration fields

Storage Name

Required

name= Google Drive

Unique identifier for this storage remote in Ultra Explorer (e.g. gdrive-perso, backup-s3).Default value: Google Drive

Google OAuth Client ID

Required

client_id

Required (unless Service Account is provided). Desktop App Client ID created in Google Cloud Console. Google restricted default shared rclone credentials.

Google OAuth Client Secret

Required

client_secret

Required (unless Service Account is provided). Secret associated with your Google Cloud OAuth Client ID.

Permissions Scope

Optional

scope= drive

Optional. 'drive' for full read/write access, 'drive.readonly' for read-only access, or 'drive.file' for app-created files only.Default value: drive

Service Account (JSON)

Optional

service_account_credentials

Optional. Direct headless alternative to browser OAuth. Paste the full JSON key content of your Google Cloud Service Account.

Root Folder ID

Optional Advanced Option

root_folder_id

Optional (Advanced). ID of a specific folder or Team Drive / Shared Drive to scope navigation instead of the root.

Show Only Trashed Files

Optional Advanced Option

trashed_only= false

Optional (Advanced). Shows only files that have been moved to the trash.Default value: false

Google Docs Export Formats

Optional Advanced Option

formats= docx,xlsx,pptx,svg

Optional (Advanced). Automatic download conversion formats for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides (e.g. docx,xlsx,pptx,svg).Default value: docx,xlsx,pptx,svg

Frequently Asked Questions about Google Drive

Google disabled rclone’s default shared credentials for security reasons. Providing your own Google Cloud Console credentials (Desktop app type) is the official method: it avoids rate-limiting and provides 100% dedicated API quotas.
Yes! If you are running on a server or prefer a headless setup without browser prompts, paste the JSON content of your Google Cloud Service Account key in the dedicated field.
No. Your client ID, secret and refresh token are stored on your device, in the local rclone configuration. They are only sent to Google.
Yes, Ultra Explorer natively supports Google Workspace Shared Drives and lets you scope navigation to any subfolder or Team Drive via advanced options.