Cloud Storage

Can I delete Google Drive from my Mac?

Yes, you can delete it

Yes, you can delete Google Drive from your Mac. Deleting the app does not remove your documents or the data folders it creates.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

See how much space Google Drive really takes before you decide

Google Drive data usually takes 1 GB – 50 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+

Application: Google Drive
Typical data size: 1 GB – 50 GB
Category: Cloud Storage
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS

What happens when you delete Google Drive

Specific to Google Drive

Files stored in your cloud account remain safe regardless of whether the app is installed. You lose the ability to stream files via the mount point in ~/Library/CloudStorage or sync changes automatically. Local cached data typically ranges from 1 GB – 50 GB and stays on your disk after the app is gone.

Where your Google Drive data lives

These folders hold your own Google Drive data. Deleting the app leaves them in place; removing them is what actually deletes it.

~/Library/CloudStorage Your files · Google Drive mount point for each signed-in account Back up first: your data

Account and sync: Files are stored in your Google account; in streaming mode only files you opened or made available offline are on the Mac.
Your files: Drive files appear under ~/Library/CloudStorage as GoogleDrive-<account>; mirrored files are real local copies.

Risks of removing Google Drive

Removing the app before all uploads finish will result in losing unsynced new files. Users who rely on mirroring should ensure they have backups of their local copies. Additionally, certain background components like the updater are shared with other Google software and should be managed carefully.

Wait for all pending uploads to finishCopy any files marked available offline that you need locallyDisconnect your account within the app settingsQuit the app completely before deletion

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How to delete Google Drive completely

Quit Google Drive, move it to the Trash, then remove what it left in ~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS. The full step-by-step guide:

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Frequently asked questions

Will deleting Google Drive delete my files?

No. Removing the app doesn't touch documents you saved in other folders. Only the app and, if you remove them, its own support files are deleted.

Will I lose my offline files if I delete Google Drive?

The app does not delete your data folders, but you should manually copy essential offline files first.

Why is there still a large amount of data left after deleting Google Drive?

A content cache of streamed files remains in the system library until you remove it separately.