Frequently asked questions
What people actually want to know before deciding. If something is missing, write to support@driive.cloud — we answer, and add the question here.
Is Driive cloud storage?
The files sit on servers in the EU, so technically yes. But that is not how you use it. Ordinary cloud storage puts a folder on your computer and mirrors the contents — the files exist in two places and take up room in both. Driive mounts as a drive of its own instead, in Finder and File Explorer, next to the hard disk. It takes no space on the computer, and you open the files straight from it.
How is this different from Google Drive, Dropbox and iCloud?
They sync, Driive mounts. A sync folder mirrors its contents onto every computer you sign in from, which means a 10 TB drive would need 10 TB free locally. Driive fetches only what you open. You also pick a fixed amount of space and pay for that, rather than watching storage grow quietly along with the bill.
Where are my files stored?
Inside the EU. The files themselves are in object storage at Cloudflare with a European location, and account data in Google Cloud in a European region. The privacy policy names every sub-processor that handles data on our behalf — GDPR requires us to name them, and we do.
How much storage do I need?
Work back from what you actually have. A phone photo is roughly 3–5 MB, so a library of 20,000 pictures lands around 80 GB. Video is a different matter: 4K from a phone runs about 200–400 MB per minute. Documents, code and text weigh essentially nothing. If you are unsure, start smaller — the size can be changed later under Billing.
Does Driive take up space on my computer?
No. The drive mounts, it does not sync, so nothing exists in duplicate. Files you opened recently may be cached locally so they open faster next time, but that is a cache — not a copy of everything you own.
Are the files encrypted?
Yes, and you choose how far it goes. All traffic is encrypted and everything stored is encrypted at rest. On top of that you can turn on an encrypted vault: the file is then encrypted on your own device before it leaves, and the key is never sent to us. The difference is real — in the standard mode we could technically open a file, in the vault we cannot.
Does Driive work on Mac and Windows?
Yes. The macOS and Windows app mounts the drive in Finder and File Explorer respectively. macOS needs macFUSE and Windows needs WinFsp; the app says so when something is missing rather than pretending the drive is mounted. Without the app, everything still works in the browser.
Can I reach my files from my phone?
Yes. Add Driive to your home screen and you get an app with its own icon that opens in its own window — on iPhone through the Share menu in Safari, on Android Chrome offers it itself. You see the same files, upload from the camera and pull down what you need. If you would rather not install it, everything works the same in a browser.
Does downloading my files cost extra?
No. There is no charge per file retrieved — you pay for the space, not for using it. Each drive has a monthly transfer ceiling several times its own size, and the app tells you if you reach it.
What happens to my files if I stop paying?
The drive becomes read-only. You can still sign in, read and download everything, and you can delete files to tidy up. After a retention period the contents are scheduled for deletion, and notice goes to your email before anything is removed. Reactivate before then and everything is exactly as you left it.
Did that not answer it?
Write to support@driive.cloud. It is a real address, not a form, and we are the ones reading it.