How to Connect and Disconnect Google Drive in FileMira
The Drive integration is not released yet, and is not part of a FileMira Pro subscription today. This guide describes how it will work, and is published now so the permissions it asks for can be read before anyone is asked to grant them.
1. Who can use the integration
Nobody, today. The integration is in development: it is planned as part of FileMira Pro, and a Pro subscription does not unlock it in the meantime. It will activate automatically for existing subscribers when it ships. Please do not subscribe for this.
When it does ship, connecting will remain optional — everything FileMira does with a local file works without an account and without a Drive connection.
2. What FileMira requests
FileMira requests permission for:
- Files you select with Google Picker
- Files created through FileMira in your Drive
Scope: https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.file
3. What drive.file means
The drive.file scope is a narrowly-scoped Google permission. It allows FileMira to access only the files you explicitly select or that FileMira creates. It does not grant access to your entire Google Drive.
FileMira can:
- ✓ Access files you explicitly select
- ✓ Access files FileMira creates in your Drive
- ✓ Read metadata needed to open and save files
FileMira cannot:
- — Browse every Drive file without your selection
- — Change an original without your explicit action
- — Use Drive after you revoke permission
4. How to connect
- 1Go to Settings → Google Drive or click "Connect Google Drive" in the workspace.
- 2Review the pre-connect guide explaining what access FileMira requests.
- 3Acknowledge that Google Drive authorization is separate from your Pro subscription.
- 4Click "Continue with Google" and complete Google's authorization flow.
- 5Choose whether to enable Drive History and set your retention preference.
5. How to open a Drive file
After connecting, click "Open from Google Drive" in the workspace. Google Picker will appear, allowing you to select a supported file. File content moves directly between Google Drive and your browser — FileMira does not store file contents.
6. How to save a new Drive file
Click "Save to Google Drive" to save a new copy of your file or export to Drive. Save as a new file is the default. Updating an original requires explicit confirmation.
7. How Drive History works
When Drive History is enabled, FileMira stores encrypted file references and limited metadata (filename, format, last-opened time). File contents are never stored.
History makes it easier to reopen Drive files across devices. You can set retention to 30, 90, or 180 days, or choose to keep until you manually clear it.
8. Disconnect versus revoke
Disconnect from FileMira
Stops Drive actions in FileMira. You can reconnect later. Does not delete Drive files or cancel Pro.
Disconnect and revoke Google access
Removes FileMira's Google permission. You will need to authorize Google Drive again before using it.
9–11. Disconnect, revoke, and history
Both actions are available from Settings → Google Drive → Disconnect. When disconnecting, you choose whether to keep or delete your Drive History. Revoking requires a second confirmation. Neither action deletes files from Google Drive or cancels Pro.
12. How to reconnect
Go to Settings → Google Drive and click "Reconnect". If you connect a different Google account than before, FileMira will warn you and ask how to handle existing history.
13. Troubleshooting
Token expired
Click "Reconnect" in Drive settings. Your current document remains available.
Permission denied
Review Google's consent screen carefully. You can deny specific permissions.
Revocation failed
Manage FileMira access directly from your Google Account settings.
14. FAQ
Does disconnecting cancel my Pro subscription?
No. Pro and Google Drive authorization are completely separate.
Will revoking get me a refund?
No. Revoking Google access does not refund your PayPal purchase.
Will my Drive files be deleted?
No. Neither disconnecting nor revoking deletes files from Google Drive.
Does FileMira store my Drive files?
File contents move directly between Drive and your browser. Only encrypted references and metadata are stored when History is enabled.