Google Drive file picker redesigned on Android

The Google Drive file picker found in Gmail, Chat and other Workspace apps is getting a redesign on Android.

In the past, you got a simple list for My Drive, Computers, Shared with me, Starred, and Recent. You had to tap through before seeing any files.

Now, those folders/views are shown in a carousel, with the file picker immediately displaying a list of Recent files. As always, you can switch between list and grid view.

Besides saving you a tap, Google explains how: “This update will make it easier to find recently viewed Drive items and clearly see what other storage locations besides ‘My Drive’ are available to you, such as items you have access to within shared drives.” The web version of this file picker was overhauled last year.

Old vs. new

We’re seeing this Google Drive file picker redesign live in Gmail > Compose > paperclip icon > Insert from Drive and Google Chat > conversation > ‘plus’ menu > Drive. 

More on Google Drive:

• Google Drive for Windows gets ARM support in beta for Snapdragon laptops and more
• Chrome 131 for iOS adding new Google Drive, Maps integrations
• Here’s what a Material You video player (for Google Drive) looks like 
• Google Drive homepage gets unified suggested folders and files view