OneDrive could let you import files from Google Drive soon

It looks like OneDrive could soon let you import your files from Google Drive and other rival cloud services. This would make the migration to Microsoft’s cloud storage platform much easier.

The potential new option was spotted by Android Authority in an APK teardown made to the latest OneDrive app Beta 1 update (v7.4). According to the report, this version includes strings that point to a future file import function from other cloud storage services. The strings not only mention the new feature but even the services that would be compatible.

OneDrive could be able to import your Google Drive and Dropbox files soon

The source found direct references to Google Drive, Google Photos, and even Dropbox. It seems that the feature will only work when you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. One of the strings mentions that “OneDrive imports your photos and files without using your device’s mobile data plan. Imports continue even if you close the app.”

There are also clues about the setup of the import process. One of the strings says: “Sign in to an account to import.” This suggests that you will have to log in from the OneDrive app to the service from which you want to import your files. So, you could do everything in one place without having to jump between different apps. The “import cloud files” option could be available directly from the main settings menu of the app.

Another string includes the phrase “Over quota limit.” So, you may receive a notification if the total size of the files you want to import from another service (such as Google Drive) exceeds the available space in your OneDrive account.

We’re not sure when will this feature become available

It is not yet known when this feature will be implemented or if it will happen at all. However, the findings are encouraging for a much simpler way to migrate to OneDrive. Such an option could also drive adoption of the cloud storage service from Microsoft. After all, one of the reasons for maintaining a service of this style is how annoying it can be to do a complete file migration.