Updated 2026-10-28

How Do I Play Videos From Google Drive?

Add Google Drive as a read-only media source in Stream to browse your existing folders and play videos you choose. Google Drive configuration sync is a separate feature in Settings.

Before You Start

Use an Android device with Google Play services and a Google account that can access Drive. Put a small MP4 video at 1080p or lower in a Drive folder for your first playback check. Drive access and an internet connection are required.

Connect Google Drive

1. Open Media Library > More > Add/Modify File Source > Add File Source > Google Drive, or choose Google Drive during cloud-source onboarding.
2. Choose your Google account and review the Google consent screen.
3. Grant read-only Drive access and return to Stream.
4. Browse from the Drive root into the folder containing your videos.
5. Select the checkbox beside a folder and confirm adding it to Stream's media library. Stream scans the selected folder.
6. Return to Home > Recently Added, open the scanned video, and choose Play. The file-source browser displays folder contents; playback starts from a scanned media item's detail page.

Stream reads folder and file metadata to show the browser, and reads media content for playback or downloads you request. It cannot edit, delete, move, upload or share your user-visible Drive files. The access covers existing Drive files rather than only files created by Stream.

Back Up or Restore Configuration

1. Open Settings > Google Drive Sync.
2. Choose backup or restore and read the confirmation before continuing. Restore replaces the configuration covered by the backup.
3. Authorize the separate application-data permission when Google requests it.

This feature reads and writes Stream's private backup in Drive's hidden application-data folder. It includes source details (such as server addresses and usernames), selected folder paths, watch history, playback progress, and favorites. It excludes source passwords and OAuth tokens, so sources restored on another device may need authorization again. It does not upload your videos. Backing up replaces the previous cloud backup; restoring replaces the corresponding local data.

Troubleshooting

• Google blocks authorization: If the OAuth project is in Testing, the account must be included in its test-user list. Access may remain limited while verification is pending.
• Playback or browsing asks for authorization again: Reconnect the Drive source using the same Google account.
• A video fails to play: First try a small MP4 at 1080p or lower. Container, codec and device support still apply; see Stream Pro limits.
• No backup exists: Back up a device first, then restore using the same Google account.

Privacy and Revocation

See the privacy policy for data use and retention. Revoke Stream's authorization through your Google Account connections. Removing a source from Stream does not delete the original Drive files. Hidden configuration backup data can be deleted through Drive settings under Manage apps > Stream.