How to Copy Any Google Drive Folder Recursively
Duplicate entire shared folder structures directly in the cloud in 4 simple steps. No terminal setup, no downloads, and 100% private.
Step 1: Connect Your Google Account (One-Time Setup)
Because MyDrive Copier duplicates files directly into your personal Google Drive, Google asks you to grant permission to create files.
Because MyDrive Copier is a private client-side extension that runs directly inside your Chrome browser (with zero external server tracking), Google shows this standard notice.
🔒 100% Client-Side Privacy
The extension uses Chrome's native chrome.identity API. OAuth tokens remain encrypted in your local browser storage. No server, database, or proxy ever sees your tokens or files.
⚡ Quick One-Time Sign-In
You only need to complete this authorization once. The extension remembers your authorized session so all future folder clones start instantly.
Step 2: Open the Shared Folder in Your Browser
Navigate to any Google Drive folder that someone has shared with you, a folder shortcut, or a folder in a Shared Drive.
📁 Client_Assets_2026/ (Shared with you — 34 subfolders, 280 files)
Notice: Google Drive has no native "Make a copy" option for this folder. That's why MyDrive Copier exists!
💡 Works with "Shared with me"
Even if the owner has restricted download or sharing, as long as you have view access, the cloud API can clone the structure into your personal Drive.
📌 Keep the Tab Open
Simply leave this folder open in your active tab. You don't need to manually copy or paste long IDs!
Step 3: Click MyDrive Copier & Hit "Auto-Detect Tab"
Open the extension from your Chrome toolbar. The extension can automatically read the folder from your active tab in 1 click.
🔑 Easy Account Connection
If you haven't connected yet, clicking "Connect" top-right or "Start Recursive Copy" instantly triggers Google OAuth.
📋 Manual Input Alternative
You can also paste any folder URL or raw Google Drive ID directly into the input field at any time.
Step 4: Select Destination & Start Recursive Copy
Choose where you want the cloned folder to live, and watch the duplication progress in real-time.
☁️ 100% Cloud-to-Cloud Transfer
Google's backend servers duplicate files directly into your Drive. Zero bytes of your internet data or hard drive space are consumed.
👑 You Become 100% Legal Owner
Because the copy is created under your Google account, you now own all files. If the original sharer deletes their folder, your copies remain safely intact forever.
⚡ Try the Interactive Simulator
Experience how MyDrive Copier replicates folder trees and handles files in real-time right here in your browser.
- Ready to start simulation. Click "Simulate Folder Copy" above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Google show "Google hasn't verified this app" during sign-in?
Google displays this standard notice for client-side browser extensions that run purely on your machine. Simply click "Advanced" → "Go to MyDrive Copier (unsafe)" → "Continue". MyDrive Copier is 100% private: your tokens and files communicate strictly between your Chrome browser and Google's servers, with zero external databases or third-party servers.
Can I close the extension popup while copying?
Yes! MyDrive Copier runs inside Chrome's Manifest V3 background service worker. Once you click "Start Copy", you can safely close the popup, switch tabs, or browse other websites. The copy continues executing in the background.
What happens if Google hits a 403 Rate Limit?
MyDrive Copier has a built-in Exponential Backoff & Jitter shield. If Google's API temporarily throttles requests (HTTP 403 or 429), the extension pauses automatically, waits for the quota window to clear, and seamlessly retries without failing your queue.
Do Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides convert to Microsoft Office?
No! Unlike downloading ZIP files (which forcibly converts Google Docs to .docx and Google Sheets to .xlsx), MyDrive Copier uses native Google Drive API cloning. All Google Docs, Slides, and Forms remain in their original native formats with intact formatting.
Ready to Copy Your First Folder?
Install MyDrive Copier for free. Includes 50 free file replications with full subfolder recursion and zero speed limits.
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