How to Find and Delete Duplicates in Google Drive [Quick Guide]

Google Drive is a personal cloud storage and file-sharing platform. Many users use it to back up or encrypt files, photos, etc.

It's convenient but has a 15 GB free storage limit. So, it's necessary to find duplicate files in Google Drive and delete them as they take up much treasure space.

In this post, you'll learn how to find and remove duplicate files in Google Drive in different ways. Keep reading for details!

How to Find and Delete Duplicates in Google Drive with a Duplicate File Finder

An effortless way to find duplicates in Google Drive is to use a duplicate file finder like BuhoCleaner.

BuhoCleaner is a professional Mac cleaning tool that can help you find duplicate files in Google Drive, Macintosh HD, and external drives.

Here is how to find and delete duplicate photos in Google Drive using BuhoCleaner:

1. Download Drive for Desktop.
2. Free download, install, and launch BuhoCleaner.
3. Click Duplicates in the left sidebar＞the + button＞Choose Custom Folder＞Google Drive＞My Drive＞OK＞Scan.

   

4. Click Auto Select/select Smart Select.
5. Click Remove.
6. Go back to your Google Drive online and empty the Trash.

Auto Select enables you to select the items you want to remove manually. Smart Select will automatically select all duplicates but keep the original one, which is convenient and time-saving.

How to Find and Delete Duplicates in Google Drive Online

If you don't want to use a duplicate file finder to find duplicates in Google Drive, process them manually online.

Here's what to do.

1. Open Google Drive online.
2. Sign in to your Google Drive account.
3. Click My Drive in the left sidebar＞click the List layout icon.
4. Search for the files/photos' names with (1), (2) at the end, or "Copy of" at the beginning.

   

5. Right-click the file/photo you want to delete＞Move to trash. (Press and hold the Command key ＞check the file unneeded in order to select and remove multiple files at the same time.)
6. Empty the Trash.

FAQs about Removing Duplicates in Google Drive

1. Does Google Drive Detect Duplicate Files?

   The answer is yes. When you upload duplicate files, there will be a popup message warning that XXX already exists in this location. And it will offer you two options: Replace existing files or Keep both files.

   However, it's worth noting that it can only identify duplicates through file format and name rather than content.

2. Why Do You Need to Remove Duplicates from Google Drive?

   • Duplicate files take up a lot of space in your Google Drive.
   • 15 GB free storage limit.
   • Tidy up your Google Drive so that you can find needed files, photos, etc. quicker.