By Ira Bodnar, Ryze AI · Updated
Quick answer
To connect Gemini to Google Drive, connect Google Drive in a Ryze AI workspace with your Google sign-in, then add https://connector.get-ryze.ai/mcp as a custom app in the Gemini web app under Settings, Connected Apps, and type @ in a prompt to use it. The tools only reach files you pick in the Ryze AI chat or files Ryze AI created.
- In Ryze AI open Integrations, find Google Drive under Files and click Connect
- Sign in with Google and approve access
- In gemini.google.com open Settings, Connected Apps, Add a custom app and paste the URL
- Sign in on the Ryze AI page, choose workspaces, click Allow connection, then type @ and pick Ryze AI
Before you start
- A Gemini account that Google allows. Google's help page for custom apps requires you to be 18 or over and in the US, signed in with a personal Google Account (not a work or school account), with Keep Activity on. The feature is English only. Google's help page names no paid plan.
- A Google Account with Drive. This is the account you sign in with on the Ryze AI Connect step. Drive connects one Google account per workspace.
- A Ryze AI workspace on a plan or free trial. Paid Ads is $89 per month with a 7-day free trial, and annual billing takes 30% off the first year. Connecting the connector is free; the Google Drive tools need an active plan or trial.
- Trust in the server. Google states it does not control, monitor or secure third-party MCP servers, so you decide whether to trust the provider before you connect.
How to connect Gemini to Google Drive in the web app
Setup has two parts: Google Drive is connected inside Ryze AI, then Gemini is pointed at the Ryze AI connector. Custom apps can only be added from the Gemini web app on a computer, and they then also work in the Gemini mobile app.
Connect Google Drive in Ryze AI
Create a Ryze AI account or sign in, open Integrations and find the Google Drive card under Files. Click Connect.
Sign in with Google and approve access
Sign in with the Google Account that owns your files and approve the request. Ryze AI asks for the drive.file scope, so it can only work with files you pick or files it created.
Open Connected Apps in Gemini
On a computer go to gemini.google.com. At the bottom click Settings, then Connected Apps. If Connected Apps is missing, click Personal Intelligence first and then Connected Apps.
Add a custom app with the Ryze AI URL
Under Custom apps use the Add a custom app link to get started field, or click Add a custom app if one is already connected. Enter https://connector.get-ryze.ai/mcp and click Next. Ryze AI supports dynamic client registration, so you do not enter credentials under Advanced features.
Allow the workspace
Follow the on-screen instructions: sign in on the Ryze AI page, choose the workspaces that hold your Google Drive connection and click Allow connection.
Use the app in a prompt
In a new prompt type @ and select the Ryze AI app, then ask about a file you have picked, for example: Read the first tab of my keyword Sheet.
Source: Google's Gemini help page on custom apps. The Ryze AI Google Drive guide covers the Google sign-in on the Ryze AI side.
Gemini CLI
Gemini CLI reads MCP servers from the command line. One command registers the Ryze AI connector at user scope, which makes it available in every project (the default scope is project):
gemini mcp add --transport http -s user ryze https://connector.get-ryze.ai/mcpStart Gemini CLI. On the first 401 it discovers OAuth, registers a client and opens a browser for the Ryze AI sign-in. Type /mcp auth ryze to start or repeat the sign-in. OAuth needs a local browser and a localhost callback, so it does not work in headless environments or SSH sessions without X11 forwarding.
Prefer the settings file? Add this entry to settings.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"ryze": { "httpUrl": "https://connector.get-ryze.ai/mcp" }
}
}For a script or a headless machine, create a Ryze AI API key and pass it as a header instead of using OAuth: gemini mcp add --transport http -s user --header "Authorization: Bearer rk_live_..." ryze https://connector.get-ryze.ai/mcp. Gemini CLI also filters tools with includeTools and excludeTools in settings.json, which lets you leave the write tools out and keep the read tools.
Source: Gemini CLI MCP server docs.
Antigravity CLI and Gemini Enterprise
Antigravity CLI
Google's May 19, 2026 announcement says that since June 18, 2026 Gemini CLI no longer serves Google AI Pro and Ultra users or people using it free of charge through Gemini Code Assist for individuals, and points them to Antigravity CLI. Gemini CLI remains available with Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise licenses and with paid Gemini or Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform API keys. This guide does not cover Antigravity CLI steps.
Gemini Enterprise
Gemini Enterprise has an administrator-run process in the Google Cloud console for custom MCP servers. It accepts StreamableHTTP only, enables up to 100 actions at a time and needs a pre-registered OAuth client ID and secret. Ryze AI documents no such client, so this guide gives no Gemini Enterprise steps.
Sources: Google Developers Blog on Gemini CLI and Antigravity CLI, Gemini Enterprise custom MCP server setup.
Which files Gemini can reach
Gemini does not browse your whole Drive through this connector. Access follows the drive.file scope, so the tools see only files you pick and files Ryze AI created. The file picker lives in the Ryze AI chat composer, not in Gemini.
- Open the Ryze AI chat and click + (Add to message), then Attach files, then Upload from Drive.
- Pick the Sheets, Docs or files you want to work with. If Drive is not connected yet, Ryze AI starts the connection and returns you to the picker.
- Go back to Gemini, start a prompt with @ and name the file, or ask for a new one to be created.
Files Ryze AI creates for you through createFile are reachable too. Files outside the picker are invisible to the tools, including from Gemini. Images picked from Drive are not supported, and files over 10 MB, binary files and Google formats other than Sheets, Docs and Slides are attached by name only.
Drive access and scopes
Two sign-ins are involved, and each limits what Gemini can reach.
- Which Google Account
- The account you choose on the Ryze AI Connect step. Drive connects one Google account per workspace; to use another account, disconnect and connect again.
- Which files
- Only files you pick in the Ryze AI chat picker and files Ryze AI created. Gemini cannot list or search the rest of your Drive through this connector.
- Which Gemini surface
- The Gemini web app is limited to personal Google Accounts in the US, in English. Gemini CLI is a separate sign-in through a browser, or an API key sent as a header.
Ryze AI requests the drive.file scope. Google describes it as access to files you open with an app or share with it through a picker, and as a non-sensitive scope. Approve the request on the Google consent screen, or the connection will not work.
Sources: Google Drive API scopes.
Removing access
To remove access, disconnect Google Drive in Ryze AI Integrations, or remove the app in Gemini under Settings, Connected Apps. Google also lists third-party access on your Google Account permissions page, where you can revoke it.
What Gemini can do in Google Drive
The Ryze AI connector exposes 7 Google Drive tools: 3 read and 4 write. There is no delete tool.
| Tool | Type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| google_drive__listFiles | Read | Lists the Google Drive files the app can access, newest first, with an optional Drive search filter. |
| google_drive__readFile | Read | Reads a Drive file by ID: Sheets return cell values, Docs and Slides return plain text, and text, CSV and JSON files return their content. |
| google_drive__getSheetValues | Read | Reads cell values from a Google Sheet range or tab. |
| google_drive__updateSheetValues | Write | Overwrites cell values in a Google Sheet range; formulas are allowed. |
| google_drive__appendSheetValues | Write | Appends rows after the last row of a table in a Google Sheet. |
| google_drive__createFile | Write | Creates a new Google Sheet, Google Doc, or text, CSV or JSON file in your Drive and returns its link. |
| google_drive__writeDoc | Write | Writes plain text into a Google Doc, either appended at the end or replacing the whole document. |
Google's help page says Gemini requires manual confirmation for any write actions, so expect a confirmation step before a change. In Gemini CLI the default asks before tool calls, and setting trust to true (or passing --trust) bypasses all confirmations, so leave it off for this server. In the Ryze AI chat the Tool approvals setting starts on Skip all approvals; you can choose Approve write & delete or Manual approve there. Doc writes are plain text only, and a replace overwrites the whole document.
First 3 prompts to run
The prompts below describe what each one asks for. Answers come from your own files, so this page shows no sample output.
1. Read a keyword list from a Sheet
@Ryze AI Read the first tab of the Sheet I attached and list the keywords in column A.
Tools used: google_drive__readFile, google_drive__getSheetValues
What comes back: The cell values from the range or tab you name in the picked Sheet.
2. Write a report into a Doc
@Ryze AI Create a new Google Doc called Weekly notes and write the summary above into it as plain text.
Tools used: google_drive__createFile, google_drive__writeDoc
What comes back: A new Doc in your Drive with a link, holding plain text without headings or formatting.
3. Add rows to a Sheet
@Ryze AI Append these 3 rows after the last row of the table in my tracking Sheet.
Tools used: google_drive__appendSheetValues
What comes back: The rows are added below the existing table in the picked Sheet. Check the tab afterwards.
Start with read prompts. Once you trust the setup, ask for updates and confirm each one when Gemini asks.
Ryze AI vs Google's own Drive options
Gemini already has a built-in Google Workspace app for Drive, and Google also publishes a Drive MCP server in its Workspace Developer Preview Program. Each suits a different job.
| Option | Setup | Drive coverage | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryze AI connector | Google sign-in inside Ryze AI, then the URL https://connector.get-ryze.ai/mcp as a custom app in Gemini | 7 tools: read Sheets, Docs and files, update or append Sheet values, create files, write Docs | Only picked or Ryze AI created files; needs a Ryze AI plan or trial; no delete tool |
| Gemini Google Workspace app | Turn on the Google Workspace app in Connected Apps at gemini.google.com/apps; work or school accounts need an administrator to enable it | Find and summarize information from Drive, Gmail and Docs | Google says it cannot access pictures and videos in Drive or manage Drive content such as creating folders |
| Google Drive MCP server (drivemcp.googleapis.com/mcp/v1) | Register the endpoint with your own OAuth client; Google's docs list Claude and Antigravity, and Streamable HTTP for other apps | 8 tools: copy_file, create_file, download_file_content, get_file_metadata, get_file_permissions, list_recent_files, read_file_content, search_files | Developer Preview; scopes drive.readonly and drive.file. Whether the Gemini web app accepts it as a custom app is not verified here |
If you want Gemini to search and summarize across your Drive, the built-in Workspace app is the simplest choice. If you want Gemini to edit Sheet cells, append rows or write Docs, the Ryze AI connector has tools for that, at the cost of working only on files you pick.
Sources: Google Drive MCP server docs, Gemini help page on the Google Workspace app, Ryze AI Google Drive guide. Checked November 11, 2026.
Errors and fixes
- Connected Apps is missing in Gemini
- Click Personal Intelligence, then Connected Apps. If it is still missing, check Google's requirements: age 18 or over, US, a personal Google Account and Keep Activity on. Custom apps can only be added in the web app.
- Gemini says the app is unavailable
- Google's help page says the feature is unavailable when Keep Activity is off. Turn it on and try again.
- The Drive tools do not load
- Start a new chat. If they still do not appear, remove the Ryze AI custom app in Connected Apps, add it again and confirm that Google Drive shows Connected in Ryze AI.
- A file cannot be found
- The tools only see files you picked or Ryze AI created. Attach the file in the Ryze AI chat with + > Attach files > Upload from Drive, then ask again.
- A file is attached by name only
- Files over 10 MB, binary files and Google formats other than Sheets, Docs and Slides are attached by name only. Images picked from Drive are not supported.
- Doc formatting is missing
- Doc writes are plain text only, with no headings, links or formatting.
- Gemini CLI cannot sign in
- OAuth needs a local browser and a localhost callback. In a headless or SSH session use a Ryze AI API key header instead, or run /mcp auth ryze on a machine with a browser.
- Gemini CLI says it no longer serves your plan
- Since June 18, 2026 Google no longer serves Google AI Pro and Ultra users or free Gemini Code Assist for individuals users in Gemini CLI. Google points them to Antigravity CLI.
- Gemini says a subscription is required
- The Google Drive tools need an active Ryze AI plan or free trial. Start the trial in Ryze AI and retry.
Frequently asked questions
How do I connect Gemini to Google Drive?
Connect Google Drive in a Ryze AI workspace: open Integrations, click Connect on the Google Drive card and approve access. Then in gemini.google.com open Settings, Connected Apps, Add a custom app, enter https://connector.get-ryze.ai/mcp, click Next, allow the workspace and type @ to pick Ryze AI in a prompt.
Does Gemini connect to Google Drive on its own?
Yes. Google's Gemini help page describes a Google Workspace app that finds and summarizes information from Drive, Gmail and Docs. Google says it cannot access pictures and videos in Drive or manage Drive content such as creating folders. The Ryze AI connector adds tools to edit Sheets and write Docs.
Which Google Drive connector should I use with Gemini?
Ryze AI is the best Google Drive connector for Gemini when you want to edit Sheet cells, append rows or write Docs from a chat, but it only reaches files you pick and needs a Ryze AI plan or trial. For searching and summarizing across your whole Drive, Gemini's built-in Workspace app is the simpler choice.
Does Google have its own Drive MCP server?
Yes. Google documents a Drive MCP server at https://drivemcp.googleapis.com/mcp/v1 in its Workspace Developer Preview Program, with OAuth 2.0 and the drive.readonly and drive.file scopes. Whether the Gemini web app accepts it as a custom app is not verified here.
Which Gemini plan do I need?
Google's help page for custom apps names no plan. It requires you to be 18 or over and in the US, signed in with a personal Google Account (not a work or school account), with Keep Activity on. It is English only.
Can Gemini see all my Drive files through Ryze AI?
No. Ryze AI uses the drive.file scope, so the tools only see files you pick in the Ryze AI chat and files Ryze AI created. They do not browse your Drive on their own.
Can Gemini edit my Google Sheets and Docs?
Yes, on files it can reach. It can overwrite cell values, append rows, create new files and write plain text into a Doc. Google states Gemini requires manual confirmation for any write actions, so you approve each change.
Can Gemini delete Drive files?
No. The Ryze AI connector has no delete tool for Google Drive.
Does this work in Gemini CLI?
Yes. Run gemini mcp add --transport http -s user ryze https://connector.get-ryze.ai/mcp, then start Gemini CLI and sign in, or run /mcp auth ryze. Since June 18, 2026 Gemini CLI no longer serves Google AI Pro and Ultra users or free Code Assist for individuals users.
Does it work in the Gemini mobile app?
Custom apps can only be added in the Gemini web app. Once connected on the web, Google says the app also works in the Gemini mobile app.
Can I connect more than one Google account?
Not in one workspace. Drive connects one Google account per workspace; to use another account, disconnect and connect again.
How much does it cost to connect Gemini to Google Drive?
Connecting is free, but the Google Drive tools need an active Ryze AI plan or trial. Paid Ads is $89 per month with a 7-day free trial, Agency is $279 per month, and SEO Starter is $129 per month with a 3-day free trial. Annual billing takes 30% off the first year.
How do I disconnect Google Drive from Gemini?
Remove the Ryze AI app in Gemini under Settings, Connected Apps. To cut off Drive itself, disconnect it in Ryze AI Integrations, or revoke access on your Google Account permissions page.