1. Connect your Shopify store
Authorize the app and define backup scope.
Shopify Backup to Google Drive: How to Store Backups Outside Shopify
External storage adds an extra control layer for merchants who want backups outside day-to-day Shopify admin workflows and outside a single local computer. This page explains practical ways to back up Shopify data to Google Drive, and when automation becomes the safer route.
CSV / JSON backups
Google Drive
Dropbox
Scheduled backups
Can you back up Shopify to Google Drive?
Yes, but the workflow depends on your method. Shopify provides manual export options for selected data types, and those files can be uploaded to Google Drive. For many stores, that is enough for periodic snapshots.
A complete external backup routine usually needs either manual export discipline plus Drive organization, or a backup app that automates exports and external storage. For active stores, automation often reduces missed backup points.
Memento Backup can generate structured CSV/JSON backups and send scheduled backups to Google Drive or Dropbox on the Pro plan.
Why external Shopify backups matter
A backup is safer when it is not only stored in one place. External copies can improve resilience, internal access, and audit clarity, especially when multiple people work on the same store.
More control
External copies reduce dependence on a single location or workflow.
Easier team access
Teams can review shared backup folders without passing local files manually.
Better organization
Dated folder structures make it easier to trace when and why backups were created.
Extra safety layer
Drive or Dropbox copies add redundancy when local or primary workflows fail.
Useful for agencies
Client handovers and multi-store operations are easier with structured external archives.
Easier audit trail
Backup notes and consistent naming support incident review and accountability.
Manual method: export Shopify data and upload it to Google Drive
A manual process can work well if you keep it consistent. A simple routine looks like this:
- Export selected Shopify data, such as products or other available CSV exports.
- Download or duplicate theme files when needed.
- Create a dated folder in Google Drive.
- Upload the exported files.
- Use a consistent naming convention.
- Repeat regularly based on change frequency.
Example folder: Shopify Backups / 2026 / 2026-05-27-before-product-import
Example filenames: shopify-products-2026-05-27.csv, shopify-theme-main-2026-05-27.zip, backup-notes-2026-05-27.txt
Manual backups have clear limits: the process is easy to forget, coverage may be incomplete across store areas, restore steps are not always straightforward, there is no automatic schedule, and granular restore workflows are usually missing.
Automated method: use a Shopify backup app with external storage
A dedicated Shopify backup app can automate routine backups and reduce risk before high-impact changes. This is especially useful before imports, theme edits, app installs, and migration phases.
2. Schedule backups
Set recurring runs based on store activity.
3. Generate CSV/JSON files
Create readable backup outputs for review and portability.
4. Send copies externally
Store scheduled copies in Google Drive or Dropbox.
Workflow: Shopify store data → backup app → structured backup files → Google Drive or Dropbox.
Google Drive vs Dropbox for Shopify backups
| Storage option | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Teams already using Google Workspace | Easy folder sharing and organization; familiar for internal documentation. |
| Dropbox | File-based workflows and agencies | Easy syncing and simple shared folder structures. |
| Local computer | Extra copy | Useful as an additional layer, but risky as the only backup location. |
Google Drive
Good for
Google Workspace teams
Notes
Easy sharing, organization, and documentation habits.
Dropbox
Good for
File-based workflows and agencies
Notes
Simple syncing and shared folder workflows.
Local computer
Good for
Extra copy
Notes
Do not rely on local-only storage as your main backup strategy.
What should a Google Drive Shopify backup include?
Products and variants
Core catalog recovery and pricing continuity.
Collections
Merchandising and category structure.
Pages
Policies, landing pages, and informational content.
Blog posts
Editorial content and SEO assets.
Themes
Storefront code and template versions.
Metafields
Structured custom data used in advanced storefronts.
Images
Visual assets that affect conversion and UX.
Navigation menus
Critical customer paths and architecture.
Backup notes
Why backup was created and what changed.
Restore documentation
Steps and responsibilities for recovery operations.
The right coverage depends on your store and on the backup app used.
A practical Google Drive folder structure
Shopify Backups /store-name /2026 /2026-05-27-before-product-import products.csv collections.csv metafields.json theme.zip backup-notes.txt
This structure helps teams find old versions quickly, understand why each backup exists, and coordinate restores or audits with less confusion. It is especially useful for agencies and growing teams managing multiple changes per week.
Automated Shopify backups to Google Drive with Memento Backup
Memento Backup is built for merchants who want readable, exportable backups in CSV and JSON formats. It supports products, pages, blogs, collections, themes, metafields, images, and navigation menus.
On the Pro plan, scheduled backups can be sent to Google Drive or Dropbox, giving merchants an external copy of Shopify backup files outside one local environment.
Scheduled backups
Recurring routines reduce missed backup windows.
CSV and JSON files
Readable backups for transparency and portability.
Google Drive and Dropbox on Pro
External storage options for broader operational control.
Granular restore
Recover targeted data without broad rollback.
Products, themes, metafields
Coverage designed for active Shopify workflows.
Built for Shopify workflows
Practical backup and restore focus for merchants and teams.
When should you use Google Drive backups?
- Before bulk product imports
- Before theme edits
- Before installing major apps
- Before migrations
- For agency client handovers
- For regular weekly or monthly backup archives
- For internal compliance or audit habits
- Before seasonal campaigns
Common mistakes to avoid
Saving only one local copy
Local-only backup increases operational risk.
Forgetting dated folders
Undated files make incident recovery slower.
Backing up only products
Store recovery usually needs more than catalog CSV.
Ignoring metafields
Metafields can be critical for storefront behavior.
No backup before theme edits
Theme issues can impact conversion quickly.
Never testing restore workflows
Untested backups create false confidence.
Too many Drive editors
Over-broad permissions can cause accidental file changes.
Mixing multiple stores in one folder
Store-specific separation improves audit and restore clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I back up Shopify to Google Drive?
Yes. You can upload manual exports to Google Drive or use an app that supports automated external storage.
Does Shopify have a native Google Drive backup?
Shopify supports selected exports, but that is different from a complete automated Google Drive backup workflow.
Can I manually upload Shopify exports to Google Drive?
Yes. Many teams export files and upload them into dated Drive folders.
What Shopify data should I save to Google Drive?
At minimum, most teams prioritize products and theme files, then extend to content, metafields, and operational notes depending on workflow.
Can I back up Shopify products to Google Drive?
Yes. Product exports can be saved to Drive manually or through app workflows.
Can I back up Shopify themes to Google Drive?
Yes. Theme files should be copied externally before major edits or launches.
Can I back up Shopify metafields to Google Drive?
Metafield backup depends on process and tooling. Verify explicit metafield support in your workflow.
Is Google Drive enough as a Shopify backup strategy?
Drive is useful for storage, but recovery safety also depends on coverage, schedule discipline, and restore workflows.
Can Memento Backup send backups to Google Drive?
Yes. On the Pro plan, Memento can send scheduled copies to Google Drive.
Can Memento Backup also send backups to Dropbox?
Yes. Dropbox external storage is also available on the Pro plan.
How often should I back up Shopify to Google Drive?
Base frequency on store activity: monthly for low-change stores, weekly or daily for higher-change operations.
Should agencies keep Shopify backups in external storage?
In many cases yes, because it helps handovers, visibility, and structured client backup archives.
Keep a copy of your Shopify backups outside Shopify.
Memento Backup helps you create readable CSV/JSON backups and send scheduled copies to Google Drive or Dropbox on the Pro plan.