Everything you need to set up and use CloudNest — a client-side Google Drive dashboard that runs entirely in your browser. No servers, no backend, no data leaves your machine.
CloudNest is a free, open-source Google Drive dashboard that runs entirely in your browser. It connects to one or more Google Drive accounts via OAuth and lets you browse, upload, share, and manage files — all without any backend server.
The app is hosted on GitHub Pages as a static site. Your Google credentials and tokens stay in your browser and are never sent to any third-party server.
Prerequisites
That's it. No installations, no command-line tools, no server setup required.
Before you can use CloudNest, you need to create a Google Cloud project with OAuth credentials. This is a one-time setup that takes about 5 minutes. The in-app setup wizard walks you through the same steps below.
https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive scope.alice@gmail.com, bob@gmail.com, and work@company.com, add all three.https://encryptioner.github.io.apps.googleusercontent.com). The Client Secret is not needed since CloudNest uses the OAuth implicit flow in the browser.Since you created this Google Cloud project yourself, it's in "Testing" mode. Google shows this warning for all unverified apps — it does not mean the app is unsafe. This is your own project, running in your own browser, with credentials you created. It's completely safe to proceed.
Warning Screen
You'll see "Google hasn't verified this app" with two options. Do NOT click "Back to safety" — that cancels the connection. Instead, click the small "Advanced" link at the bottom left of the dialog.
Advanced Options
After clicking "Advanced", additional text appears at the bottom. Click "Go to [your app name] (unsafe)". The "unsafe" label is Google's default wording for all unverified apps — it's not a reflection of your app's safety.
Grant Permissions
Google will show the permissions CloudNest needs: access to your Google Drive files. Click "Continue" to approve. This grants CloudNest (running in your browser) permission to manage your Drive files.
CloudNest's core feature is pooling storage from multiple Google accounts. Here's how to add more:
Once connected, CloudNest gives you a unified view of all your Google Drive accounts. Here's what you can do:
CloudNest is a fully client-side application built with Next.js and hosted as a static site on GitHub Pages. There is no backend server — every interaction with Google Drive happens directly from your browser using the Google Drive API.
OAuth 2.0 implicit flow. Your browser obtains an access token directly from Google. The token is stored in browser memory/storage and never sent to any third-party server.
Your OAuth Client ID and app preferences are stored in the browser's localStorage. Access tokens are kept in session storage and cleared when you close the tab.
All Google Drive API requests are made directly from your browser to Google's servers. CloudNest acts as a UI layer — no proxy, no middleware, no data relay.
Privacy Guarantees
Is my data safe?
Yes. CloudNest is a client-side application — your files and credentials never leave your browser. All API calls go directly from your browser to Google. The source code is fully open and auditable.
How many accounts can I connect?
There is no hard limit in CloudNest. However, while your Google Cloud project is in "Testing" mode, you can add up to 100 test users on the OAuth consent screen. Each connected account adds its full 15 GB free quota to the pool. To add a new account: first add its email as a test user in the Google Cloud Console, then click "Connect Account" in CloudNest's Accounts or Settings page.
Why does Google say "This app isn't verified"?
This is normal and expected. Your Google Cloud project is in "Testing" mode, which is Google's default for new projects. Google only "verifies" apps that serve thousands of users. Since this is your own personal project running in your own browser, it's completely safe. Click "Advanced" → "Go to [app name] (unsafe)" → "Continue" to proceed. You'll see this each time you connect a new account.
Why does my session expire after about an hour?
Google's OAuth access tokens for client-side apps are valid for approximately 1 hour. This is a security measure enforced by Google and cannot be changed. Simply re-authenticate when prompted.
Do I need to install anything?
No. CloudNest runs entirely in your browser. You just need a Google account and a modern web browser. The one-time setup involves creating a Google Cloud project to get OAuth credentials.
Can I use this with a Google Workspace account?
Yes. Add the Workspace email as a test user on the OAuth consent screen and connect it like any other Google account. Workspace accounts may have different storage quotas depending on your plan.
What happens if I clear my browser data?
Your stored Client ID and preferences will be removed. You will need to re-enter your Client ID and reconnect your accounts. Your actual files in Google Drive are not affected.
Is there a file size limit for uploads?
CloudNest uses the Google Drive API for uploads, which supports files up to 5 TB. However, browser-based uploads may be slower for very large files. Your available Drive storage quota also applies.
Can I self-host CloudNest?
Yes. Fork the repository, build the static site, and host it anywhere that serves static files. Update the Authorized JavaScript origins in your Google Cloud Console to match your hosting domain.
!"Error 400: redirect_uri_mismatch" during sign-in
The Authorized JavaScript origins in your Google Cloud Console do not include the domain CloudNest is running on. Go to APIs & Services → Credentials, edit your OAuth Client ID, and add https://encryptioner.github.io as an authorized origin. If self-hosting, add your own domain instead.
!"This app isn't verified" warning
This is normal and expected for apps in Testing mode. Do NOT click "Back to safety" — that cancels the connection. Instead: (1) Click "Advanced" at the bottom left, (2) Click "Go to [your app name] (unsafe)", (3) Click "Continue" to grant permissions. The "unsafe" label is Google's default wording for all unverified apps. Since this is your own Google Cloud project, it's completely safe. Only accounts added as test users in the OAuth consent screen can sign in.
!"Access blocked: This app's request is invalid" error
This usually means the Google Drive API is not enabled for your project. Go to APIs & Services → Library, search for "Google Drive API", and click Enable.
!Google Drive API rate limit errors (403)
Google enforces rate limits on Drive API calls. If you see 403 errors, wait a few minutes and try again. Avoid rapid-fire operations like bulk deleting hundreds of files at once.
!"Storage quota exceeded" on upload
The target Google Drive account is full. Connect another Google account with available storage, or free up space by deleting files and emptying the trash in the original account.
!Can't connect a second Google account
Make sure the email address is added as a test user in your Google Cloud Console (APIs & Services → OAuth consent screen → Test users → Add Users). Only emails listed as test users can sign in while the project is in Testing mode. After adding the email, try connecting again from CloudNest.
!Files not showing after connecting account
Give it a moment for the initial file list to load. If files still do not appear, try disconnecting and reconnecting the account. Make sure the Google Drive API scope was properly approved during OAuth consent.
!Session keeps expiring too quickly
Access tokens last approximately 1 hour. This is a Google-enforced limit for client-side OAuth apps and cannot be extended. Browser extensions that aggressively clear cookies or storage may also cause premature session loss.
Open the dashboard and connect your Google Drive accounts.
CloudNest is free and open source. View on GitHub · Portfolio