An email sent out today informed Amazon Drive customers that the cloud storage service is shutting down.
Amazon Drive, formerly Amazon Cloud Drive, launched back in 2011 to provide cloud storage, file backup, file sharing, and photo printing. However, the focus is now shifting to Amazon Photos and Drive will no longer be supported after Dec. 31, 2023. That offers users a very generous 17 months to adjust their cloud storage practices.
There are a couple of key dates to keep in mind before then, though. On Oct. 31 this year, the Amazon Drive app will be removed from the iOS and Android app stores. On Jan. 31 next year, Amazon will end support for uploading files to the Amazon Drive website, meaning you'll be limited to viewing and downloading files after that.
As Amazon Photos effectively offers the same service, Drive disappearing simply means any files not supported by Amazon Photos will need to find a new home on another cloud storage service. There are a number of excellent alternatives to choose between, but first of all you'll need to download your files from Drive before they disappear.
To download your files, visit amazon.com/clouddrive and login using your Amazon account. Select any files and folders you want to save and then click the download icon from the top navigation that appears in blue. For more details, Amazon produced a FAQ answering the most common questions.