How to Use MEGA: Ultimate Guide to MEGA Cloud Storage in 2024

Key Takeaways: How to Use MEGA

1. Sign up for a MEGA account.
2. Fill in your personal data.
3. Activate your account.
4. Select a plan.
5. Download the MEGA desktop app.
6. Log in to MEGA through the desktop app and start using the service.

Facts & Expert Analysis: How to use MEGA

• Zero-knowledge encryption: MEGA implements zero-knowledge encryption, meaning not even its employees can read the content of your files. 
• Accessibility across various devices: MEGA is accessible through a web interface, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and desktop apps for Windows, Linux and Mac.
• Multi-purpose: MEGA can be used as a cloud storage service, a backup solution and for chat and meetings.

Is MEGA Actually Worth It? | 2024 MEGA Cloud Storage Review

Cloud platforms have become the de facto tools for storing and backing up data in a world moving towards digitization and accessibility. MEGA is among the best cloud storage platforms and is loved for its generous free plan and top-notch security features. This article will teach you how to use MEGA as a cloud solution.

For this tutorial, we will use MEGA’s desktop application and the web version. We will take you through the sign-up process; teach you how to upload files, use the sync folder, and access and download files from MEGA; and provide a few alternatives if you feel MEGA does not tick all the boxes. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is MEGA & What Is It Used for?

MEGA is a cloud storage solution that allows users to store and access files through desktop apps, mobile apps or the web. It was founded in 2013 and is favored for its security features and generous free plan. 

MEGA uses zero-knowledge encryption, meaning not even its employees can decrypt and read the content of your stored data. In addition to being a cloud storage solution, MEGA has various features like cloud backup, chat and meeting tools, object storage and a virtual private network (VPN). 

MEGA’s free plan offers 20GB of storage. Various personal-use plans with storage limits of up to 16TB are also available. The Pro Flexi and Business plans offer unlimited storage. Our detailed MEGA review explains its pricing, security and privacy features. 

Where Can I Use MEGA?

MEGA is designed for different user types and supports various devices and operating systems. You can use MEGA on:

• The web via a browser interface
• Desktop apps on Windows, Mac and Linux
• Mobile apps on Android and iOS

How to Create a MEGA Account & Download the App

MEGA has a smooth user interface, making it easy to sign up with a few clicks. MEGA’s different products are well labeled on the homepage, making them easy to locate. If you get stuck, you can also use the help center, which has extensive documentation and well-illustrated articles. 

Follow the steps below to create a free MEGA account and download the app. 

1. Sign Up on MEGA

   Visit MEGA’s website and click “sign up” in the top-right corner.

   

2. Fill In Your Data

   The website will open in a new window. Enter your name and email, set up a password and agree to the terms. Then, click “create account.”

   

3. Activate Your Account

   You will receive an email with instructions on how to verify your account. Click “activate account.” You will be taken to a new window, where you will enter your password to log in.

   

4. Select a Plan

   MEGA will display various plans after you log in. You can select any plan that suits your needs. For this demonstration, we will use the free plan. Scroll down until you find “get started with our free plan” and click  “get started for free.” Don’t forget to download your decrypting key for safekeeping.

   

5. Download the MEGA Desktop App

   After selecting a plan, MEGA will open a new window, where you can manage your data, upload files and download the desktop app. We’re downloading the app, so select “desktop app.” Follow the prompts to install the application.

   

6. Log In to MEGA Through the Desktop App

   After installation, launch the desktop app. Then, click the “log in” button. Next, enter your email and password.

   

How to Create a MEGA Folder 

Now that we have created a MEGA account, we can create folders. MEGA creates a sync folder on your desktop. However, we can still use the web interface to create a MEGA folder. The steps are as follows:

1. Locate the Cloud Drive

   Log into your MEGA account through a web browser and access your dashboard. Click “drive” > “cloud drive.” Locate “create folder” in the top-right corner.

   

2. Create Folder

   You will see a pop-up where you can name your folder. Name the folder and click “create.” Your new folder has now been created and is ready to use.

   

How to Sync & Unsync Files in MEGA 

File synchronization ensures all your data remains updated on your desktop application, mobile app or web interface. Below are the steps for syncing and unsyncing files in MEGA.

How to Backup Files in MEGA

Backing up files in MEGA allows you to access them on multiple devices. You can browse your files from the desktop and mobile apps or the web interface. Below are the steps for backing up files in MEGA. 

1. Open the MEGA Desktop App

   Locate the MEGA sync icon in the system tray. Click the three dots in the right corner, then click “settings.” Then, select “backup.”

   

2. Select Files

   MEGA allows you to pick folders and files from your local machine to back up online. Click “add,” then “choose.” This will take you to folders saved on your machine. Select the target folder and click “add” again. The selected files will now be backed up.

   

MEGA: Upload Files Tutorial

MEGA allows you to upload folders or files for storage in its cloud. Below are the steps for completing a MEGA upload. 

1. Open the MEGA Desktop App

   Launch the MEGA desktop and click on the upload icon.

   

2. Select Files

   MEGA allows you to select files from your internal, external, local and network drives. For instance, you can select files from “my computer” > “local disk (D).” Click “select” to browse through folders and pick the files you want to upload.

   

3. Select Destination

   MEGA will ask you to select the folder where you want your upload to reside. You can use the “MEGA uploads” folder that the system generates or click “choose” to create another MEGA folder. You can also select an existing one. If you want all future uploads to reside in the same folder, tick “always upload to this destination.” Click “OK.”

   

MEGA: Download Files Tutorial

You may lose copies of files on your local computer, but if you have followed this guide, they’ll be safely stored in your MEGA cloud drive. You may also want to download files to another computer. Below are the steps for downloading a file from the MEGA cloud drive using the web interface. 

1. Log In to MEGA

   Access the MEGA website and log in. Locate “drive” in the left-hand menu.

   

2. Access Cloud Drive

   You will see a list of all folders in the MEGA cloud drive. Locate the folder that contains the file you want to download.

   

3. Select Your Files

   Double-click the target folder to display all the files. For instance, you can select the “MEGA uploads” folder; this will display all the files you have uploaded over time. You can select multiple files or a single file for download. Click on the three dots to display the options.

   

4. Access File Options

   MEGA will display several options after you click the three dots. Select “download”(second option) on the list.

   

5. Download the Files

   MEGA allows you to choose the destination of your downloads on your local computer or external drive. Click “choose” to select your download folder. By clicking “always download to this destination,” you accept to keep all your MEGA downloads in the same folder. Click “OK” to initiate your downloads.

   

How to Share Files in MEGA

MEGA allows users to share files and folders with registered and non-registered users. Below are the steps to follow if you wish to share files and folders. 

1. Log In to Your MEGA Account

   Go to MEGA’s website and log in to your account. Once in the dashboard, click “drive.”

   

2. Select Your Files

   Open the target folder to display all the files it contains. Select your target files and click on the three dots.

   

3. Share the Link

   Select “share link” from the list of options. MEGA will generate a link you can copy and share through messaging apps or email.

   

How to Open a MEGA Link

You can receive a MEGA link in different ways, the most common of which is via email. Here’s how to open the link. 

1. Log In to Your Email Account

   For this demonstration, we will use Gmail. Log in to your email account and look for incoming emails from MEGA. A MEGA link will look something like this: https://mega.nz/file/x.

   

2. Download the File(s)

   Click the link, and a new tab will open in your browser window. MEGA will give you two options: “download” and “save to MEGA.” We will stick with the first choice. However, you can opt for the second one if you are a registered MEGA user. Your files will now be downloaded to your computer or added to your MEGA account.

   

MEGA Mobile App Walkthrough

MEGA has mobile apps available on iOS and Android devices. We shall use Android for this demonstration. Below are the steps on how to use the MEGA Android app.

1. Download the Android App

   Head over to the Google Play store and search for “MEGA cloud storage.” Hit the install button.

   

2. Log In to Your MEGA Account

   Log in to your MEGA account using your email and password combination. You can also create an account if you are not registered.

   

3. Set Up MEGA

   MEGA will request access to your media files for easy sharing, uploading and storage. Grant all the relevant permissions.

   

4. Upload a Folder

   Click on the “+” sign at the bottom right and then select “upload” > “upload folder.” Select a folder from your phone and click “upload.”

   

5. Upload the Files

   Click on the “+” sign at the bottom right and choose “upload” > “upload files.” Select a file from your phone and click “upload.”

   

6. Share the Files

   Go to the MEGA mobile app dashboard. You will see a list of all the files available. Select your target file and click on the three dots. Click “share” to generate a shareable link you can send using messaging apps or via email.

   

Is MEGA Right for Me?

MEGA is an excellent choice if you are looking for a secure cloud storage service with a lot of free storage space and a backup solution. It has an easy-to-navigate user interface and is available on various platforms. It has the basic features you need in a cloud backup and cloud storage service.

You can back up a folder or file to MEGA cloud servers. However, if you want a cloud backup solution to clone your disks or back up your entire system, go for a service like IDrive. Check out our IDrive review to learn more. 

Because MEGA places significant focus on security and privacy, its collaboration features fall to the wayside. A platform like Google Drive is a good alternative if you want a cloud storage platform with great collaboration features. Check out our Google Drive review to learn about its features. 

Final Thoughts

We have covered using the MEGA app to store, back up, access and share files. The generous free storage space and end-to-end encryption are some of the features that make MEGA one of the biggest names in cloud storage and cloud backup. 

However, its limited integration with third-party apps might not appeal to teams that collaborate. Its lack of drive cloning and disk image backup features also limits those looking for advanced features. Still, for basic backups, MEGA is a great choice for many.

How do you rate the MEGA app’s user interface? Do your files sync seamlessly across multiple devices? Do you know of another platform with similar features to MEGA? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. Thanks for reading. 

FAQ: MEGA Beginner’s Guide

• How Do I Run a File in MEGA?

  MEGA is not built to run files directly. The MEGA app focuses on security and encrypts your files before uploading. This platform supports previews of several file types. However, to run files, you must download and run them on your computer or mobile device.

• Is MEGA.nz Safe?

  Yes. MEGA uses end-to-end encryption to ensure your files are secure in transit and at rest.

• How Do I Open MEGA Files? 

  You can open some file types, like Word documents, directly in the web app. However, you need to download compressed files and executables and open them on your computer.