Transfer Google Drive Files to Another Account

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of transferring Google Drive files from one account to another. Whether you want to move files you own or files that have been shared with you, this step-by-step guide will help you do so efficiently without the need to download and re-upload files.

Step 1: Identify the Types of Files to Transfer

Before you begin the transfer process, it's essential to understand the two types of files you can transfer:

• Owned Files: Files that you created or uploaded.
• Shared Files: Files that others have shared with you.

Knowing the type of file will determine the method you use for the transfer.

Step 2: Preparing My Drive Files for Transfer

To prepare your owned files for transfer, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Drive in your web browser.
2. Navigate to "My Drive" and select the files you want to transfer.
3. Right-click on the selected files and choose “Share.”
4. Enter the email address of the destination account.
5. Set the permission level to “Editor” to allow the new account to take ownership later.

Step 3: Transferring Ownership of Files

Once the files are shared, you can transfer ownership:

1. Right-click on the file you want to transfer.
2. Click on “Share.”
3. Find the email address of the new account in the list of people.
4. Click on the dropdown menu next to the email and select “Make owner.”
5. Confirm the transfer when prompted.

Practical Tip

Ensure that the new account accepts the ownership transfer, as the files will not appear in that account until this step is completed.

Step 4: Removing Permissions from Old Account

After successfully transferring ownership, you may want to remove permissions from your old account:

1. Right-click on the file.
2. Select “Share.”
3. Next to your old account’s email, click the dropdown menu and choose “Remove.”
4. Confirm the removal.

Common Pitfall

Be cautious when removing permissions, as this will restrict access to the files from your old account.

Step 5: Transferring Shared Files

Transferring files that have been shared with you involves a different approach:

1. Open the shared file you wish to transfer.
2. Click on “File” in the menu.
3. Select “Make a copy” to create a duplicate of the file in your own Drive.
4. Move the copied file to your "My Drive."

Fastest Method to Transfer Shared Files

• Use the “Make a copy” method for each shared file you want to transfer. This creates a new file in your Drive, which you can then manage.

Step 6: Recap of All Transfer Methods

To summarize, here are the methods covered:

• For Owned Files: Share the file, transfer ownership, and remove your old account's permissions.
• For Shared Files: Make a copy of the shared file to your Drive.

Conclusion

You now have the tools to transfer files between Google Drive accounts effectively. Whether you are moving owned files or shared files, these methods streamline the process. For future transfers, remember to follow the appropriate steps based on whether you own the files or they have been shared with you. Consider checking out related tutorials for more advanced Google Drive features!