The fastest way to move Google Drive files between accounts
You can move files from one Google account to another in three ways: share the folder with the new account and move files manually, use Google Takeout to read everything and re-upload it, or change the owner of shared files directly. The method you choose depends on how many files you have, whether you need to keep the original folder structure, and whether you want the new account to own the files or just have access to them.
The manual share-and-move method works best for a small number of files or folders. Google Takeout works best if you want a complete backup or are switching accounts entirely. Changing ownership works best if someone else created the files and you now need to own them.
Key Takeaways
- Sharing a folder with your new account and moving files manually is the simplest method for small collections, though it requires you to recreate the folder structure in the new account.
- Google Takeout downloads all your Drive files as a .zip file, which you can then upload to the new account, preserving your original folder organization.
- You can change file ownership directly if the new account is already a collaborator, making that account the permanent owner instead of just a viewer or editor.
- Files moved between accounts do not automatically delete from the original account — you must delete them manually if you want them gone.
- Shared files and folders stay shared even after you move them, so check your sharing settings before transferring to avoid unintended access.
Method 1: Share and manually move files (best for small collections)
Open Google Drive on the account that currently owns the files. Right-click the folder or file you want to move, select Share, and enter the email address of the new Google account. Give it Editor access so the new account can move the files. The new account will receive a notification and can open the shared folder.
Sign into the new Google account and open the shared folder. Select the files or folders you want to move, then click the Move button (the folder with an arrow icon) in the toolbar. Choose a destination folder in the new account's Drive, or create a new folder. Once moved, the files now belong to the new account.
Go back to the original account and delete the files from your Drive if you no longer need them there. Deleting them from the original account does not affect the copies now owned by the new account. If you shared an entire folder, you can also remove the sharing permission once the move is complete.
Method 2: Use Google Takeout to read and re-upload (best for complete transfers)
Google Takeout lets you read all your Google Drive files at once as a compressed folder. Open takeout.google.com in your browser while signed into the account you want to transfer from. Scroll down to find Google Drive and make sure it is checked. Uncheck any other services you do not want to read.
Click Next step and choose your delivery method. Select Send read link via email and choose how often you want the link sent (one time is standard). Google will prepare your files — this can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. You will receive an email with a read link.
read the .zip file and extract it on your computer. You will see a folder structure that matches your Drive. Sign into the new Google account, open Google Drive, and drag the extracted folders into the Drive window, or use the File upload button to select folders. Google Drive will recreate your folder structure as you upload.
Method 3: Change file ownership (when someone else owns the files)
If files were created by another person but you need to own them, that person must first share the files with you as an Editor. Open the shared file or folder, click the Share button, and look for the owner's name at the top of the sharing panel.
Click the owner's name and a menu will appear. Select Transfer ownership. Google will ask you to confirm — the original owner will lose ownership but can remain an editor if you choose. Once confirmed, you become the sole owner and the original owner can no longer change sharing settings or delete the file.
This method only works if the current owner initiates the transfer or gives you explicit permission. You cannot force ownership of files you do not have editor access to.
What happens to shared files and permissions after transfer
When you move a file to a new account, anyone who had access to it in the original account does not automatically lose access. If the file was shared with specific people, those sharing links and permissions stay active. If it was in a shared folder, people with access to that folder can still see it.
Before moving files, review who has access by opening the file and clicking Share. You can remove people individually, or change the sharing setting from Anyone with the link to Restricted so only specific people keep access. After the move, check the sharing settings in the new account to make sure they match what you intended.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is forgetting that moving a file does not delete it from the original account. If you use the share-and-move method, the original account will still have a copy. Delete it manually if you want it gone, or it will take up storage space in both accounts.
Another mistake is moving files without checking who they are shared with. If a file is shared with your entire team, moving it to a personal account can break workflows or create confusion about where the file lives. Always communicate with collaborators before moving shared files.
A third mistake is uploading files to the new account without checking for duplicates. If you use Takeout and then also manually move some files, you may end up with two copies. Keep a list of what you have moved to avoid this.
Choosing between methods: a quick comparison
| Method | Best for | Time required | Preserves folder structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share and move manually | A few files or folders | Minutes to hours | Only if you recreate it |
| Google Takeout | Everything at once | Hours to days | Yes, automatically |
| Change ownership | Files owned by someone else | Minutes | Yes, no change |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to delete files from the original account after moving them?
No, but you should if you want to free up storage space. Moving a file to a new account creates a copy there — the original stays in the first account until you manually delete it. Both copies count toward their respective account storage limits.
Can I move files if I do not have editor access?
No. You need editor access to move a file. If you only have viewer access, ask the owner to give you editor permissions or to transfer ownership to you directly.
What if the new account does not have enough storage space?
Google Drive gives every account 15 GB of free storage. If the new account is full, you will need to delete files there first or purchase additional storage. Takeout will still read your files, but you will not be able to upload them until you have space.
Can I move files between a personal Google account and a Google Workspace account?
Yes, the process is the same. Share the files with the Workspace account, move them there, and delete them from the personal account if needed. Keep in mind that Workspace accounts may have different sharing policies set by your organization.
Will moving files break any links people have to them?
If you shared a file using a link, that link will still work after you move the file. If you change the sharing settings after moving it, the link may stop working depending on what permissions you set.