Transfer your files to another Google account

In February 2021, Google announced it would be phasing out the unlimited and free storage allocation previously available to schools and universities that use Google Drive. Instead, it will offer a base amount of storage for a fixed fee and a charge for additional storage. An initiative is underway to support the university’s transformation to a new Google service. 

There are two main methods to transfer your files from one Google Drive to another:

Method 1: Download and Upload

  1. Download your files:

    • Go to https://drive.google.com/ and log in to your source account (the one with the files you want to transfer).
    • Select the files or folders you want to transfer. You can hold down the “Ctrl” key (Windows) or “Command” key (Mac) to choose multiple files.
    • Right-click on the selected files/folders and choose “Download.”
    • Google Drive will create a compressed ZIP archive of your chosen files.

  2. Upload to the new account:

    • Log in to your destination account (the one you want to transfer the files to) on https://drive.google.com/.
    • Click “New” and select “Folder” to create a new folder if you want to organize your transferred files. (Optional)
    • Click “Upload” and choose “File upload” to select the downloaded ZIP archive from your computer.
    • Google Drive will upload the ZIP archive and then extract the files within it to your chosen location (Drive or the newly created folder).

Method 2: Transfer Ownership

Important Note: This method transfers ownership of the files completely. The original owner will no longer have access to the files after the transfer.

  1. Log in to your source account: Go to https://drive.google.com/ and sign in to the account containing the files you want to transfer.
  2. Access the Admin Console (Workspace accounts only): This method only works for Google Workspace accounts, not personal accounts. You’ll need access to the Admin Console for your organization. If you don’t have access, you’ll need to use the download and upload method mentioned above.
  3. Navigate to Drive and Docs Transfer:
    • In the Admin Console, go to Apps > Google Workspace > Drive and Docs.
    • Click on Transfer ownership.
  4. Specify User Information:
    • In the “From user” field, enter the email address of the current owner (your source account).
    • In the “To user” field, enter the email address of the new owner (the destination account).
  5. Transfer the Files:
    • Click on Transfer Files. A confirmation message will appear.
    • The new owner will receive an email notification to accept ownership of the transferred files.

Choosing the Right Method:

  • Use the download and upload method if you want to keep a copy of the files in your source account or if you don’t have access to the Admin Console for a Google Workspace account.
  • Use the transfer ownership method if you want to completely move the files to the new account and you have access to the Admin Console for a Google Workspace account.

Additional Tips:

  • You can transfer ownership of individual files or entire folders.
  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection while uploading or downloading large files.
  • Consider creating a folder structure in your destination account before uploading to organize your transferred files.

Useful Links

Google Workspace
Google Collaboration