Expert Tips to Move Files from One Google Drive to Another with Ease!

“I want to know how to migrate Google Drive to another Google Drive. This is to bring the documents present from my school Google Workspace account into my personal account. I have various file types, some of which are docs, some are slides and a few videos here too. My graduation day is coming soon, and shortly after that, I won’t be able to access my account. Is it possible to transfer large volumes of data in such a short time frame? Please help me out.”
—Benjamin
There are a few ways to move the files/folders stored in Google Drive, lying under the settings window. The user can move the copied files to another folder by simply making a copy. Take a look at further sections to learn about the best ways to move files between two Google Drive accounts.
Understanding Why Users Move Files From One Google Drive to Another!
Here are some reasons users might move files between Google Drive:
- Users need to reorganize files for better team collaboration and project management.
- Transferring files helps optimize storage space across multiple Google Drive accounts.
- Moving files allows for improved sharing settings and access permissions for collaborators.
- Users may consolidate files into a single account for simplicity and efficiency.
- Files are moved to reflect new ownership after team member transitions or departures.
- Users shift files to drives where team members can easily access them.
- Moving files to a premium account may offer more storage and features.
- Users often move files to differentiate personal and work-related documents effectively.
Reliable Techniques to Move Files From One Google Drive to Another!
There are multiple techniques the user can choose from to migrate files from one Google Drive to another. However, not all of the options to get these cloud drives provide value to the user. There are reliability issues with some of these methods, and some of them are too lethargic. So, follow the instructions carefully for minimal disruptions.
Let’s look at the same –
Method 1: Move Files from One Google Drive to Another Manually
This is a straightforward method, and one can use it for free, without facing any technical issues like data loss. Here are the quick instructions to follow –
Step 1. To access Google Drive data Go to drive.google.com
Step 2. Select one or more files
Step 3. Click the person with a + (share) icon on the top toolbar.
Step 4. In the pop-up box, add the names of people/accounts with whom you want to share the data.
Step 5. Choose a role for the recipient: Viewer/Commenter/Editor
Step 6. Add a custom message (optional) and hit send.
Step 7. Repeat steps 2-3 to copy files from one Google Drive to another.
Step 8. This time, the user name will be present alongside the current owner. Toggle the role dropdown.
Step 9. Select Transfer ownership.
Step 10. Confirm by hitting Send invitation in the pop-up.
Step 11. Log in from the second account (Either in Gmail or Google Drive)
Step 12. Accept the ownership transfer request.
Step 13. To ensure a complete de-link from the original account, revoke shareable citation of the doc/file/folder and put it back in the restricted category.
Manual Method 2: Move Files from One Google Drive to Another
Those who want to know how to move files from one Google Drive to another without using the above method or have little technical expertise can follow these steps:
- Sign in to your Gmail account and open Google Drive.
- Select the documents which have to be moved to a secondary account.
- Now, right-click and select the Download option to download the folder/file formats.
- Once you have downloaded all the documents and moved them to your local folder, log in to another account.
- Lastly, to upload the files, select New, and then click on Upload File(s) / Folder. Now, select the files from the local folder.
Manual Method 3: Takeout Drive and Put it In
Transferring data from one Google Drive to another using the Google Takeout service. This service is provided by Google to move files from one Google Drive to another effortlessly. You can zip the file in different formats and unzip it when required.
- Search for Google Takeout and sign in to the account.
- Choose the Google account from which you want to create the export.
- Select the delivery method. Now, from the drop-down menu, choose the “Add to Drive” option.
- Click on the “Create Export”. Download files in a zip format and unzip. Now you can upload the file to the new Google Drive.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using the Manual Methods?
There are several limitations and shortcomings associated with using the manual method to move files from one Google Drive to another, some of them are as follows:
- Complex and Tedious Process: Using a manual way for moving files from one Google Drive to another can be time-consuming, as the process is divided into two separate parts – Download and Upload. Therefore, the user needs to spend a lot of time on the migration process.
- Technical Strength: The user must be technically skilled to perform these procedures. Otherwise, users have to spend a lot of time tinkering around with the data.
- Data Loss: Manual process does not provide you with data security, and this could lead to data loss.
- Loss of Data Integrity: The manual method does not ensure the migration of data in a structured way. It is unable to maintain the original hierarchy and integrity of data once the migration process is completed.
- Absence of Modern Filters: Features like date filter, priority-based migration, etc are not available in the manual method.
Method 4: Professional Solution
SysTools Google Drive Migration tool is your go-to solution for all inter-account transfers at the enterprise level. When administering a multi-account transfer from one set of users to another, there is no better way than using this utility. With a completely FUI setup, this takes care of the most complicated part of migration and makes it super simple.
Plus, the option to set up filters at various layers, i.e., the date, user, priority, concurrency, etc, gives admins top-notch control over what gets sent where and in how much time.
Never been easier to do a select share of Google Drive with another account.
Observational Verdict!
Google Drive storage is always a blessing because you can store your files there, which can be accessed easily from anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet. It’s packed with tons of features that enable you to collaborate and invite users to share files.
Sometimes, users want to move files from one Google Drive to another for many reasons. However, there is no straightforward guide available online; that’s why we are here to tell you about the most preferred manual solutions to complete the task hassle-free.
Recently Asked Queries!
Q1. Can I move entire folders between Google Drive accounts?
Yes, you can share the folder with your other account, and then make a copy in that account.
Q2. Will I lose my original files when moving them?
No, sharing or copying files will not delete the originals. The original files remain intact in the original account.
Q3. Is there a size limit for files being transferred?
Yes, Google Drive has a file size limit of 5 TB for individual files. However, ensure you have enough storage in the destination account.
Q4. Can I move Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files?
Yes, you can move Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides in the same way as other files. Just remember to create a copy if moving to a different account.
Q5. Will my sharing settings change when moving files?
Sharing settings remain the same for the original files. However, when you make a copy in a different account, you’ll need to set new sharing permissions.
Q6. When I try to share a file with another account, the share button greys out/becomes disabled. How do I add Google Drive to the second ID in such a scenario?
If this happens, then you are not the original owner of the said file. It is most probably a shared drive. You can deselect that specific file/folder and share the rest. Another option is to contact the original owner to give you edit/shareable access and then resume the steps.
Q. Will I have to repeat the ownership transfer method for every file individually?
Unfortunately, there is no option to transfer and maintain bulk ownership. However, one trick might work if you are willing to sabotage the folder structure of your source Google Drive account.
Create a new empty folder > Move all items from your Google Drive into this folder. Repeat the ownership transfer steps for this all-in-one parent folder.
Note: The ownership and the storage quota consumption remain with the source account unless you do a manual transfer.