How to Transfer All Google Drive Data to Another Account Automatically

Whether you are leaving a job, graduating from university, or simply consolidating multiple accounts into a single digital workspace, transferring files between Google Drive accounts can be a daunting task. Manually downloading gigabytes of data and re-uploading it to a new account is not only time-consuming but also consumes unnecessary bandwidth and risks data loss if a connection drops.

Fortunately, you do not have to rely on the download-and-upload method. You can transfer your entire Google Drive library directly between Google’s servers. This guide explains the best automated methods for migrating your Google Drive data.

Method 1: Using the “Share and Transfer Ownership” Method

This is the most efficient method for moving files from one personal Google Account to another. It does not require downloading any files, and the transfer happens instantly on Google’s servers.

Step 1: Consolidate Your Files

To make the transfer seamless, you should place all the files and folders you wish to transfer into a single master folder.

1. Log in to the old Google Drive account (the source).
2. Click the + New button and select New folder. Name it something obvious, such as “Drive Migration”.
3. Select all the files and folders you wish to move. You can use Ctrl + A (Windows) or Command + A (Mac) to select everything.
4. Drag and drop the selected items into the “Drive Migration” folder.

Step 2: Share the Folder with the New Account

1. Right-click on the “Drive Migration” folder and select Share.
2. In the “Add people and groups” field, type the email address of your new Google Account.
3. Ensure the permission is set to Editor.
4. Click Send.

Step 3: Transfer Ownership

Sharing the folder is not enough; if the old account is deleted, shared files are also deleted. You must transfer the ownership.

1. Right-click on the “Drive Migration” folder again and select Share.
2. Find the new email address in the list of people with access.
3. Click the dropdown menu next to the new email address (it currently says “Editor”).
4. Select Transfer ownership.
5. A warning prompt will appear. Click Send Invitation.

Step 4: Accept the Transfer

1. Log out of the old account and log in to the new Google Account.
2. Open Gmail and find the invitation email from Google Drive.
3. Click the Accept button in the email.
4. Navigate to your new Google Drive. You will now be the owner of the “Drive Migration” folder, and you can move the contents out into your main Drive structure.

Method 2: Using Google Takeout (Best for Work or School Accounts)

If you are transferring files from a Google Workspace account (such as a company or university email), the organisation’s administrator may have disabled the ability to share files outside the organisation. In this scenario, you must use Google Takeout.

1. Log in to your old work or school Google Account.
2. Visit the Google Takeout website.
3. Click Deselect all at the top of the list.
4. Scroll down and tick the box next to Drive.
5. Scroll to the bottom and click Next step.
6. Under “Delivery method,” choose Add to Drive. (This will save the archive directly to your current Drive, avoiding a local download). Alternatively, if you are leaving the organisation immediately, choose Send download link via email.
7. Click Create export.

Once the export is complete, Google will compile your Drive data into zip files. You will then need to download these files to your local machine and upload them to your new Google Account.

Important Limitations to Remember

When migrating Google Drive data, keep the following limitations in mind:

• Storage Limits: Ensure your new Google Account has sufficient storage space to accommodate the incoming files. Free accounts only provide 15GB.
• Google Photos: Transferring files in Google Drive does not transfer your Google Photos library. These are handled as separate services and require a different migration process.
• Shared Files: If a file was shared with you (you are not the owner), you cannot transfer ownership to someone else. You must make a copy of the file first, which you will then own and can transfer.