Can I Move Files From One Google Drive to Another? Absolutely! Here’s How.

The short and definitive answer is: Yes, you absolutely can move files from one Google Drive to another. Google Drive is designed with flexibility in mind, and moving your data between accounts is a common and well-supported operation. The process varies slightly depending on whether you own the files or are just a collaborator, but rest assured, there are several straightforward methods available. This article will delve into these methods, offering expert guidance to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer.

Understanding Your Google Drive Landscape

Before diving into the how-to, let’s establish a common understanding of Google Drive and its functionalities. Think of Google Drive as your personal cloud storage locker. It holds everything from documents and spreadsheets to presentations and photos. You access this locker through your Google account. When discussing moving files, we’re essentially transferring the ownership (or access permissions) of those files from one Google account’s locker to another.

Now, let’s explore the practical methods for achieving this.

Method 1: Drag and Drop (For Owned Files)

This is the most intuitive method, especially if you’re dealing with a smaller number of files and folders. It’s akin to moving physical files between folders on your computer.

1. Log in to both Google Drive accounts simultaneously. Open two separate browser windows (or use different browsers) and log into each Google account.
2. Open both Google Drives. In each window, navigate to Google Drive.
3. Locate the files/folders you want to move. In the source Google Drive (the one with the files you want to move), find the items you want to transfer.
4. Drag and drop. Click and hold the file(s) or folder(s) you want to move and drag them to the other Google Drive window. Release the mouse button to drop them into the destination Google Drive.
5. Wait for the upload. Depending on the size and number of files, this may take some time. You can monitor the progress in the bottom right corner of the destination Google Drive window.

Important Considerations: This method essentially creates a copy of the files in the destination Drive. The original files remain in the source Drive until you manually delete them. Also, for large transfers, this method can be prone to errors, especially if your internet connection is unstable.

Method 2: Sharing and Making a Copy (For Collaborators or Owners)

This method is particularly useful if you’re not the owner of the files but need to have them under your own ownership in your Google Drive. It’s a two-step process: first, you share the files, and then you make a copy.

1. Share the files/folders. In the source Google Drive, right-click on the file(s) or folder(s) you want to move. Select “Share.”
2. Enter the destination Google account email address. In the sharing dialogue, enter the email address associated with the Google Drive where you want to move the files. Grant the appropriate permissions (usually “Editor” if you want full control after copying).
3. Log in to the destination Google Drive. Open the Google Drive associated with the email address you used to share the files.
4. Locate the shared files. Look in the “Shared with me” section of your Google Drive.
5. Make a copy. Right-click on the file(s) or folder(s) you want to move, and select “Make a copy.” A copy of the file will be created in your Google Drive (usually in “My Drive”). For folders, there is no “Make a copy” function. You will need to create a new folder in your destination drive and drag all the files and folders you want to copy from the “Shared with me” section.
6. Organize and rename (Optional). You can now move the copied files to a different folder within your Google Drive and rename them as needed.

Key Advantage: This method allows you to gain ownership of files that were initially shared with you. Once you make a copy, you are the owner of that copy.

Method 3: Google Takeout (For Large Data Transfers)

Google Takeout is a powerful tool for exporting your data from various Google services, including Google Drive. It’s ideal for large transfers or for creating a backup of your entire Drive.

1. Go to Google Takeout. Visit takeout.google.com.
2. Select Google Drive. In the list of Google services, find “Drive” and make sure it’s selected. You can deselect all other services if you only want to download your Drive data.
3. Customize the export (Optional). Click “All Drive data included” to choose specific folders or file types to export. This can be useful if you only want to move a subset of your Drive.
4. Choose the export format. Click “Multiple formats” to specify the file format for your exported data (e.g., .zip for documents, .jpg for photos).
5. Choose delivery method. Click “Delivery method” and select how you want to receive the exported data. You can choose to receive a download link via email, or you can save the data directly to another cloud storage service like Dropbox or OneDrive (but not directly to another Google Drive).
6. Create export. Click “Create export.” Google will then prepare your data for download. This may take a considerable amount of time, depending on the size of your Drive.
7. Download and upload. Once the export is complete, you’ll receive an email with a download link. Download the exported data to your computer. Then, log in to the destination Google Drive and upload the downloaded files and folders.

Biggest Benefit: Google Takeout is the most reliable method for transferring very large amounts of data, especially when dealing with an unstable internet connection. The downside is the intermediate step of downloading and then re-uploading.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Moving files between Google Drives is generally straightforward, but you might encounter some snags. Here’s how to address them:

• Insufficient Storage: Ensure the destination Google Drive has enough storage space to accommodate the files you’re moving.
• Sharing Permissions: Double-check that the sharing permissions are correctly set, especially when using the “Share and Make a Copy” method.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial, especially for large transfers. Consider using a wired connection for increased reliability.
• File Size Limits: Be aware of Google Drive’s file size limits for uploads. Very large files may need to be broken down into smaller parts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions about moving files between Google Drives.

1. Will the original files be deleted when I move them?

No, not unless you explicitly delete them. Using the drag-and-drop method or Google Takeout creates a copy of the files. The original files remain in the source Google Drive.

2. Can I move ownership of a folder without copying the files?

Yes, you can transfer ownership. Right-click the folder, select “Share,” enter the email of the new owner, and then change their permission from “Editor” to “Owner.” Note that the previous owner will remain an “Editor” unless removed. Transferring ownership is a permanent change, so exercise caution.

3. What happens to the sharing permissions of files I move?

When you make a copy using the “Share and Make a Copy” method, the copy inherits none of the original sharing permissions. You’ll need to re-share the files with collaborators if necessary. When you transfer ownership, the sharing permissions stay intact.

4. How long does it take to move files between Google Drives?

The time required depends on the size and number of files, as well as your internet connection speed. Small files can be transferred almost instantly, while large transfers (e.g., hundreds of gigabytes) can take several hours or even days using Google Takeout.

5. Can I automate the process of moving files?

While there isn’t a built-in automation feature in Google Drive, you can use third-party tools or scripts (using Google Apps Script) to automate certain aspects of the transfer, particularly for repetitive tasks or for synchronizing data between Drives. Use caution and thoroughly research any third-party tools before granting them access to your Google Drive data.

6. What happens if I cancel the transfer mid-way?

If you cancel a drag-and-drop transfer or a Google Takeout export mid-way, the partially transferred files may be incomplete or corrupted. It’s best to start the transfer again from the beginning.

7. Can I move files from a personal Google Drive to a Google Workspace (business) account?

Yes, the methods described above apply to both personal and Google Workspace accounts. However, your Google Workspace administrator may have policies in place that restrict certain file sharing or transfer activities. Check with your administrator if you encounter any issues.

8. Is there a limit to the number of files I can move at once?

Google doesn’t explicitly state a limit, but transferring extremely large numbers of files at once (e.g., tens of thousands) can lead to performance issues or errors. It’s generally best to break down large transfers into smaller batches.

9. What happens to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides when I move them?

When you move these files using the drag-and-drop or Google Takeout method, they are copied as their native Google format in the destination drive. When you use Share and Make a Copy, a new editable copy is created.

10. Can I move files from Google Drive to another cloud storage service (e.g., Dropbox)?

Yes, using Google Takeout. You would download the files and then upload them to the other cloud storage service. Some third-party tools also facilitate direct transfers between different cloud storage services.

11. How do I move files if I’m using the Google Drive desktop app?

The Google Drive desktop app essentially mirrors your online Google Drive on your computer. You can move files between Google Drive accounts by syncing both accounts to your computer and then dragging and dropping files between the synced folders.

12. I get an “Insufficient Permissions” error when trying to move a file. What do I do?

This error indicates that you don’t have the necessary permissions to move the file. Ensure you have “Editor” or “Owner” permissions for the file. If you’re not the owner, contact the file owner and request the necessary permissions or ask them to transfer ownership to you.