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How to Export Google Drive Data to Another Account: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to move your digital life from one Google Drive account to another? Smart move! Whether you’re consolidating accounts, archiving old data, or transitioning to a new professional identity, exporting your Google Drive content is a critical process. The core answer is: you can export your Google Drive data to another account primarily through two reliable methods: using Google Takeout to download your data and then uploading it to the new account, or by sharing folders and files from the old account to the new account and then making a copy of them. Let’s break down these methods and a few others, offering expert insights to ensure a smooth transition.

Method 1: Google Takeout – The Data Download Approach

Google Takeout is your go-to tool for exporting almost all of your Google data, including everything tucked away in your Google Drive. This method is perfect for bulk transfers and creating a backup of your files.

Steps for Using Google Takeout:

Access Google Takeout: Go to https://takeout.google.com/ and log in with the Google account you want to export from.
Select Google Drive: You’ll see a list of Google services. Deselect all options except Drive.
Customize Your Export (Important!): Click on the “All Drive data included” button. Here you can choose to include all of your Drive data or select specific folders and files. This is crucial to avoid exporting unwanted items.
Choose Delivery Method: Select how you want to receive your data. Options include:
- Send download link via email: Google will package your data and send you a download link via email once it’s ready.
- Add to Drive: Google will copy the archive files into another Google Drive account you specify. This is a potential shortcut if the destination is a personal account and you’re comfortable sharing.
- Add to Dropbox, OneDrive, or Box: If you’re migrating to a different cloud storage provider, these options streamline the process.
Choose File Type & Size: Select the file type (ZIP or TGZ) and archive size. For large Drive accounts, it’s recommended to choose smaller archive sizes (e.g., 2GB or 4GB) to avoid potential download issues.
Create Export: Click “Create Export”. Google will now begin packaging your data. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the size of your Drive.
Download and Extract (If Applicable): Once the export is complete, you’ll receive an email with download links (or the files will be added to your specified cloud storage location). Download the files and extract them to a folder on your computer.

Uploading to the New Account:

Log into the New Account: Sign in to the Google Drive account you want to import to.
Create a Folder (Optional): Consider creating a new folder to organize your imported data.
Upload Your Files: Drag and drop the extracted files and folders from your computer into your new Google Drive. Alternatively, click “New” then “File Upload” or “Folder Upload” in Google Drive.
Monitor Progress: Google Drive will show you the upload progress. Be patient; uploading large amounts of data can take a while.

Method 2: Sharing and Copying – The Granular Approach

This method is ideal for transferring specific folders or files, allowing you to cherry-pick what you need to move.

Steps for Sharing and Copying:

Share from the Old Account: In your old Google Drive account, locate the folders or files you want to transfer. Right-click on each item and select “Share.”
Enter the New Account’s Email: Enter the email address associated with your new Google Drive account. Grant the new account “Editor” access. This is crucial! Without editor access, you cannot make copies.
Open in the New Account: Log into your new Google Drive account. You should see the shared folders and files in the “Shared with me” section.
Make a Copy: Right-click on each shared folder or file and select “Make a copy.” This creates a copy of the item in your Google Drive. The original remains in the old account.
Organize Your Copies: Move the copied files and folders to your desired location within your new Google Drive.
Revoke Sharing (Optional): Once you’ve confirmed that the copies are successfully created and organized in your new account, you can revoke the sharing access from the old account. This is a good security practice.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Migration Tools (Proceed with Caution)

Several third-party tools claim to simplify Google Drive migration. While some might be legitimate, proceed with extreme caution. These tools often require access to both Google accounts, raising security and privacy concerns. Always research the tool thoroughly and read user reviews before granting access. Weigh the convenience against the potential risks. Examples of these tools include MultCloud and CloudHQ, though their reliability can vary.

Method 4: Download and Upload (Manual)

This is the most basic, albeit tedious, method. It involves downloading individual files or folders from your old account and manually uploading them to your new account. This is only practical for very small amounts of data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of exporting Google Drive data.

1. Will the Sharing Permissions Be Preserved?

No, sharing permissions are not automatically preserved when you export via Google Takeout or make copies. You’ll need to re-establish sharing permissions in the new account if necessary. The Shared with me method preserves that the original copy is still shared with the new account. However, if you make a copy to your new account, the sharing permissions are not copied over.

2. What Happens to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides?

When using Google Takeout, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are typically converted to Microsoft Office formats (e.g., .docx, .xlsx, .pptx) or open-source formats (e.g., .odt, .ods, .odp). The formatting might not be perfect, so review your documents after the transfer. When using the “Make a copy” method, the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files remain in their native Google format.

3. How Long Does the Export Process Take?

The time required depends on the amount of data being exported, the speed of your internet connection, and Google’s server load. Small exports might be completed within minutes, while large exports can take hours or even days. Google will notify you via email when the export is ready.

4. Can I Export Only Specific File Types?

Yes, Google Takeout allows you to select specific folders and files, effectively allowing you to filter by file type. You can also filter manually before making copies using the sharing method.

5. What If I Run Out of Storage in the New Account?

Before you begin the export, ensure you have sufficient storage space in your new Google Drive account. If needed, purchase additional storage from Google One or delete unnecessary files from the new account.

6. Is There a Limit to the Size of Files I Can Upload?

Yes, Google Drive has file size limits. Currently, individual files cannot exceed 5 TB. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides have their own specific size and complexity limits.

7. How Do I Ensure the Security of My Data During the Transfer?

Use a secure internet connection and avoid using public Wi-Fi. If using a third-party tool, thoroughly research its security practices. Consider enabling two-factor authentication on both Google accounts.

8. Can I Automate the Export Process?

While Google doesn’t offer a built-in automation feature, you might explore third-party scripting solutions (e.g., using Google Apps Script) for advanced scenarios. However, this requires technical expertise and careful planning.

9. What If I Encounter Errors During the Export or Upload?

Check your internet connection, ensure you have sufficient storage space, and try again. If the problem persists, consult Google Drive’s help documentation or contact Google support. Sometimes clearing your browser cache and cookies can resolve upload issues.

10. Can I Cancel an Export in Progress?

Yes, you can cancel a Google Takeout export while it’s still in progress. Go to the Google Takeout page and you should see an option to cancel the current export.

11. How do I know if I have successfully transferred all my data?

After the transfer is complete, carefully compare the number of files, folder structure, and the total data size between your old and new Google Drive accounts. Manually verify a sample of files to ensure they have been transferred correctly and that the content is intact.

12. What should I do with my old Google Drive Account after transferring all my data?

After you’ve confirmed that all your data is safely and correctly transferred to the new Google Drive account, you have a few options: you can keep the old account as an archive, delete it entirely, or repurpose it. If you choose to delete it, make sure to understand the implications of deleting a Google Account, as it can affect access to other Google services associated with that account.

Transferring your Google Drive data doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the different methods and following these expert tips, you can seamlessly move your digital life to its new home. Remember to prioritize data security and verification throughout the process. Good luck with your migration!