Alex Ruben
How to Transfer Google Drive Files to Another Account Using Google Takeout
Transferring files from one Google Drive account to another can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through using Google Takeout to move your files, including documents, photos, and entire folders, safely and efficiently. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to download your files from one account and upload them to another, ensuring all your important data is securely transferred.
Before you begin, ensure you have access to both Google accounts—the one containing your files and the one to which you want to transfer them. Familiarize yourself with basic file navigation on your computer, as well as how to extract ZIP files. This guide assumes you are using a modern web browser.
Step 1: Access Google Takeout
Start by opening your internet browser. In the address bar, type takeout.google.com and hit Enter. Make sure you are signed in to the Google account from which you want to transfer files.
Step 2: Select Data to Export
Once you are on the Google Takeout page, scroll down to the bottom and click on the Deselect All button to uncheck all services. Next, scroll down until you find Drive and check the box next to it. This option allows you to export all your documents, photos, and folders stored in your Google Drive.
Step 3: Configure Export Settings
After selecting Drive, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Next Step. Here, select the option to Send download link via email for the delivery method. Make sure to set the frequency to Export once. For the file type, choose ZIP, and for the file size, select the largest option available. Finally, click on Create Export. This process will create a ZIP file containing all your selected data.
Step 4: Wait for the Export to Complete
Depending on the amount of data in your Google Drive, this process can take some time—ranging from minutes to several hours or even days. Once the export is complete, you will receive an email with a link to download your files.
Step 5: Download the Exported Files
Open your email and look for the message from Google Takeout. Click on the download link provided in the email. This will start downloading a ZIP file to your computer. Once the download is complete, navigate to your Downloads folder to locate the ZIP file.
Step 6: Extract the Files
Right-click on the downloaded ZIP file and select Extract All. Follow the prompts to extract the contents to a folder on your computer. Once extracted, you can open the folder to see all your files and folders that were originally in your Google Drive.
Step 7: Upload Files to the New Google Drive Account
Now, sign in to your new Google account. Open your internet browser and click on the Google Apps icon (the square icon) in the top right corner, then select Drive. Click on New in the top left corner and select Folder Upload. Navigate to the folder where you extracted your files from the ZIP file, select the desired files or the entire Drive folder, and click Upload. The files will now be uploaded to your new Google Drive account.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you encounter issues during the export or upload process, double-check your internet connection as large files can take longer to upload. Additionally, if you have a lot of data, consider breaking it into smaller batches for easier management. Remember to ensure you have sufficient storage space in your new Google Drive account to accommodate the uploaded files.
By following these steps, you can easily transfer your files between Google Drive accounts without losing any important data. Should you have any issues or questions, consult Google’s support documentation or community forums for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer files directly between Google Drive accounts?
No, Google Drive does not support direct file transfers between accounts. Using Google Takeout is the most effective method.
What should I do if the download link in my email expires?
If your download link expires, you will need to return to Google Takeout and create a new export to receive a fresh link.
Is there a limit to the file size I can upload to Google Drive?
Yes, individual files can be a maximum of 5TB in size, provided you have enough storage space in your Google Account.