Expert Guide: Transfer Files Between Google Drive Accounts Without Downloads

Google Drive provides 15GB of free storage shared across Drive, Gmail, and Photos. While generous, it fills up quickly—transferring files to a secondary account is often the best solution when space runs low.

Most users manage multiple Google accounts, yet Google lacks a one-click transfer option. As experienced Google Workspace professionals, we've refined this reliable method to move files seamlessly between accounts.

If transferring files from PC to phone is your goal instead, explore our roundup of the fastest methods for PC-to-mobile transfers.

Step-by-Step: Transfer Files Between Google Drive Accounts

To shift files or folders without downloading and re-uploading, follow these proven steps:

1. Open your primary Google Drive account.
2. Find the files or folders destined for your secondary account.
3. Right-click the item and select Share, or click the Share icon (marked as “1” in the screenshot).
   
4. Enter the secondary Google username. Click Advanced. Under Sharing settings, set permission to Owner. Click the blue Send button.
5. Log into your secondary Google Drive. Use the Shared with me filter in the left sidebar to locate the items quickly.
6. Drive prevents direct folder copies, but you can duplicate contents. Right-click files (or select all) and choose Make a copy. Rename as needed and organize into a new folder to match the original structure.
   
   
7. Return to the primary account, delete the originals from Drive and Shared with me to free up space.

For bulk transfers, Google Takeout exports all data for import into another account.

Note: Handling sensitive files? Enhance security with proven tools—check our guide: 3 Useful Tools to Improve Google Drive Security and Privacy. Is built-in encryption enough? Discover more and read on.