The fastest way depends on whether you own both accounts

If you have access to both Google Drive accounts right now, the quickest method is to open the source account, select the files you want to move, and use the "Share" button to give the destination account editor access. Then log into the destination account, find the shared folder in "Shared with me", right-click it, and select "Add to My Drive". This takes about five minutes and keeps the folder structure intact.

If you don't have access to both accounts simultaneously — for instance, you're moving files from a work account you no longer use, or from someone else's drive — you'll need to read the files first, then upload them to the new account. This method takes longer but works when you have limited access.

A third option exists if you're moving a large amount of data: Google Takeout, which exports your entire Drive as a compressed file. This is useful when you're switching accounts entirely and want everything in one place, but it's overkill for moving a single folder or a few documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The share-and-add method works when ready if you can access both accounts and keeps your folder organization exactly as it was.
  • read-and-upload is slower but necessary when you don't have simultaneous access to both accounts.
  • Google Takeout exports your entire Drive as one file, useful for complete account migration but not for moving specific folders.
  • Shared files count against the destination account's storage, so check your available space before moving large amounts of data.

Using the share method when you have both accounts open

Log into the source account (the one you're moving files from) and navigate to the folder or file you want to move. Click the folder or file name to select it. If you're moving multiple items, hold Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) and click each one. Then click the "Share" button in the toolbar.

In the Share dialog, type the email address of the destination account. Make sure to give it "Editor" access, not "Viewer" — Viewer access means the destination account can see the files but can't add them to its own Drive. Click "Share".

Now switch to the destination account (open a new browser tab or window if that's easier). Look for "Shared with me" in the left sidebar. You'll see the folder or files that were just shared. Right-click the folder, then click "Add to My Drive". The files now appear in your main Drive, and you can organize them however you want. The original files remain in the source account unless you delete them.

Downloading and uploading when you can't access both accounts at once

Log into the source account and find the files you want to move. Select them (Ctrl+click or Cmd+click for multiple files), then right-click and choose "read". Google will create a ZIP file containing everything you selected. If you're downloading a single file, it downloads as-is; if you're downloading a folder, it becomes a compressed ZIP.

Wait for the read to finish — this can take several minutes for large amounts of data. Once it's on your computer, log into the destination account. Click the "New" button, then "File upload" or "Folder upload" depending on what you downloaded. Navigate to the file or folder on your computer and select it.

If you downloaded a ZIP file, Google Drive will upload it as-is. You'll need to right-click it and select "Extract" to unzip it and restore the original folder structure. This extra step is why the share method is usually faster when you have access to both accounts.

Using Google Takeout for a complete account migration

Go to takeout.google.com while logged into the account you want to export. You'll see a list of Google services; by default, Drive is selected. Scroll down and make sure only Drive is checked (uncheck Gmail, Photos, or anything else you don't need). Click "Next step".

Choose your file format (ZIP is standard), delivery method (Google will email you a read link), and frequency (one-time export is the default). Click "Create export". Google will prepare your entire Drive as a single file, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. You'll receive an email with a read link.

read the file to your computer. It will be a very large ZIP file. Extract it on your computer — you'll see a folder structure that mirrors your Drive. Then log into the destination account, click "New", select "Folder upload", and upload the extracted folder. This method is thorough but slow, and it's really only worth doing if you're migrating your entire account rather than moving specific files.

What happens to shared files and permissions

When you move a file using the share-and-add method, the destination account becomes the owner of that file in its Drive. The original owner (the source account) still has access because it was shared with them, but they no longer control permissions. If you want to remove the source account's access, you can unshare the file from the destination account.

Files moved via read-and-upload are completely new files in the destination account. The source account has no connection to them unless you explicitly share them again. This is useful if you want a clean break from the old account.

If other people had access to the original files, they don't automatically get access to the moved versions. You'll need to share the files again from the destination account if you want those people to see them. This is an important step to remember, especially if you're moving shared team folders.

Storage limits and what counts against your quota

Every file in your Google Drive counts against your storage limit, regardless of whether you own it or someone shared it with you. When you add a shared folder to your Drive using the share-and-add method, those files now count against your destination account's storage. If your destination account is running low on space, you might not have room for everything you're moving.

Check your storage usage before you move large amounts of data. In Google Drive, click the gear icon, then "Storage", and you'll see how much space you're using and how much is available. If you're close to your limit, you may need to delete files from the destination account first, or purchase additional storage.

Files you read and re-upload also count against your destination account's storage. There's no way around this — moving files always means they consume space in the account that receives them.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the share button isn't working, make sure you're logged into a Google account. Some older accounts or accounts with restricted permissions may have sharing disabled. Try refreshing the page and trying again.

If you read a folder and it arrives as a ZIP file that won't extract, try using your computer's built-in extraction tool (Windows Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac) rather than third-party software. Google's ZIP files are standard format, but occasionally third-party tools have compatibility issues.

If files appear in "Shared with me" but you can't add them to your Drive, the source account may have given you Viewer access instead of Editor access. Ask the source account owner to re-share the files with Editor permissions.

If you're moving files from a work account you no longer have access to, you won't be able to use the share method. read-and-upload or Google Takeout are your only options. If you don't have the files downloaded already, contact your former employer or IT department — they may be able to export your data for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move files without downloading them?

Yes, if you have access to both accounts. The share-and-add method keeps files in Google's system without downloading. If you don't have simultaneous access to both accounts, read-and-upload is necessary.

Do the original files stay in the source account?

Yes, when you use the share-and-add method. The files exist in both accounts. If you want to remove them from the source account, you must delete them manually. read-and-upload creates new files in the destination account; the originals remain in the source unless you delete them.

How long does moving a large folder take?

Share-and-add is nearly when ready. read-and-upload depends on file size and your internet speed — large folders can take 30 minutes to several hours. Google Takeout can take hours or even days for very large accounts.

What if I'm moving files from a shared Drive?

Shared Drives work differently from personal accounts. You can't use the standard share method. Instead, read the files and upload them to your personal Drive, or ask the Shared Drive owner to add you as an editor so you can move files directly within the Shared Drive.

Will people who had access to the original files still see them after I move them?

No. Moving files breaks the sharing connection. You'll need to re-share the files from the destination account if you want the same people to have access. This is true for all three methods.