How to Transfer Google Docs to Another Account [Updated]

Can You Transfer Google Docs to New Accounts Directly?

If you're wondering, "Can I transfer files from one Google Drive to another?", the answer depends on your account type. Google only supports ownership transfer between accounts in the same domain—for example, within the same company or school. So, if you use two personal Gmail accounts or want to move files from a school account to a personal one, direct ownership transfer won't work.

In that case, you still have options. You can share your Google Docs with the new account and then sign in to that account to create copies. Another solution includes using Google Takeout to export your documents and import them into the new Drive. If you’re moving many files or folders, tools like MultCloud or VaultMe can speed up the process.

So, while you can't always transfer ownership directly, you can still move files effectively with the right method.

Method 1. Share and Change Ownership of Google Doc (Same Domain Only)

If both your accounts belong to the same domain, like a school or company, you can easily transfer ownership of Google Docs without making copies. This method works well when switching roles or moving documents to a new account within your organization. You keep comments, edit history, and sharing settings intact. Simply share the document with the new account and change the owner in the sharing settings. After that, the file moves to the new account’s Drive, and your original account loses full control.

Note that Google doesn’t allow ownership transfer of Google Docs between different domains, such as from a work to a personal Gmail account. Make sure both accounts share the same domain before using this method. It’s a quick and reliable way to manage your files.

💡 Here is how to transfer ownership of a Google Doc:

Step 1. Sign in to Google Drive with the account that owns the document.

Step 2. Right-click the Google Doc you want to transfer and select “Share.”

Step 3. Enter the new owner’s email (must be in the same domain) and click “Send.”

Step 4. Open the Share settings again, click the dropdown next to the new owner’s email, and select “Make owner.”

Step 5. Confirm the change by clicking “Yes” or “Transfer.”

The document will be moved to the new owner’s Drive, and your account will become an editor unless the new owner removes your access.

Method 2. Transfer a Google Doc to Another Account by Making a Copy

When direct ownership transfer isn’t possible—particularly between accounts from different domains or personal Gmail addresses—making a copy provides a good solution. This method allows you to transfer your Google Doc to another account by sharing it first, then creating a duplicate under the new account. The new copy belongs fully to the second account, so you keep control there. This option suits users switching from work to personal accounts or between unrelated domains.

However, the copied file loses comments and version history, and the sharing settings are reset. Always double-check important information before deleting the original. Although it requires extra steps, this method offers flexibility when ownership transfer isn’t possible. 

💡 How to transfer a Google Doc to another account by making a copy in the new account:

Step 1. Sign in to Google Drive with the original account and locate the Google Doc.

Step 2. Share the document with the new account by clicking “Share” and entering the new email.

Step 3. Log in to the new Google account and open the shared Google Doc.

Step 4. Click “File” and select “Make a copy.”

Step 5. Save the copied document in the new account’s Drive. The new copy belongs fully to this account.

If you want to transfer a whole folder from one Google account to another one, the guide in this post will teach you how to do that: >> How to Copy Google Drive Folder to Another Account

Method 3. Download and Upload to Transfer Google Docs to a New Account

To transfer from one Google Drive to another, downloading your Google Docs and uploading them to the new account offers a straightforward solution. This method works well when accounts belong to different domains or when Google’s ownership transfer restrictions apply. It gives you full control over your files without depending on sharing permissions.

But the process removes comments, version history, and collaboration features. After uploading, you may need to convert files back into Google Docs format for editing. This method fits users who want offline backups or need to move many files between unrelated accounts. Although it requires manual steps, it guarantees a secure and complete transfer from one Google Drive to another.

💡 How to transfer from one Google Drive to another in this way:

Step 1. Sign in to your original Google Drive account and locate the Google Docs you want to transfer.

Step 2. Select the documents, right-click, and choose “Download.” The files will save to your device in formats like Microsoft Word or PDF.

Step 3. Sign out and log in to the new Google Drive account where you want to upload the files.

Step 4. Click the “New” button, then select “File upload” and choose the downloaded files from your device.

Step 5. After uploading, open each file in Google Drive and select “Open with Google Docs” to convert and edit them online.

Method 4. Move Google Docs from One Account to Another via CBackup

CBackup offers an efficient way to move from one Google Drive to another without downloading files. This cloud backup tool connects multiple Google Drive accounts, allowing direct transfer of your Google Docs and other files. It saves time and effort, especially when transferring large amounts of data or managing multiple accounts. CBackup keeps your file organization intact and supports scheduled backups for ongoing syncing.

First of all, you must grant the app access to your accounts, which could raise privacy concerns. Free plans may have storage or speed limits, and transferring very large files may take extra time. This method suits users who frequently switch accounts or require bulk transfers. Always check permissions carefully before using third-party services like CBackup.

💡 How to move Google Docs from one account to another through CBackup:

Step 1. Create a free CBackup account and sign in to the web version.

Step 2. Go to My Storage, click + Add Cloud, select Google Drive, then authorize CBackup. Repeat to add your second Google Drive account.

Step 3. Open Sync Tasks and click New Task to create a cloud-to-cloud sync.

Step 4. Select the first Google Drive as the source and the second Google Drive as the destination.

Step 5. Click Start Sync to move your files automatically from one Google Drive to another.

Method 5. Use Google Takeout for Complete Drive Transfer

Google Takeout allows you to export and transfer all your Google Drive data at once. This method suits users who want a full backup or need to move all files between accounts. Takeout packages your files into downloadable archives, which you can then upload to a new Google Drive account. It works across different domains and personal accounts without restrictions. A key benefit is the ability to transfer large amounts of data in one go.

But the process involves downloading and re-uploading files manually, which can be time-consuming and requires ample local storage. Also, exported files lose comments, version history, and collaboration features. Google Takeout provides a reliable option for complete transfers, but it demands patience and careful file management.

💡 How to transfer from one Google Drive to another using Google Takeout:

Step 1. Go to the Google Takeout website and sign in with your original Google account.

Step 2. Select Google Drive from the list of Google services you want to export, then click Next step.

Step 3. Choose your preferred export settings (file type, archive size), then click Create export.

Step 4. Wait for Google to prepare your archive, then download the exported file(s) to your device.

Step 5. Sign in to your new Google Drive account, open Drive, and upload the downloaded files to complete the transfer.

Conclusion

Knowing how to transfer Google Docs to another account helps you manage your files smoothly during account changes or upgrades. Depending on your needs, you can share and change ownership, make copies, download and upload files, use tools like CBackup, or try Google Takeout.

Each method offers unique benefits and limitations, so pick the one that fits your situation best. Following these steps ensures your documents move safely without losing important data like comments or version history. With the right approach, you can keep your work organized and accessible in your new account without hassle.

FAQs About Google Docs Transfer

Now that you understand the main methods, let’s address some common questions about how to transfer Google Docs to another account. These FAQs will help clarify typical concerns and provide quick solutions to make your transfer process even easier.

1. How to Transfer Slides to Another Account?

To transfer Google Slides to another account, you have a few options. This is the easiest way:

• 1. Open your Google Slides presentation.
• 2. Click the Share button in the top right corner.
• 3. Enter the email address of the other account and click Send.
• 4. Reopen the Share window, click the dropdown next to the added account, and select Make owner.
• 5. Confirm the ownership transfer.

2. How to Transfer Ownership of a Google Doc on Mobile?

Important Note: You can’t transfer ownership directly in the Google Docs or Drive mobile apps. You’ll need to use a mobile browser in desktop mode.

How to change owner of Google Doc step by step:

• 1. Open a browser on your mobile device (like Chrome or Safari).
• 2. Visit drive.google.com and request the desktop site from your browser menu.
• 3. Sign in and locate the Google Doc you want to transfer.
• 4. Tap the three-dot menu next to the file and select Share.
• 5. Enter the recipient’s email (must be in the same domain), then tap Send.
• 6. Reopen the Share settings, tap the dropdown beside their name, and choose Make owner.
• 7. Confirm the change.

This method works only for same-domain accounts.

3. How to Move Documents from One Google Drive to Another?

If you need to move multiple documents from one Google Drive to another, using CBackup is a reliable choice:

• 1. Create a CBackup account and log in on the web.
• 2. Add both Google Drive accounts under My Storage.
• 3. Create a cloud-to-cloud sync task under Sync Tasks.
• 4. Set the first Drive as the source and the second as the destination.
• 5. Click Start Sync to move the documents.