Google Drive, a cloud storage service offered by Google, allows users to store, share, and access files from anywhere with an internet connection. While it’s a convenient tool for personal use, it’s also a valuable asset for businesses and organizations. In some cases, it may be necessary to transfer ownership of Google Drive files or folders to another domain. This can be useful when an employee leaves a company or when a department is reorganized.
What Google Says
According to Google’s official support documentation, directly transferring ownership of files to users with different domains is not possible. This restriction is in place to protect user and company data from unauthorized access. However, there is a workaround that involves utilizing Google Shared Drives.
Enter Google Shared Drives
Google Shared Drives are a special type of Google Drive that allows multiple users to collaborate on files and folders. When a file or folder is moved to a Shared Drive, ownership of that item is neutralized, and it becomes owned by the organization that owns the Shared Drive. This means that the original owner can no longer control access to the file or folder, and it is instead managed by the Shared Drive’s administrators.
How To: Google Drive –> Transfer Ownership
To transfer ownership of Google Drive files or folders to another domain, follow these steps:
STEP 1: SET UP SHARED DRIVES
- Create a Shared Drive for the organization that will take ownership of the files or folders.
- Ensure that both the original owner and the new owner have access to the Shared Drive.
STEP 2: LOOP IN PREVIOUS & DESIRED OWNERS
- Notify the original owner of the files or folders about the ownership transfer.
- Inform the new owner about their new ownership status and provide them with access to the Shared Drive.
STEP 3: NEUTRALIZE OWNERSHIP IN SHARED DRIVE
- Have the original owner move the files or folders to the Shared Drive.
- Once the files or folders are in the Shared Drive, their ownership is neutralized, and they become owned by the organization that owns the Shared Drive.
STEP 4: ASSIGN NEW OWNERSHIP
- Grant the new owner ownership permissions for the files or folders in the Shared Drive.
- The new owner will now have full control over the files or folders, including the ability to share, modify, and delete them.
Conclusion
While Google doesn’t directly support transferring ownership of files or folders to users with different domains, the workaround using Google Shared Drives provides an effective solution. Alternatively, you can also use Google Drive Migration tool to avoid these hassles. By following the steps outlined above, you can seamlessly transfer ownership of Google Drive items between domains, ensuring that important data remains accessible and secure.
Related blog: How to Migrate Google Drive to OneDrive?
FAQ: Transferring Ownership of Google Drive Files to Another Domain
Q: Why can’t I directly transfer ownership of Google Drive files to users with different domains?
A: Google restricts direct ownership transfer between domains to protect user and company data from unauthorized access. This ensures that sensitive information remains secure and under the control of authorized individuals or organizations.
Q: What is a Google Shared Drive?
A: A Google Shared Drive is a collaborative file storage space accessible to multiple users within an organization. When files or folders are moved to a Shared Drive, ownership is neutralized, and the items become owned by the organization that manages the Shared Drive.
Q: How do I use Google Shared Drives to transfer ownership of files or folders to another domain?
A: To transfer ownership using Shared Drives, follow these steps:
1. Create a Shared Drive for the organization that will assume ownership.
2. Grant both the original owner and the new owner access to the Shared Drive.
3. Have the original owner move the files or folders to the Shared Drive, neutralizing their ownership.
4. Assign ownership permissions to the new owner for the files or folders within the Shared Drive.
Q: What happens to the original owner’s access after transferring ownership?
A: The original owner’s access to the files or folders will not be affected by the ownership transfer. They will retain their existing access permissions unless modified by the new owner.
Q: Can I transfer ownership of all my Google Drive files at once?
A: No, you cannot directly transfer ownership of all your Google Drive files simultaneously. You need to individually transfer ownership of each file or folder using the Shared Drive method.
Q: What if I encounter any difficulties during the ownership transfer process?
A: If you encounter any issues while transferring ownership, consult Google’s official support
