How to Transfer Ownership in Google Drive
There can be times when you want to transfer the ownership of a Google Drive file. Whether you’re no longer collaborating on the doc with your coworker or looking to hand over the complete control of a Google Sheet file, transferring ownership in Google Drive is a relatively easy task.
In this post, we’ll explain how to transfer ownership of a file in Google Drive and answer some of the most commonly asked questions at the end. So without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Also Read:10 Best Google Drive Tips and Tricks for Beginners and Pros
Table of Contents
Transfer Ownership in Google Drive
Before making someone the owner of Google Drive, you need to share the file with that person first. Read on to learn how.
1.Launch your web browser and navigate toGoogle Drive’s homepage. Now find the file or folder for which you want to change the ownership. Right-click on it and select theShareoption from the list.
2.In the Share window that appears, insideAdd people and groups box, type in the email address of the person to whom you want to transfer the ownership.
3.After entering a valid email address, hit theSendbutton. While sharing the file you can choose to notify the person of the file shared.
Once the file is shared with the other person, you’re able to now transfer the ownership of the file to that person from the current owner’s Google Drive account.
To do that, head over to the Google Drive homepage and right-click on the shared file to open theSharewindow. In the pop-up that follows, you’ll find a list of people with whom the file is currently being shared. You can use the drop-down menu next to their name to select theMake owneroption to give them ownership of the file or folder.
You’ll be asked to confirm the decision of transferring ownership as you might lose access to the file if the new owner chooses to remove you. If you’re fine with that, click onYesto confirm.
Google Drive will notify the new owner of the transfer via an email and an in-app notification. Note that transferring ownership of a folder in Google Drive only changes the ownership of the folder and not the files it contains.
Transfer Ownership of Google Drive in Bulk
When it comes to transferring ownership of multiple files at once, Google Drive also lets you do that. The process is almost similar to the one above. Here’s how to do it.
Head over to the Google Drive homepage.Press and hold the Shift keyon your keyboard andselect multiple files and foldersin Google Drive. Now right-click anywhere on your selection and select theShareoption. In the following window, add the email address of the person and click onSend.
Now, make the same selection and open theShare menuagain. This time you’ll get the option tochange the ownershipof all the selected files in the drop-down menu. Click onYesto confirm and the ownership of all the selected files will be transferred.
FAQs – Transferring Ownership in Google Drive
What kind of files I can transfer?
Google Drive allows transferring all sorts of Google files including Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drawings, Google My Maps, and Drive Folders.
Will I lose access to the file after transferring ownership?
Yes. You’ll still be able to access or edit the file as long as the new owner doesn’t revoke your access.
How can I get back the ownership of the file?
Once you transfer the ownership of the file, you’ll not be able to get it back on your own unless the new owner decides to transfer it back.
Can I delete the transferred file?
Yes and no. After transferring the ownership of the file, you can delete the file from your account but not from the owner’s.
Can I transfer ownership via the Google Drive app?
While you can share a file or folder with someone from the Google Drive app, sadly and surprisingly, there’s no option to transfer ownership of that file. However, a simple workaround would be using the Desktop mode on your phone’s web browser. That way, you can transfer ownership of the files right from your Android or iPhone.
Closing Remarks: Transfering Ownership in Google Drive
As we just saw, transferring ownership of Google Drive files and folders is quite simple and quick. you may use this to transfer ownership of important files or even manage your Google Drive storage if you own multiple accounts.
However, if you’re looking to transfer all sorts of data associated with your Google account such as contacts, emails, calendar events, Drive files, photos, bookmarks, etc.,check out this guideto learn how.
Also Read:How to Save Multiple Photos From Google Drive to iPhone
Pankil Shah
Pankil is a Civil Engineer by profession who started his journey as a writer back in 2016. He joined TechWiser in March 2021 as a freelance writer to cover buying guides, explainers, and tips & tricks for Android, iOS, Windows, and Web.
