Transferring ownership of a Google Drive folder to someone outside your organization can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. The process involves adjusting sharing settings and giving the new owner the right permissions. In just a few clicks, you can have everything sorted out!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Transfer Ownership of Google Drive Folder Outside Organization
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to note that transferring ownership will give the new owner full control over the folder and its contents. They’ll be able to add or remove files, share it with others, and even delete it if they wish. So, make sure you’re transferring ownership to a trusted individual.
Step 1: Open Google Drive and navigate to the folder you want to transfer.
Once you’re in Google Drive, locate the folder you wish to transfer. You can do this by scrolling through your files or using the search bar at the top.
Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select ‘Share’.
After finding and right-clicking on the folder, a menu will appear. Click ‘Share’ to open the sharing settings for that folder.
Step 3: Enter the email address of the person you want to transfer ownership to.
In the sharing settings, there’s a field where you can type in the email address of the new owner. Make sure it’s the correct email, as this person will have complete control over the folder.
Step 4: Click the dropdown menu next to their email and select ‘Is owner’.
Each person you share the folder with has a role that decides what they can do with the folder. By selecting ‘Is owner’, you’re giving them the highest level of access.
Step 5: Click ‘Send’ to send the invitation to the new owner.
After setting up the new owner’s permissions, you’ll need to send them an invitation. Click ‘Send’, and they will receive an email asking them to accept the ownership.
After completing these steps, the new owner will need to accept the invitation to become the owner of the folder. Once they do, you’ll no longer be the owner, but you can still access the folder if the new owner allows it.
Tips on How to Transfer Ownership of Google Drive Folder Outside Organization
- Make sure that the person you’re transferring ownership to has a Google account; they can’t become the owner without one.
- Consider creating a backup of the folder’s contents before transferring ownership, just in case something goes wrong.
- If the new owner doesn’t accept the ownership invitation, you’ll remain the owner, so make sure to follow up with them.
- Remember that once the transfer is complete, the new owner can remove your access to the folder.
- If you change your mind, you can cancel the transfer before the new owner accepts by going back into the sharing settings and changing their permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the person I’m transferring ownership to doesn’t have a Google account?
They will need to create a Google account to accept the ownership of the folder. Google Drive is a part of Google’s services, and a Google account is required to use it.
Can I transfer ownership of a folder to multiple people?
No, a folder can only have one owner at a time. However, the new owner can share the folder with others and give them editing permissions.
What happens to the files inside the folder after the transfer?
The new owner will have complete control over the files inside the folder. They can add, remove, or share files as they see fit.
Can I take back ownership after I’ve transferred it?
Once you transfer ownership, you cannot take it back unless the new owner decides to transfer it back to you.
Can I still access the folder after I transfer ownership?
Yes, but only if the new owner allows it. As the previous owner, your access level can be changed or revoked by the new owner.
Summary
- Navigate to the folder in Google Drive.
- Right-click on the folder and select ‘Share’.
- Enter the email address of the new owner.
- Change their permission to ‘Is owner’.
- Click ‘Send’ to send the invitation.
Conclusion
Transferring ownership of a Google Drive folder to someone outside your organization is a breeze if you follow the right steps. It’s a fantastic way to collaborate with people from different organizations, or simply hand off projects to someone else. Just be cautious and ensure that the individual you’re transferring ownership to is reliable and trustworthy. Once the transfer is complete, they’ll have full control over the folder and its contents, which can be a great thing if you’re wrapping up a joint venture or moving on to new endeavors. And remember, always back up your files to avoid any unwanted surprises. Now that you know how to transfer ownership of a Google Drive folder outside your organization, go ahead and give it a try!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.