How To Change Ownership of a Google Sheets Spreadsheet? 2025

Ever set up a Google Sheet spreadsheet to manage your business projects, finances, sales, or customers only to realize later that someone else should be taking the reins?

Or maybe you no longer need access and it’s time to hand over control?

From handing over a client file, transferring control to a team member, or simply tidying up your Google Workspace files, knowing how to change ownership in Google Sheets is key.

It’s more than just sharing access, it’s about shifting full control, so the right people can edit data, manage permissions, and keep everything running without a hitch.

So, how exactly can you change the ownership of your Google Sheets spreadsheet to keep your workflow running smooth and secure at all times?

Well, there are two main ways you can change the ownership of a Google Sheets spreadsheet:

1. Use the ‘Share’ button to transfer ownership to someone within your organization.
2. Allow someone to make a copy of the spreadsheet that will then be owned by them.

Let’s take a look at each method now.

Click here for a visual walkthrough of these two methods. 

Need to hand over complete power of a Google Sheets file to someone else within your Google Workspace business account?

This simple yet effective method of transferring the ownership of a Google Sheet spreadsheet ensures someone else within your organization has full control.

Here’s how you can do it:

Open the Google Sheets spreadsheet you want to change ownership of.

Select ‘Share’ in the top right corner of Google Sheets.

You should then see a list of people who can access the spreadsheet.

Hover over the person you want to transfer the ownership to and select the drop-down arrow next to their email address.

Scroll down and select ‘Transfer ownership’.

Select ‘Yes’ when Google Sheets asks if you want to make this person the owner.

And it's seriously as easy as that! You’ve now completely changed the ownership of your Google Sheets spreadsheet!

Remember, this method only allows people in the same organization as you (the same Google Workspace account) to have ownership of the spreadsheet.

So, what if you want to change the ownership of a Google Sheets spreadsheet to someone outside your organization?

If you want to change ownership of a Google Sheets spreadsheet to someone outside your organization, you first must give someone edit or view access to the spreadsheet.

From there, they can make a copy of the spreadsheet, which they will own.

Follow the steps below to find out how to do this:

1. Open the Google Sheets spreadsheet you want to change ownership of.
2. Select ‘Share’ in the top right-hand corner.
3. Add the email address of the person you want to share the spreadsheet with (ensure you have the correct email address!)
4. Select ‘Viewer’ or ‘Editor’ from the drop-down menu beside their name.
5. Click ‘Send’.

If you’re sharing the sheet with someone outside your organization, select ‘Share anyway’.

The user can then open the spreadsheet directly from their email inbox! From there, they can: 

1. Select ‘File > Make a copy’ from the top menu to create a copy of the spreadsheet.
2. Rename the spreadsheet document.
3. Select ‘Make a copy’.
4. And that is it! They will then own the newly copied Google Sheets spreadsheet!

Note: Because this is a copy of your Google spreadsheet, your version won’t update when someone edits the copied version.

Additionally, the original spreadsheet will still remain active unless you delete it.

Before you click ‘Transfer ownership’, there are a few key things to consider to avoid losing access or disrupting collaboration:

You cannot undo ownership transfers, so make sure you transfer it to the correct person, especially if you’re using the second method.

Once transferred, only the new owner can remove others or permanently delete the file (including you)!

Some people will lose access to this item (unless it’s shared directly with them).

If the file is part of a Google Workspace account, the administrator may restrict ownership transfers.

Once transferred, you may lose the ability to change the share settings.

If using the second method, the original spreadsheet stays active, unless you permanently delete it.

Changing ownership of a Google Sheets spreadsheet ensures that the right person has complete control over the file.

Sometimes you may need to pass a project to a colleague, transfer responsibility to a client, or wrap up a temporary role.

And in all these scenarios, updating ownership keeps your workflow smooth and your data secure!

It essentially allows the new owner to manage sharing settings, make critical edits, and maintain long-term access without relying on the original creator.

While changing ownership of a Google Sheets file is simpler than you might expect, it’s key that you choose the right person and understand the limitations that come with the transfer.

Once ownership shifts, so does control, so make sure it’s a step you’re definitely ready to make!

Thanks so much for reading.