How to move an AWS EC2 instance from Account A to Account B

Transferring an EC2 instance between AWS accounts is possible, and the best way is to create a snapshot and share it. It's the best way to work through the AWS Management Console (the web interface). Here's a step-by-step breakdown to move your EC2 instance (volume and AMI) to another AWS account.

🛠️ STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE (using AWS Console)

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Instance in Account A

1. Stop the EC2 Instance (optional, but safer)
   • Go to EC2 > Instances
   • Select the instance
   • Click Instance state > Stop instance

1. Create an AMI (Amazon Machine Image) from the instance
   • Select your instance
   • Click Actions > Image and templates > Create image
   • Name your image, select the volume(s) to include
   • Click Create image
2. Wait until the AMI is created
   • Go to AMIs in the EC2 menu
   • Check the status (you can monitor it under “Status” column)

🔹 Step 2: Share the AMI with Account B

1. Go to EC2 > AMIs
2. Select your AMI
3. Click Actions > Edit AMI permissions
4. Change the permission to Private
5. Under Add account ID, enter Account B's AWS Account ID
6. Click Share AMI

📝 Note: If the AMI is based on an EBS volume, you also need to share the snapshot that backs the AMI.

🔹 Step 3: Share the EBS Snapshot (behind the AMI)

1. Go to EC2 > Snapshots
2. Find the snapshot associated with your AMI
   • Filter by AMI ID or check Description
3. Select it and click Actions > Snapshot settings > Modify permissions
4. Add Account B's AWS Account ID
5. Click Add

🔹 Step 4: Launch the Instance from Account B

1. Sign in to Account B
2. Go to EC2 > AMIs
3. In the Region where the AMI was shared, change Filter: Owned by me → Private images
4. You should now see the shared AMI

If it doesn't show up, double-check snapshot permissions and region.

5. Select the AMI and click Launch instance from image
6. Pick instance type, key pair, VPC, etc., and launch like any regular EC2 instance.

🔄 Optional: Copy AMI to Make It Fully Yours

Once it's visible in Account B:

• Select the shared AMI
• Click Actions > Copy AMI
• Choose the region (can stay the same)
• This creates a fully independent AMI owned by Account B