How to Migrate from Google Workspace to Gmail on Mac & Windows?

admin | Gmail Google Workspace how to | 6 minutes read | Last updated on July 5th, 2024,

Wondering how to migrate from Google Workspace to Gmail account? Not able to find any suitable solution for the same? Not to worry anymore because in the article we have explained the complete procedure to migrate Google Workspace to Gmail account with all the emails and attachments.

Google Workspace formerly quite popular as (Google Apps, G Suite, and Google Apps for Work) and Gmail accounts are online services introduced by Google itself. But they are different in many ways. The key difference between both of them is basically the costing.

Gmail is a free webmail service and Google Workspace is however a paid platform. The Google Mail platform is mostly used by all types of users to manage their personal database online. On the other hand, Google Workspace offers business account that is mostly used by small, medium, or large organizations. Also, Google Apps for Work includes different plans such as Business Starter, Business Plus, Business Standard, and Enterprise. The company able to select the plan as per the requirements and use the services accordingly.

Reasons to Migrate from Google Workspace to Gmail

  • Gmail is a free web-based email serviceof Google. Users do not need to pay any cost to experience its services. Google Workspace, is however a subscription-based application.
  • Google Mail, email addresses are created with @gmail.com whereas Google Workspace allow organizations or users to customize the email addresses as per their requirements. They can use their own company name or any domain to create email ID.
  • Gmail entire features and services are accessible to all users. In Google Workspace, the features are offered as per subscribed plan.
  • Gmail does not offer any admin department, thus users can utilize its functions completely for free. But G Suite, users are allowed to create multiple accounts, the acceptability will be managed by admin account.
  • Google Mail usually offers 15 GB of storage space for free. However, Google Apps for Work provide paid 30 to 5 TB of storage.

How to Migrate from Google Workspace to Gmail?

There are multiple ways to migrate from Google Workspace to Gmail account –

  1. Making use of automated solution
  2. Using Gmail in-built feature “Import Mail & Contact”
  3. By taking help of Google Takeout

Method 1. Using Direct Solution

MacMister Email Backup Software Mac & Windows is a solution that easily migrate Google Workspace to Gmail with all emails and attachments in few seconds. The application has a friendly interface which any user can effortlessly use to perform the required process. Even, it has simplified steps that is easily understandable by all professional and novice users without any difficulty.

Moreover, the software include features with the help users can migrate emails from Google Workspace account to Google Mail as per specific requirements. However, a free demo will allow users to check the process for free.

Working Steps to Migrate from Google Workspace to Gmail on Mac

Step 1.Install and launch the app on your Mac.

Step 2.Select G Suite option as a source from the left andadd G Suite details. Click Login button.

Step 3.G Suite account will connect with the app and itsmailboxes will list on the software pane.

Step 4. Go to Select Saving Options on the right and choose Gmail.

Step 5.Add Gmail email address & app password. Also, specify filters, if needed.Click Start Backup.

Step 6.Email Backup Report screen will appear that displays the live migration status of Google Workspace emails.

The process will be concluded with a notification “Process Completed”. Click on the OK button and login to Google Mail account to check migrated emails. However, every email will appear without alteration. The content, layout, and metadata properties remain preserved throughout process.

Benefits

  • Easy to Use.
  • Suitable for professional and non-professional users.
  • Offers minimum operational steps that save users time & efforts.
  • Protects the details of source & destination throughout process.
  • Available in Mac & Windows version.

Method 2. Using Gmail “Import Mail & Contact” Option

Step 1. Sign-in to Gmail account and click Settings.

Step 2. Select “See all Settings” option.

Step 3.Go to Accounts and Import tab.

Step 4. Click Import Mail & Contacts to add G Suite account.

Step 5. Specify G Suite email ID and tap Continue.

Step 6. Provide Google Workspace details such as username, password, and server details.

Step 7. Press Continue button to authenticate specified account.

Step 8. Select the required items to import and click Start Import button.

Step 9.Click on the OK button.

Step 10. Import process will start that needs up to 2 days to complete.

Things to Remember –
  • Ensure that Google Workspace account has POP access.
  • If you use 2-step verification, then generate new app password for GWS.
Limitations
  • Need technical knowledge about POP Server, App Password, Port Numbers, and 2-Step Verification.
  • Users get different error messages when validating destination account for authentication.
  • Manual approach will take up to 2 days to configure Google Workspace in Gmail account.
  • Requires different settings in the system, source, browser, and destination email accounts.

Method 3. Using Google Takeout

Stage 1. Make use of Google Takeout to Export GWS Emails

Step 1. Sign in to Google Workspace and simultaneously open Google Takeout.

Step 2. Deselect all the selected Gmail items and tick only Mail option.

Step 3. Choose the Delivery Method as Send download link via email.

Step 4. Choose file type as .zip.

Step 5. Set archive size and tap Create archive button.

Step 6. Google Takeout now prepare mailboxes for export.

Step 7. Once the Google archive data is ready, click Download Archive button.

After Google Takeout data is archived in .zip file, extract it and the file will appear on the system in .mbox. It will contain all the Google Workspace emails.

Stage 2. Add Destination Gmail account in Mozilla Thunderbird

Step 1. Run Thunderbird email client.

Step 2. Go to Tools and choose Account Settings.

Step 3. Tap Account Actions and select Add Mail account.

Step 4. Provide Gmail credentials and tap Continue.

Step 5. Verify IMAP option and click the Done button.

Stage 3. Import Workspace download MBOX Files in Mozilla Thunderbird

Step 1. Add ImportExportTools NG extension to Thunderbird.

Step 2. Go to Local Folders, right-click on it, select ImportExportTools NG, choose Import mbox files and select Individual mbox files.

Step 3. Select the required exported MBOX file and tap Open button.

Step 4. Now, checkthe imported files under Local Folders.

Step 5. Drag-and-drop MBOX to configured Google Mail account.

After drag-and-drop process finishes, MBOX file start to synchronize with the configured Gmail account. When the synchronizationprocess ends, login to specified Gmail account to view Google Workspace emails.

Things to Remember –
  • IMAP need to be enabled in Gmail account.
  • Make sure to verify IMAP when adding Gmail account in Thunderbird.

Limitations

  • It is important to finish all the stages to migrate from Google Workspace to Gmail account.
  • The method need experts’ assistance to configure account, IMAP, Thunderbird, and more.
  • Installation of Mozilla Thunderbird is required.
  • Non-technical users will face issues as the steps are lengthy and complex.
Epilogue

In the blog, we have discussed different methodologies to resolve how to migrate from Google Workspace to Gmail account. The first method is simple, cost-effective, and safe. MacMister Google Workspace to Gmail Backup Tool for Mac & Windows securely handles the migration and deliver the results with 100% accuracy. Moreover, the application has 30+ webmail source options including Google Workspace and besides Gmail, users can migrate Google Workspace emails into 15+ other popular saving options. The tool free demo is available for software evaluation and analysis. The second and third methods are manual. Both are free to use. But only suitable for professionals. Novice users will find difficulty in operating the process manually. Thus, is important for them to implement the process under experts’ guidance.