How to Migrate Google Workspace to IMAP with All Data

But before diving into the procedures, there are some common scenarios where users decide to migrate G Suite to IMAP. These are:

• Reducing the costs with SaaS-based subscriptions.
• Ensuring security and compliance with internal hosting migrations.
• Integrating with the old or custom ERP and CRM platforms.

Google Workspace definitely offers robust cloud solutions, but users need open IMAP and on-premises mail servers. Generally, IMAP servers include: Zimbra, Roundcube, cPanel, Horde, Office 365, etc. So, for increased effectiveness, global scope, and many more benefits, this migration becomes essential.

How Do You Migrate Google Workspace to IMAP?

Now, to answer your most important query about methods for Google Workspace emails to IMAP migration. We have described a manual and an automatic solution here. Also, you’ll get details on their limitations and advantages to analyze and pick the best one for your needs. But ensure you fulfil the following requirements:

• IMAP access on target server and Admin access for both accounts.
• Access to less secure apps and backup of the data.

Free Google Workspace to IMAP Migration Guide

Follow the steps in this section to effectively perform GWS to IMAP migration without a tool:

1. First, export all your data from Google Workspace via Takeout.
2. Do it by opening Google Takeout and deselecting all the items.
3. Then, choose the selective services (Mail, Notes, Drive, etc.).
4. Click Next Step and proceed with the selection of the download destination.
5. Set it to Download link through email and frequency to Export Once.
6. Additionally, a file size of choice and type as a ZIP format.
7. Further, click Create Export and extract all Google Workspace data in MBOX.
8. Now, to migrate Google Workspace to IMAP, a mediator application is needed.
9. Open Mozilla Thunderbird and complete authenticating the IMAP account with it.
10. Later, using the ImportExportTools NG extension, begin MBOX file import in Thunderbird.
11. Now, create a New Folder under the section of the synced IMAP account.
12. Finally, drag and drop MBOX Google Workspace data into the IMAP account.

Why This Manual Method Is Not Considered Ideal?

Though this process to migrate G Suite mailboxes to IMAP is cost-free, it is not a user-preferred choice. The reasons for it are:

• Doesn’t include contacts, calendars, labels, and other data during import. Only suited for emails.
• Bulk data migration isn’t feasible with this method, and it becomes difficult if you have large attachments.
• Internal metadata is compromised, and the data content may be affected or lost.
• For contacts and calendars, take out data in .csv and .ics formats and then manually move them to IMAP accounts.

Best Method to Migrate Google Workspace to IMAP

If you need a faster, error-free, and bulk migration solution to move Google Workspace to IMAP. SysInfo Google Workspace Backup Tool is an excellent choice, whether a techie or non-techie. It moves single or many mailboxes into the chosen IMAP with 100% accuracy and data security. Moreover, the originality is maintained, and there are no issues for the OS you prefer. Let’s find out how it works.

Note: The versatile tool also supports various file formats and email clients. You can export Google Workspace to CSV, Gmail, PST, PDF, iCloud, etc., instantly in one go.

Steps: Google Workspace to IMAP Migration

1. Open the downloaded G Suite Backup Application. Press the Continue switch.
2. Then, the login window displays. Select Get User Mailboxes and enter the needed email and file path.
3. Proceeding in the tool’s interface, choose the mailboxes and click on Next.
4. Further, pick the relevant G Suite, aka Workspace, services and click Next.
5. From the listed email clients menu, opt for IMAP and login to the correct account.
6. At last, with the filters applied, hit Start Migration, and the data moves from one client to another.

Conclusion

To conclude, you may find it a difficult step to migrate Google Workspace to IMAP. But if you succeed, it offers flexibility, scalability, lower costs, and compliance holdovers. So, either use the manual Thunderbird or the automated software; the choice is yours. Still, the ideal solution is the tool for its advanced capabilities and an extra demo version.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Suman Rawat

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.