How To

How to Import EML to Google Workspace? Detailed Guide

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Summary: There is no direct, in-built way to import EML to Google Workspace. In order to add EML files into a Google Workspace user or admin account, you can use an automated utility for an easy, quick, secure, and complete import without data loss. Alternatively, for a free import, you can use intermediate email clients such as Outlook or Thunderbird that support both Google Workspace accounts and EML files. Verified steps for all methods are discussed here.

What Does EML to Google Workspace Import Actually Mean?

EML files can store individual emails with attachments, including the sender, recipient, subject, date and body content in plain text format encoded in a MIME structure. Uploading an EML file to Google Workspace account means saving them on Google’s cloud server, being able to access local EML emails anywhere via Gmail’s Webmail or app interface. This offers lower risk of corruption leading to data loss, easy search & handling and centralisation of data.

Choose the Most Suitable Way to Import EML to Google Workspace Account

One may need to add EML email data to their GWS user or admin account due to various reasons such as migration, backup restore or account consolidation. Here are the all possible causes and what is the best method for them:

User Need Who may need it Best Method
Migrating from EML based desktop email client to Google Workspace Personal user with legacy unsupported email client or during company email environment upgrade Personal/small volume: Desktop Email Client (Outlook/Thunderbird)

Company-wide upgrade (many users): Automated Tool

Restoring or recovering old EML backup to Google Workspace account – In case of loss due to accidental deletion or cyber attack. Or general recovery of archived email data in case need Automated Tool to ensure complete integrity while handling years of bulk data at a faster speed with concurrency upload settings
Merging multiple EML files into a single Google Workspace Often happens during company mergers & acquisition for centralised access in one place Automated Tool for better organisation in a preserved folder structure

GYB (Admin CLI) – Only for admins

For audits and compliance needs Businesses may legally require produce all emails in between a set range that could be stored in EML files which can be difficult to manage locally hence uploaded to a Google Workspace mailbox Automated Tool comes with a date range filters for specific data upload

Pre-Steps Before Importing EML to Google Workspace

  • Gather Google Workspace Account Credentials: Ensure you have the right credentials for your Google Workspace account, in which you need to add EML files. Keeping the credentials ready in advance will facilitate an error-free EML to Google Workspace import process.
  • Ensure Stable Internet Connection: To ensure that your EML to Google Workspace migration process will not get stuck in the middle. It is mandatory to have a stable internet connection.
  • Install Thunderbird (Only for Manual Method): If you are looking forward to importing EML to Google Workspace using the free Thunderbird email client approach. Then, verify that Thunderbird is installed on your desktop.
  • Configure Google Workspace account in Thunderbird (Only for Free Way): For a manual approach to import EML to Google Workspace, the very first step is to configure the Google Workspace account in Thunderbird. To do so, simply go to the Tool > Account Settings > New Account > Mail Account. Secondly, enter the name and email address of a Google Workspace account & click Continue. Finally, fill in the credentials of your Google Workspace account in the pop-up and click Continue.
  • Add ImportExportTools NG Addon in Thunderbird for DIY Approach: Another important preliminary step to batch import EML to Google Workspace is to install the ImportExportTools NG addon in Thunderbird. To do so, click on Tools > Account Settings > Add-ons and Themes. Now, search for the addon and click Add to Thunderbird button.

All these necessary pre-import steps help to finish your EML to Google Workspace import process quickly and in an accurate manner. Now, let us move further by discussing the methods, starting with the free approach.

Method 1: Import EML Files into a Google Workspace Account Via Outlook

The simplest way to move a limited number of EML emails (10-20) to a Google Workspace account for free is using Outlook New. Although the method can work on both Mac & Windows devices. It is best suited for Windows devices.

Pre-Requisites

  • You need Outlook New installed and activated onto your computer.
  • Configured destination Google Workspace account into Outlook.
  • Make sure you have stored your EML files separately in a dedicated folder.

Manual Steps to Add EML Files to Google Workspace for Free:

Note: The steps given here are for Outlook New, the steps may vary if you are using Outlook Classic.

  1. Open Outlook New on your computer.
  2. Click on File >> Open & Export.
    file and open and export
  3. Go to Import and Start Import.
    go to import and start import option
  4. Select your Google Workspace account as destination.
  5. Select the folder under your Google Workspace account where you want to import EML files.
    details of final destination import
  6. Select the Folder with EML files and then click Upload >> Import.

Limitation of Outlook New to Add EML files to Google Workspace

  • Have a 14MB per EML file limit (as per Microsoft’s official documentation) – although supports multiple file import.
  • Only the EML emails under the parent folder will be imported, EML emails under the subfolder will be lost.
  • Complete disruption for folder hierarchy.

Method 2: Upload EML Files to Google Workspace via Thunderbird

Here, we have mentioned a reliable manual way to perform EML to Google Workspace migration using Thunderbird. Follow the steps carefully to avoid hurdles as Google Workspace does not support any direct import feature.

  1. Open and run Thunderbird on your PC.
  2. Then, add your Google Workspace account in Thunderbird using the email address.
  3. Once done, right-click on the Google Workspace folder in which you want to import EML files.
  4. Select ImportExportTools NG > Import EML Messages.
  5. Thereafter, choose the EML folder from your PC and click Open.
  6. Lastly, wait for the Thunderbird to sync those EML files to your Google Workspace account.

Pitfalls of Choosing the Manual Approach

  • Time-consuming: The above-explained DIY approach is very time-consuming. Sometimes users from a non-technical background might face challenges in configuring a Google Workspace account in Thunderbird.
  • Lacks in Selective EML to Google Workspace migration: One challenge often faced by users while importing EML to Google Workspace using Thunderbird is the selective import. The free approach does not allow users to selectively migrate specific EML data to Google Workspace based on specific filters, like pro solutions.
  • May not preserve EML file formatting: The EML file containing embedded media data and advanced media encoding may not be preserved during the import process. The DIY approach might fail to preserve the formatting of EML files.
  • Can Lead to Human Errors: Another drawback of choosing the free approach is the human errors. Due to a lack of automation and management, users mistakenly import the same EML files into Google Workspace, which causes data duplication.

Alternative Solution for Admins

For IT admin who are either mitigating multiple users or restoring EML backup in multiple Google Workspace accounts – GYB (Got Your Back) managed by GAM (Google Apps Manager) an open source command-line tool can be useful. However it is designed for only IT admins and can be complex. Note: This is not an official product by Google.

Automated Approach to Migrate EML to Google Workspace

The automated approach is suggested for users who need an error-free and accurate EML to Google Workspace migration process with 100% data integrity. To go with the professional solution, you are required to have a reliable EML converter. This specific utility is the only solution in the market that is coded with optimisation settings to offer a seamless and fast EML to Google Workspace migration process.

Moreover, the smart temporary file clean-up feature in the tool helps users to perform the import process seamlessly, regardless of the system specification the utility is running. Additionally, this program is built with advanced filter settings for selective migration.

How to Import EML to Google Workspace? Working Steps

  1. First, download and run the EML to Google Workspace import tool.
    run EML to Google Workspace import tool
  2. Next, click on the Select Files or Select Folders options to load EML files.
    click select files or select folders option
  3. Then, choose the EML files required to import and click on the Next button.
    choose EML files to import
  4. After that, from the Saving options, choose G Suite as the output.
    select Google Workspace
  5. Now, go to the Optimization Settings tab and adjust these settings.
    optimization settings
  6. Finally, fill up the credentials and hit the convert button to start the EML to Google Workspace import process.
    import EML to Google Workspace

Post Steps After Importing EML to Google Workspace

  • Verify Imported Data: After completing the EML to Google Workspace import process, verify that all the data is imported correctly in the selected folder. Ensure no EML files are left from the migration process.
  • Check EML Data Integrity: Open a few files are check all the attributes of EML files are intact. You must check for attachments, formatting, sender’s, receiver’s email addresses, and other metadata.
  • Sync Across Devices: If you are someone who uses the Google Workspace account across several devices. You must cross-check on all your devices, including different desktops, mobiles, tablets, etc. This step will help you to verify that the process of importing EML to Google Workspace is synced across all devices.
Core Capabilities of BitRecover EML to Google Workspace Import Tool

BitRecover automated tool helps you bypass Google Workspace’s native limitation to directly add EML data into a GWS account. It is a better choice due to its user-needed capabilities:

📦
Bulk Import Multiple EML files into Google Workspace

There is no limitation on the number of EML files that can be imported into the GWS account at once – making it highly suitable for bulk imports – with thousands of EML files.


Complete Upload with 100% Accuracy

No data is left behind when importing EML messages to Google Workspace. The tool accurately decodes the MIME of the EML and maps all Attachments, Email Header, Body, Formatting, and Metadata without loss. Suitable for companies who need to ensure compliance during data import or transfer.

📁
Preserves Folder Hierarchy

BitRecover EML to Google Workspace Importer exactly replicates the folder and subfolder structure in which your EML files are stored onto your computer or hard drive into a Google Workspace account.

🔗
Add Any EML File into GWS Account

The BitRecover EML to Google Workspace Wizard supports EML files from multiple email clients and services like Windows Live Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird, The Bat!, Mailbird, downloaded from Gmail or any other email service. Making it highly versatile for multiple migration scenarios.

🎯 Targeted EML to GWS Import

The tool offers multiple options to selectively choose which EML files you want to import to Google Workspace business account. You can simply use checkbox or use advanced filters like – Date Range, From, To, Subject and Exclude Empty Folders. This gives a more organised output and helps avoid misuse of mailbox storage space.

🔒
Fully Secure EML to Google Workspace Import

Restore locally stored EML messages to a Google Workspace with added security of OAuth Authentication and ADA CASA certification that lets you meet HIPPA, CAPA and GDPR compliance. You are directly connected to Google Server without any external server in between.

What Sets BitRecover Apart? Added Benefits of the Tool

🏢
Supports All GWS Licenses,
User & Admin Accounts
⚙️
Standalone Tool
Without Any Dependency
⏸️
Stop Import
Mid-Way if Needed
📊
Complete Log Report
to Track Imports
💻
Easy-to-Use Interface
for Mac & Windows
FAQs: Import EML Files into Google Workspace

Q1: Can I use Google’s Data Import tool to import EML into Google Workspace?

No, Google’s Data Import tool does not help add EML emails into Google Workspace user or admin account. It only imports from another active cloud server account. To add EML emails you can either use manual solutions such as – via Outlook or Thunderbird or paid EML to Google Workspace importer.

Q2: Is there any limit to EML import into Google Workspace accounts?

No, there is no official limited document from Google’s end, but the EML files to Google Workspace import process is limited by your GWS mailbox storage limit, and IMAP upload bandwidth limit of 500 MB/day per account – which usually occurs with manual approach.

Q3: Will the attachments & folder hierarchy be retained when I restore EML files to Google Workspace account?

Attachments: Since attachments are stored inside the MIME structure of EML files – whether you use manual approach or a dedicated EML to Google Workspace importer they will be retained.

Folder Structure: It is possible to maintain folder hierarchy using free methods mentioned – but it has to be replicated manually – which does not guarantee accurate results when dealing with bulk data. If you want to upload EML to Google Workspace with organised structure – it is suggested to specialized utilities.

Q4: Will any special permission be needed from the admin’s end to move EML files to GWS user account?

No, you only need your IMAP enabled and your account credentials. Special permissions to upload EML messages in Google Workspace are only needed when carrying out batch transfer.

Q5: Can I import EML files from Gmail to a Google Workspace account?

Yes, all manual and the professional solution supports EML files from multiple sources.

Final Verdict

In conclusion to the above blog on the topic of how to import EML to Google Workspace. We have started our discussion by understanding the preliminary steps before starting the import process. Secondly, we have seen the working steps of the DIY way along with its limitations. Next to this, to overcome the free approach challenges, we have seen a reliable and fast EML to Google Workspace migration tool along with its working guide. Finally, we have seen the post-migration steps to verify that the import process is completed successfully.

About the Author

Rollins Duke

Rollins Duke

Technical Content Writer at BitRecover · 2133 articles

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