How to Migrate Google Workspace to iCloud Mail and Drive?
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You can migrate Google Workspace to iCloud Mail and Drive by manually transferring files and configuring accounts. Because Google and Apple use different ecosystems, there is no single automated button to move all your data directly so you have to move Mail and Drive separately.
When users switch from Windows OS to Mac OS they may wish to migrate Google Workspace to iCloud Mail/Drive. So, if you have decided to use iCloud Plus then continue reading this writeup and get detailed instructions to migrate from Google Workspace to iCloud.
Google Workspace vs iCloud Plus
| Feature | Google Workspace | iCloud+ |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Business productivity and collaboration | Personal cloud storage and privacy |
| Storage | Starts at 30 GB per user | Starts at 50 GB |
| Apps | Docs, Sheets, Meet, Drive, Slides, etc. | iCloud Drive, Mail, Photos, Private Relay, etc. |
| Collaboration | Strong team collaboration and shared workspaces | Basic file and photo sharing |
| Device Support | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and web | Best integrated with Apple devices |
| Administration | Advanced user, security, and admin controls | Limited business administration |
| Family Sharing | Designed for organizations | Support family sharing |
| Best For | Businesses, teams, and professional work | Individual Apple users and families |
What Can Be Migrated from Google Workspace to iCloud?
Before switching platforms, it will be very helpful to know what data can be migrated from Google Workspace. It helps you get an idea of how this process of migration occurs.
- You can move all mail messages along with attachments with IMAP or Apple Mail drag-and-drop method.
- You can also transfer contact lists by exporting as vCard (.vcf) files from Google and importing them into iCloud.
- Sync or download files from Google Drive and you can easily upload them to iCloud Drive.
Important Points You Must Know Before Moving Google Workspace to iCloud
- Make sure your iCloud has enough storage space to store your Google Workspace data.
- Pick a method according to what type of Google Workspace data you need to migrate.
- Remember to take permission from IT admins if you are migrating from the organization Google Workspace account.
- Backup Google Workspace emails and others you need to migrate, as you may lead to data loss if migration fails.
- Enable IMAP access to Google Workspace and generate a Google Workspace app password for safe transfer.
How to Migrate Google Workspace to iCloud Manually?
If you use a custom email domain with iCloud Mail, then iCloud has an inbuilt option to import emails from your Google Workspace account. You can use the mentioned top 2 manual techniques to migrate Google Workspace to iCloud Mail or iCloud Drive accordingly. The first method is suitable for migrating Google Workspace to iCloud Mail directly, while the second method is for iCloud Drive. Let’s look at them.
Method 1: Migrate GWS to iCloud Mail
- Login to your iCloud account.
- Choose Account Settings option from iCloud.
- Select Manage from Custom Email Domain section.
- Select or enter GWS email address to import emails.
- Scroll down and choose the Import Mail button.
- Follow instructions and sign in to your Google Workspace account.
- The Google Workspace to iCloud import process is beginning.
Method 2: Migrate from Google Workspace to iCloud Drive
- Open Google Takeout with your Google Workspace email address.
- Click on Deselect All option to uncheck all the default selected options.
- Then, particularly select Mail to export and click on Next Step located at the bottom.
- Now, choose the Send download link via email from the Delivery method menu.
- Next, select frequency, file type and size according to your requirements.
- After that, tap on the Create Export button to continue with the migration process.
- See now Google is creating a copy of your selective Google Workspace data.
- Last, you will receive an email with a download link on the respective email account.
- Log in to your iCloud or iCloud Plus account.
- Select the iCloud Drive and Browse option.
- Next, click on the Upload button and choose downloaded Google Workspace emails.
- Finally, press Open to upload GWS emails to iCloud successfully.
Manual Method Limitations
The first manual method is recommended to migrate email from Google Workspace to iCloud Mail. However, it requires technical knowledge so non-technical users may face the problem. Also, it lets you migrate Google Workspace to Apple iCloud from one account at once. Only custom domain email users can import emails in iCloud from a GWS account.
The second method lets you migrate from Google Workspace to iCloud Drive. So, you cannot access your emails directly. You can use imported email data to restore it in several MBOX-supported programs like Apple Mail, and Thunderbird.
Read Similar: Guide to Migrate Google Workspace to Zoho Mail
Pro Way to Migrate Email from Google Workspace to iCloud
BitRecover Google Workspace Migration Tool is a perfect and fully automated solution to complete this migration process. The tool is specially designed to handle all migration project-related tasks. It asks only your GWS and iCloud Mail credentials to perform.
You can also use this software to backup Google Workspace emails in multiple standard formats such as PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, MBOX, etc. Also, this is compatible with Windows and Mac OS and comes with a free trial version. Just download its freeware edition and check its functionality.
- Email Address: Type your iCloud email address
- Password: Enter your iCloud Mail password
- IMAP Host: imap.mail.me.com
- IMAP port: 993
How to Migrate Google Workspace to iCloud Mail?
- Download and run the suggested software on your computer.
- Enter your GWS email address and click on Login to continue.
- Select all or specific Google Workspace folders that you wish to migrate.
- Now you can use the advanced filters if required to migrate only some selective emails.
- After that, choose IMAP from the saving options list provided.
- Fill out iCloud Mail IMAP credentials including Host Name and Port No.
- Lastly, click the Backup button to migrate Google Workspace to iCloud Mail.
Note: After completing the process to migrate GWS to iCloud Mail, log in to your iCloud account and view imported emails in the actual folder structure.
Read Also: Quick Steps to Migrate Emails from Gmail to iCloud
Frequently Asked Questions with Answers
Q 1: How do I move my Google Workspace to iCloud Mail?
We have discussed both manual and automated ways to migrate Google Workspace to iCloud. You can use any technique according to your choice depending on the availability of resources.
Q 2: Can I migrate emails from Google Workspace to iCloud Mail using Takeout?
No, Google Takeout lets you upload Google Workspace emails to iCloud Drive.
Q 3: Does migrating Google Workspace to iCloud delete my original data?
No, migrating Google Workspace to iCloud does not delete your original data. It creates a copy of your Google Workspace emails without disturbing other mailbox data. Additionally, it gives you benefits only, as keeping a backup is always recommended before performing the migration process.
Q 4: Will my email attachments be transferred to iCloud?
Yes, email attachments will be transferred to iCloud along with your emails. However it totally depends on the method you choose. The above discussed migration tool 100% preserves attachments and email formatting throughout the process.
Q5: Can I transfer everything from Google Drive to iCloud?
Yes, you can smoothly transfer your files from Google Drive to iCloud, you can use the manual method as well as the professional one mentioned above as per your requirement.
Q 6: Which is better and safer, iCloud or Google Drive?
Both iCloud and Google Drive are safe and better according to their levels. But most of the users choose iCloud to store their data safely.
Q7: Is iCloud Safe from hackers?
Yes, iCloud is generally safe from hackers because Apple uses strong encryption and mandatory two-factor authentication.
Conclusion
Above we have disclosed the top 3 methods to migrate Google Workspace to iCloud Mail and iCloud Drives. We have used iCloud’s inbuilt option, Google Takeout, and BitRecover Software to migrate Google Workspace to iCloud. We have also mentioned manual method limitations. Hence, now we can assume that anyone can easily resolve this problem.
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