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Migrate IMAP to Google Workspace: All Server With/Without TLS

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Published By Jamie Kaler 
Rollins Duke
Approved By Rollins Duke
Published On September 30th, 2026
Reading Time 10 Min Read

An organization switching from locally hosted IMAP server or popular IMAP server like Dovecot, Microsoft Exchange, MailEnable, Courier IMAP or any other RFC 3501-compliant IMAP service to Google Workspace (formerly called GSuite) requires:

  • Migrating all user and group mailboxes from IMAP to a new account on Google Workspace
  • Ensuring exact folder structure, attachments and metadata retention
  • Carry out the whole IMAP to Google Workspace migration with minimum possible downtime.

The migration from IMAP server to Google Workspace comes with multiple added benefits like: modern security & authentication (OAuth), integration with Google Workspace Apps (Sheets, Docs etc.) and access over multiple devices in a relatively easy way. But handling large IMAP mailboxes, throttling limits, and too many mailbox issues can be tricky.

This expert tested end-to-end IMAP to GWS  migration guide  provides you with step-by-step instructions using native solution and RecoveryTools secure & trusted migration tool.

Read Here: Targeted Office 365 to Google Workspace Migration

Let’s Understand the Requirement by a User Query:

“I’m from California USA, and for a long time, I was using a local email account that was provided by a cable operator. It is a locally hosted email service. Now, I decided to change my cable operator to another one. But before that, I want to migrate IMAP to Google Workspace account. My local email service account supports IMAP settings. So, does any solution available to migrate IMAP to Google Workspace account? Please Help me!!!!!!!” – John Adams

How to Migrate IMAP to Google Workspace? Discover Available Methods

You can migrate IMAP to Google Workspace natively using the data import tool (server has a trusted TLS certificate) or GWMME (no TLS certificate) or alternatively using RecoveryTools IMAP to Google Workspace Migration Tool. Here is a quick comparison between them, choose the best method for your needs:

Factors  Data import tool  GWMME  RecoveryTools 
Best for  IMAP servers with a valid TLS certificate Servers without a trusted TLS certificate, on an internal network, or using plain usernames Any IMAP Server
Who can run it Super admin only Super admin only Bulk migration for all users – Super admin only. Without Admin account you can carry out migration but for a single account.
Setup effort Low (Admin console) High Low
Cost Free Free Paid

Assisted IMAP to Google Workspace Migration Services By RecoveryTools 

Our certified experts can help you with end-to-end IMAP to Google Workspace Migration with pre & post migration check ensuring “Zero Data Loss” “No Hidden Charges” and “Complete Security & Privacy”. Get in touch with RecoveryTools 24/7 available cloud migration experts for business & enterprises.

What Data Can & Cannot Be Imported from IMAP Servers to Google Workspace? 

When you migrate IMAP to Google Workspace the data moved is limited:

Functionalities Migrated  Functionalities Missed Upon 
  • Emails
  • Folder & Sub-Folder Structure
  • Attachments
  • Email Header Data – CC/BCC, Read Unread Status, Time Stamps etc.
  • Metadata
  • Calendar events and resources
  • Contacts
  • Google Drive files
  • Google Sites
  • Any other non-email content

Reason Why You Require to Handle Certain Functionalities Separately?

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a standard email protocol that lets you access and manage your emails directly on a mail server from multiple devices. It does not deal with other email elements.

Preparations Before You Migrate IMAP to Google Workspace 

  • You have verified the domain, created destination Google Workspace Mailboxes and assigned them licenses. The destination accounts are not autocreated but they can be automapped.
  • Archive IMAP mailboxes to local drive.
  • Superadmin credential and permissions.
  • Turn on Gmail services for all destination accounts.
  • Turn off the firewall temporarily to avoid IP address related issues as the firewall blocks unknown IP addresses, it will refuse that connection and the import will fail.
  • Create a list of all accounts you want to migrate from IMAP to Google Workspace in CSV. Here is the suggest -format (Source ImapUser | Source ImapPassword | Target GSuite User)
  • It is suggested to run a pilot migration – to test out migration time first hand.

Instant Solution to Migrate IMAP to Google Workspace Directly With/Without TLS

To solve these types of queries, you need a professional solution. RecoveryTools IMAP Backup Tool is one of the best solutions for IMAP to Google Workspace migration directly. The software is available for both Mac and Windows editions. You can test this utility before investing your money. Download the software from the below download button.

Note: – Both edition are available for demo. You can try it before purchasing a licensed key. The demo edition allows you to migrate IMAP to Google Workspace account without any issues.

Supports All Windows & Mac Platforms: The tool supports all Windows OS. You can download it on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, etc. As well as all Mac OS X editions of operating systems.

Top Features of IMAP to Google Workspace Migration Tool

  • Migrate IMAP to Google Workspace in Bulk: The tool allows its users to export all items from IMAP mailbox to Google Workspace account. Also, it provides a batch option that can use to migrate multiple IMAP mailboxes to Google Workspace at one click. You need to upload a CSV file containing all your account credentials.
  • Maintain Email Properties: During the IMAP to Google Workspace migration process, the utility maintains all email properties such as email with attachments, subject, email addresses (to, cc, from, bcc), images, email internet header, date and time, hyperlinks, etc.
  • 100% Secure Utility for IMAP to Google Workspace Migration: Secure migration with OAuth authentication, and the tool is CASA certified, so your credentials and data stay protected. During the process, the program never stores your email database details inside the software panel.
  • Multiple Advance Filters: The software comes with multiple filter options which allows you to migrate IMAP emails selectively. So that, you can migrate IMAP to Google Workspace by email date range, email subject, email addresses, etc.
  • Schedule Your Migration: Set up the whole IMAP to GSuite migration in advance and schedule it to start at any time you want, such as off-hours.
  • Migrate On-Premise & Hosted IMAP Server: The software was programmed to support any IMAP server in a way that could migrate hosted and on-premises mailboxes. So, you can easily migrate IMAP to Google Workspace account directly.
  • Delta Run: Migrate the remaining IMAP emails that arrive after the main run, so nothing is missed before you switch over

How to Export Email from IMAP to Google Workspace Account? Complete Steps

  1. Launch your software edition on your computer. Read the basic instructions.

    tool to migrate IMAP to Google Workspace

  2. Enter your IMAP account credentials in the user interface panel.

    IMAP account credentials

  3. Also, you can choose the Batch option to migrate multiple IMAP accounts.

    choose the batch option

  4. After this, select the required IMAP folders from the list.

    select the required IMAP

  5. Select the Google Workspace option in the list of formats saving options.

    Select the Google Workspace

  6. Choose the filter options if you want to migrate IMAP to Google Workspace selectively.

    filter options

  7. After this, enter your Google Workspace account credentials in the user interface panel.

    enter your Google Workspace account

  8. Click on the Next button to migrate IMAP to Google Workspace accounts.

    migrate IMAP to Google Workspace

  9. When the process is completed, click on the OK button to confirm the process.

    migrate IMAP to Google Workspace

Migrate IMAP to Google Workspace Account Using Data Import Tool

  1. Go to Google Workspace Admin Console and sign in as Super Administrator.
  2. Go to Menu >> Data and then Data import & export and then Data Migration (Latest Update).
  3. Under the “Other” choose IMAP >> Migrate.
  4. Enter the IMAP server address and “Test Connection” – find your IMAP Settings here.
  5. Once the connection is established, add the user you want to migrate and upload CSV.
  6. Choose what emails you want to migrate IMAP accounts to Google Workspace based on Date Filters, and exclusion of unnecessary folders.
  7. Press Save to complete the setup for IMAP to Google Workspace migration.
  8. Finally click on the Start Migration button.
  9. Once the migration is done you will see “Completed Status” and you can even run a delta migration.

Migrate IMAP without TLS Security to Google Workspace: Using GWMME

Use Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Exchange (GWMME) if your IMAP server has no trusted TLS certificate, sits on an internal network, or uses plain usernames instead of email addresses.

  1. Authorise IMAP details on source IMAP server and the destination Google Workspace tenant. (Save the JSON File provided here –
  2. Download the GWMME on your Mac & Windows computer.
  3. Open GWMME and set Server Type to IMAP and set up the server – IMAP server type, Hostname or IP address, Security, Port and Path prefix.
  4. Add your Google Workspace domain, the path to the JSON file, and your super admin email.
  5. Filter out the data you want to migrate from IMAP to Google Workspace.
  6. Then click Migrate and Start

Verified Limitations of Manual IMAP to Google Workspace Transfer

  • The data import tool handles up to 100 IMAP users per import.
  • Manual IMAP uploads to Google Workspace are capped at 500 MB per day per account
  • GWMME for IMAP to Google Workspace migration is limited to Windows devices and not available on Mac OS.
  • Messages with attachments over 25 MB, and file types Gmail blocks (such as executables), aren’t imported.

How Long Will It Take to Migrate Data from IMAP Server to Google Workspace?

There is no universal time for IMAP to Google Workspace data transfer. It depends on multiple factors like:

  • Number of User Mailboxes and the Mailbox Size
  • The device you are running the migration from
  • Internet connectivity

A few small mailboxes can be finished in hours. Large mailboxes, hundreds of users, it may take a couple of days.

It is important to make sure that after migration, you verify the items migrated per mailbox. And update the MX records (if required).

What Do You Get When You Migrate from a Normal IMAP Server to GSuite?

Migrating from IMAP to Google Workspace comes with various advantages and facilities. Here is a quick comparison between them.

Factor IMAP Google Workspace
Email Basic mailbox Gmail mailbox with your verified domain
Storage (Both are based on package & allotment) Only limited to mailbox – No way for file storage Shared across Gmail, Drive, and Docs
Security Limited OAuth connection only, 2FA, and built-in spam and malware protection
Access Via free webmail or open source desktop client Dedicated mobile application for Mac & Windows and mobile
Uptime and support Vary based on IMAP services Google-managed 99.99% uptime and dedicated support
Admin controls Limited Admin console for users, groups, and policies
FAQ: Migrate IMAP to Google Workspace

Q1: Can I delete imports from IMAP to Google Workspace account? 

It is difficult to roll-back IMAP to Google Workspace but you can “STOP” the migration in between via all methods. You can use RecoveryTools Email Cleaner Software to selectively remove unwanted emails in bulk.

Q2: Can I migrate emails from locally hosted IMAP to Google Workspace? 

Yes, however it is not possible with native Data Import Tools – you can use RecoveryTools IMAP to Google Workspace Migration Tool or use the GWMME method.

Q3: Is it possible to bulk migrate 500+ users from an IMAP server to GSuite mailboxes? 

Yes, however for simultaneous bulk migration it is not possible manually. It is only possible using RecoveryTools paid solution.

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