If you're reading this guide, you're likely a GoDaddy user looking for a more robust and feature-rich email and productivity solution. Migrating from GoDaddy to Google Workspace is a common and highly beneficial move for businesses seeking to improve collaboration, security, and overall efficiency.

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There are two primary ways to handle this migration: a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach using Google's universal IMAP tool, or enlisting experts for a fully managed migration. This guide will explain both options in detail to help you choose the best path for your business. Keep reading to find out how.

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Migrate from GoDaddy to Google Workspace – Do It Yourself

The DIY method involves using Google's Data Migration service to copy email data directly from GoDaddy's server into Google Workspace. While this tool is flexible, it's important to understand its capabilities and limitations before you begin.

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• What Is Migrated: Email messages and their folder structures. The folders from GoDaddy will be converted into Gmail labels.

• What Is NOT Migrated: Calendars, contacts, notes, and other account settings are not included in the migration. These items must be handled separately, typically through manual export and import processes.

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In this guide, we are covering the use of the IMAP Migration tool found in the Google Admin Console. This tool provides a straight-forward process for transferring up to 100 users per migration. If you need to migrate more users or have a complex data set, we recommend to consider the option of using a Managed Migration Service such as Cloudasta's, or check the Google Workspace migration product matrix for other tools that might be more suited for your case.

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‍Prerequisites Checklist

Complete these setup tasks to ensure a smooth migration.

• For Google Workspace:
  • You must be a super administrator to run the migration.
  • IMAP must be enabled for all target user accounts.
• For Your GoDaddy Account:
  • You must have the correct IMAP server address.
  • You need the source email address and password for every user being migrated.

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Step-by-Step IMAP Migration Guide

The entire process is managed from the Google Admin console.

Step 1: Connect to the IMAP Server

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• Navigate to Menu > Data import & export > Data Migration (New).
• For IMAP, click Migrate.
• Enter the IMAP server address for GoDaddy: imap.secureserver.net.
• Click Test connection. A "Connected" notification will appear if successful.

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Step 2: Create and Upload the User Migration Map

This step uses a CSV file to link source accounts to target accounts and provide the necessary credentials.

• Create the CSV File: In a spreadsheet program, create a file with three columns using these exact headers: Source ImapUser, Source ImapPassword, and Target GUser. You can download a sample CSV file in the migration screen.

• Populate the Data: On each row, enter the source user's full GoDaddy email, their password, and their new Google Workspace email address.

• Upload the File: In the Admin console, click Upload CSV and select your file.

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Step 3: Configure Migration Settings

• Choose a Start date to migrate messages from that point forward.

• Optionally, select whether to Migrate deleted emails or Migrate spam emails.

• Optionally, you can Exclude specific folders from the migration by entering their names, separated by commas.

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Step 4: Start and Finalize the Migration

• Click Start migration. You can monitor the progress in real-time from the dashboard.

• After the initial run, you can perform a delta migration to copy any new emails that have arrived in the source accounts.

• Once fully complete, click Exit migration to finalize the process. This action is permanent and deletes all migration configuration data and reports.

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‍Don't Risk Your Data – Choose a Turnkey Managed Migration

The DIY IMAP migration tool is a useful connector, but its complexities are significant. The need to securely handle user passwords, the risk of data loss, and the fact that it only migrates email can make it a daunting and incomplete solution for a business.

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Cloudasta offers a fully managed, expert-led migration service that removes these challenges entirely. We deliver a turnkey project with near-zero downtime, allowing your team to remain productive while we handle every technical detail in the background. Our proven four-stage process includes comprehensive planning, data preparation, a carefully executed migration, and post-migration support to guarantee a seamless transition. With a managed migration, you can move all your critical files and data, not only emails.

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As a Google Cloud Partner since 2014, we are integrated with ShuttleCloud and use technology trusted by the largest email providers, including Gmail, to import data from over 200 providers. Our team has successfully migrated over 20 million users for more than 850 companies.

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By choosing to sign up for or move your Google Workspace licenses with us, you can reduce your migration fees by 75%. This partnership also unlocks a wealth of premium benefits: receive dedicated support, stay informed with our monthly Google Workspace newsletters, join expert-led webinars, and get strategic advice from a team dedicated to maximizing your discounts.

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Contact Cloudasta today for a secure, complete, and hassle-free migration from any IMAP provider to Google Workspace.