Migration
Moving Business Email From Web Hosting to Google Workspace
Quick Answer
Migrating from web hosting email to Google Workspace involves exporting mail from the hosting provider's webmail or IMAP, provisioning matching Workspace accounts, transferring the data, and only then updating MX records away from the host.
Web hosting email (often bundled with a hosting plan) is usually a simpler system than Workspace, which means the data itself transfers in fairly standard formats, but the DNS zone often also controls the website - so care is needed not to disturb unrelated records.
Common Causes
- Editing the same DNS zone that controls the website, and accidentally affecting site records.
- Assuming hosting-provided webmail exports cleanly, when some hosts limit export options.
- Forgetting that the hosting provider's default MX record needs explicit removal, not just addition of new ones.
Safe Troubleshooting Steps
- Confirm IMAP access is enabled on the hosting mailbox, since most migration tools rely on it.
- Provision matching Workspace accounts before migrating data.
- Migrate mail via IMAP transfer while the hosting MX records remain active.
- Update MX records to Google Workspace only after migration is verified complete.
- Double-check no website-related DNS records (A, CNAME) were changed in the process.
What to Verify
- IMAP access was available and used for the migration.
- Website DNS records were not affected by the mail-related changes.
- The hosting provider's default MX record was fully removed after cutover.
When Professional Help May Be Useful
If your website and email share the same hosting account, it is worth having someone confirm which DNS records are safe to change before starting, since a mistake here can affect the website too.