Seamless Migration from Dropbox to Google Drive with New Data Migration Service
Google has introduced a streamlined Data Migration Service that allows users to easily transfer files, folders, and their corresponding permissions from Dropbox to Google Drive. This development comes a little over a year after Google enabled similar functionality for OneDrive users, reinforcing its commitment to making data management smoother for its customers.
Key Requirements Before Migration
Before embarking on the migration process, there are several essential points to consider:
- The migration must be conducted by a super administrator via the Google Admin console.
- Transfers are limited to a maximum of 100 Dropbox users and team folders at one time. Consequently, larger organizations will need to execute the migration in batches.
- It is important to note that this tool is designed for productivity, not for legal compliance. Organizations should back up any data necessary for legal holds prior to initiating the migration.

Steps to Use the Migration Service
To begin the migration, an administrator should follow these steps in the Google Admin console:
- Navigate to Menu > Data > Data Import & Export > Data Migration (New).
- Connect to the Dropbox Business account using credentials from a Team Administrator.
The migration process utilizes a set of CSV files to outline which data is being transferred. Here’s a breakdown of the necessary files:
- The first CSV file specifies the Dropbox folders to be copied.
- The second CSV file maps user identities from Dropbox to Google Workspace.
Ensure Correct Mapping with CSV Files
When preparing the CSV files, accuracy is critical. Each folder mapping file must contain:
- A
Source DropboxValuecolumn that indicates either the user’s email address for personal folders or the folder path for team folders. - A
Target Drive FolderIDto indicate the destination shared drive for the team folder. - A
Target GUsercolumn connected to a Workspace email address, which will designate ownership of the folder.
The identity mapping CSV is simpler, as it links the source Dropbox user emails directly to their corresponding Google Workspace emails.
Subscription Requirements
This new migration feature is accessible to a variety of Google Workspace subscribers, including:
- Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus
- Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
- Nonprofits
Following the announcement, it may take up to 15 days for the feature to be fully integrated into all admin consoles.
For further details, visit the official announcement from Google: Feature Announcement.
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