How to Migrate from Kerio to Google Workspace?

• 22 November 2025
• Google Workspace Migration
• Written by George Dockrell

Kerio Connect is a widely used email server and collaboration suite for small and medium-sized businesses. It provides a centralized hub for email, calendaring, contacts, and instant messaging. Known for its ease of use, Kerio Connect supports IMAP, enabling users to access their email from multiple devices while keeping mailboxes synchronized. However, when the Kerio Connect license expires, it comes with significant limitations. With restricted functionality, halted product updates, and no access to features like ActiveSync, businesses can face major challenges in managing their email systems. This is where migrating to Gmail/Google Workspace can offer a more reliable and robust solution.

Google Workspace provides a seamless and powerful suite of productivity tools that can enhance collaboration and communication within your organization. Whether you are looking to move a few accounts or handle a large-scale migration, this guide will outline the steps to smoothly transition from Kerio Connect to Google Workspace, ensuring minimal disruption and enabling your team to benefit from Gmail’s rich feature set and Google Workspace’s collaborative tools.

Why Google Workspace is Ideal for Your Business

Migrating from Kerio Connect to Gmail/Google Workspace unlocks numerous benefits for your organization. Here are four key reasons to make the switch:

• Effortless Collaboration

  Google Workspace provides a suite of tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Meet, enabling real-time collaboration and seamless communication. Offline access ensures your team stays productive, even without an internet connection.

• Affordable and Scalable

  Starting at just $6/user/month, Google Workspace is cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. It consolidates tools into one platform, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions and streamlining expenses.

• Efficient File Management

  Google Workspace offers scalable storage solutions, simplifying data management and improving document retrieval. This enhances overall efficiency and saves valuable time.

• Streamlined Administration and Security

  The Admin Console allows businesses to easily manage user access, monitor activity, and implement security measures, safeguarding data from threats like malware and phishing.
  

Prerequisites for Migrating from Kerio to Gmail/Google Workspace

Migrating your email and data from Kerio Connect to Google Workspace requires thoughtful planning and several crucial pre-migration steps. Here are the key considerations to ensure a smooth transition:

• IMAP Server Setup

  Before starting, ensure your Kerio server is configured to support IMAP. You will need to know the server’s name, port number, and the type of encryption (SSL/TLS) to establish a secure connection. IMAP is generally supported across most platforms, though setup may vary depending on your environment.

• Backup Your Data

  Backing up essential data is a must before initiating the migration. This precaution is especially important for users who may not be familiar with the technical details of the process. The complexities of email migration present potential risks of data loss or disruption, so safeguarding your information is key.

• Gather User Credentials

  Ensure that you have a list of user credentials from Kerio, which is necessary for authenticating mailboxes during the migration. This helps streamline the process, ensuring each user is transitioned smoothly to Google Workspace.

• Inform Your Team

  Effective communication with your employees is crucial. Plan the migration during a low-activity period to minimize disruptions and inform your team about the schedule. This way, they can prepare for the transition and avoid any surprises.

• Set Up User Accounts in Google Workspace

  Creating user accounts in Google Workspace before the migration is vital. Without this step, migrated data may not have a proper destination, causing delays. By setting up accounts in advance, employees will have immediate access to their new accounts post-migration.

• Use the Google Admin Console

  As an administrator, sign into the Google Admin Console to manage user accounts. Navigate to Menu > Directory > Users, where you can add new users by filling in the necessary information. This ensures your team is ready to go in Google Workspace once migration is complete.

Steps for Migrating Data from Kerio to Google Workspace

The following steps focus on migrating email, contacts, and calendar data from Kerio Connect to Google Workspace. To simplify your migration, consider leveraging Apps4Rent’s Google Workspace migration services. Our team will manage the data transfer process with minimal disruption, ensuring your business continues to operate smoothly.

1. Access Google Admin Console

   Sign in to the Google Admin console with super administrator access. Navigate to Menu > Data > Data Migration.

2. Configure Migration Source

   Select Other IMAP Server as the migration source. Confirm that email is selected as the data type for migration.

3. Set Connection Protocol

   You can choose either Auto Select or enter the Kerio server URI for IMAP.

4. Enter Role Account Details

   Provide the email address and password for the role account to establish a connection. If the connection fails, double-check the credentials and try again.

5. Set Migration Options

   Choose a start date for the migration or use the default. Customize any data exclusions if needed and click “Select Users” to continue.

6. Migrating Multiple Users

   For migrating multiple users’ data, select Bulk upload with CSV. Prepare and attach a CSV file that includes Kerio email addresses and their corresponding Google Workspace emails. Click Upload and Start Migration.

Once the migration is complete, click More and select Exit Migration.

Why Apps4Rent is Your Ideal Kerio to Google Workspace Migration Partner

Changing mail services from Kerio Connect to Google Workspace can involve technical challenges that require careful planning and expertise. Without proper knowledge and experience, there’s a risk of data loss or prolonged downtime, which can impact your business’s operations.

Partnering with a trusted expert like Apps4Rent ensures your migration is smooth and efficient. As a certified Google Cloud & Workspace Partner, we specialize in providing a tailored migration experience. Count on Apps4Rent to handle your Kerio to Google Workspace migration with the same dedication that has helped many businesses successfully transition. Contact our support team today via phone, chat, or email to learn more about our Google Workspace migration services.