How to Import Google Takeout to iCloud? Verified Solution

What is Google Takeout?

Google Takeout is Google’s export tool for data that lets you export a copy of your data from different Google services. These include Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, Contacts, Calendar, and many more. Additionally, the data exported is in formats that can be easily imported into other services, such as iCloud.

Top Methods to Move Data from Google Cloud to iCloud

As you have planned to shift to iCloud, let’s learn the methods without any further ado. However, it is important to be prepared before we start the migration.

Prerequisites: Upload Google Takeout to iCloud

Paramaters	Description
iCloud Account Setup	Make sure you have an active Apple ID with iCloud enabled. You can create one at appleid.apple.com.
Sufficient iCloud Storage	Verify that your iCloud has enough space to hold all Google data (Mail, Photos, Drive, etc.). Check under Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Manage Storage.
Updated Software	Update your Mac, iPhone, or iPad to the latest macOS or iOS version for smooth syncing and compatibility.
Stable Internet Connection	Ensure a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection. Large files like photos and videos will take time to upload/download.
Google Account Access	Confirm you can log in to Gmail, Drive, Contacts, and Calendar. Also, enable IMAP in Gmail settings for email migration.
Google Takeout Ready	Use Google Takeout to export your data (Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Photos, Drive) in supported formats  .mbox, .vcf, .ics, .zip, etc.

01. Direct Import Gmail to iCloud Mail

It is quite easy to transfer Google Takeout to iCloud. However, this method only works with macOS, not iOS.

Steps to Directly Move Google Takeout Data to iCloud

1. Start by exporting Gmail to MBOX via Google Takeout.
2. Once that’s done, open Apple Mail with your iCloud ready.
3. After that, import that MBOX using a converter tool.
4. Effortlessly drag & drop emails into iCloud folders.
5. Keep it organized by creating a matching folder structure.
6. Sit back while it syncs, then verify across all devices.

This method works directly through the Apple Mail interface and maintains email content, attachments, and metadata. For large mailboxes, it takes a lot of time. Additionally, manually recreating a folder can be time-consuming.

02: Import Google Contacts to iCloud

This method is best to import Google Takeout to iCloud address book, i.e., Contacts. This way, all your saved numbers and email addresses appear directly on every Apple device.

Steps to Move Google Contacts to iCloud Easily

1. First, download your contacts from Google Takeout as a .vcf file.
2. Next, go to iCloud.com and open the Contacts app.
3. Then, click the Settings gear (⚙️) at the bottom left.
4. After that, select Import vCard from the menu.
5. Now, find and select your downloaded .vcf file.
6. Finally, wait for the import to finish.
7. As a last step, verify that all your contacts have been imported correctly.

Nevertheless, it operates directly within a web browser and maintains contact information, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Additionally, using this method allows your Gmail contacts to sync instantly across all Apple devices. However, if contacts already exist, it might produce duplicate entries. Furthermore, contact photos occasionally transfer incorrectly. Further, this method may cause custom labels or groups not to import correctly. Alongside, large contact lists can take time to process.

03: Import Google Calendar to iCloud

Now, to import Google Takeout data to iCloud, especially Calendar, follow this method. You can easily transfer your Google Calendar events to iCloud using the iCalendar (.ics).

Steps to Upload Google Calendar Data to iCloud

1. Export your Google Calendar from Takeout as an .ics file.
2. Following that, open the Calendar app on iCloud.com.
3. Once you’re in, click the settings gear (⚙️).
4. Proceed by selecting Import from the menu.
5. At this stage, choose the downloaded .ics file.
6. Subsequently, select your target iCloud calendar and click Import.
7. Afterward, wait for the import to finish processing.
8. To conclude, verify that all events transferred correctly into your calendar.

Now, this method is a simple web-based import process & it preserves event details, dates, times, and locations. However, recurring events may not always transfer correctly. Plus, there are chances that custom calendar colors and categories are lost. Additionally, reminders and notifications may need reconfiguration. Alongside, it cannot selectively import specific events (it imports the entire calendar).

04: Import Google Photos to iCloud Photos

If you’ve been storing memories in Google Photos, transferring them to iCloud Photos keeps everything integrated within your Apple ecosystem. Here’s how to move your entire photo library safely into iCloud.

Simple Steps to Import Google Takeout to iCloud (Photos Only)

1. First of all, download your Google Photos library using Google Takeout.
2. Extract all the ZIP archives into a single folder on your computer.
3. Then, open the Photos app on your Mac and confirm iCloud Photos is enabled.
4. Next, import the photos by dragging the folder into the Photos app.
5. After that, wait for the upload to iCloud to complete, which may take some time.
6. Finally, verify that your photos appear across all your Apple devices.

With this method, Google’s photos automatically sync across all Apple devices. However, Album organization may not transfer perfectly &Google Photos metadata (like face tags) doesn’t always migrate.

05: Import Google Drive Files to iCloud Drive

Your Google Drive might hold important documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. To keep everything accessible from Finder or the Files app on your Apple devices, you can easily move all your Google Drive files to iCloud Drive.

Steps to Import Google Takeout to iCloud (Drive Data)

1. Firstly, download and extract your Google Drive files from Takeout.
2. Note that Google Docs are converted to Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).
3. Now, open Finder on Mac and navigate to iCloud Drive.
4. Then, create folders to organize your files.
5. Next, drag and drop extracted files into iCloud Drive.
6. Wait for sync to complete and verify files are accessible.

However, this method works with all common file formats & files are immediately accessible across Apple devices. But there are chances that Google Docs converted to Office formats may have formatting issues. Additionally, collaboration features and sharing links are no longer available. Alongside, large file transfers can be slow and require a stable internet.

Therefore, all these methods work very well with every individual Google Takeout file. However, to import Google Takeout to iCloud, all files and once, professionals follow the next method.

06: Upload Google Takeout to iCloud Professionally

For an error-free, bulk import of your Google Takeout data directly to iCloud, the CloudXena MBOX Converter Tool is an ideal solution. This professional tool ensures a smooth and complete transfer of your entire photo library, regardless of its size.

• Efficiently transfer your entire Google Takeout library to iCloud in one go using a simple
• Export your data not just to iCloud, but also to various other platforms, including Office 365, Yahoo, Hotmail, and IMAP servers.
• Preview your data before migrating and use smart filters to exclude duplicates, select specific file types, or manage attachments.
• The tool runs smoothly on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Steps to Import Google Takeout to iCloud in Bulk

1. Launch & Select: Open the tool and choose the MBOX conversion option.
2. Add Data: Import your downloaded Google Takeout MBOX files.
3. Preview & Select: Review your data and select the specific items you wish to migrate.
4. Choose Destination: Select iCloud from the saving options and log in to your account.
5. Apply Filters: Configure any desired filters for a customized transfer.
6. Convert: Click Convert to instantly begin the migration process to iCloud.

Also Read- How to Convert EML to MBOX File Format in Bulk?

Final Notes

Ultimately, it is very straightforward to import Google Takeout to iCloud with the right guide. Whether you choose manual, step-by-step methods for individuals or opt for a professional, all-in-one tool, CloudXena, for a bulk transfer. You now have a clear path forward. You can successfully import your Google Takeout data and begin enjoying the seamless Apple ecosystem with all your files intact.

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