Google Legacy G Suite Users to Get ‘No-Cost’ Option to Move Data

Google is working on a “no-cost” option for G Suite legacy users to let them move their content and data.

Back in the day, Google used to offer a free G Suite plan that allowed users to have a Google account with a custom domain. Google stopped offering this tier in 2012 but those who had created a free account were able to continue to use the service, up until now.

Last week, Google began informing users that it was going to end support for free G Suite accounts, leaving users no choice but to upgrade to a paid plan or lose access to core Workspace features such as Gmail and Calendar. But it seems Google will offer an easy way to migrate your data to a Gmail account.

As spotted by Ars Technica, Google has silently updated its support page detailing its original decision concerning G Suite legacy users that was announced last week. The update includes a new section that highlights the option to help users transfer their data.

“In the coming months, we’ll provide an option for you to move your non-Google Workspace paid content and most of your data to a no-cost option,” the section reads. “This new option won’t include premium features like custom email or multi-account management.”

Google makes no promises but recommends these users, who must have 10 or fewer users, fill in a survey asking them to provide more information. Affected users need to sign with a non gmail.com email address.

Google also clarified that people who don’t upgrade to Workspace will “still retain access to additional Google services and paid content purchased though non-Google Workspace services made with your legacy edition account (such as movies purchased on Google Play).”

The survey asks whether affected users use G Suite legacy free edition for personal use, to manage a business, or for both. It also asks users to give Google permission to “reach out with tailored updates and special offers regarding your G Suite legacy free edition.”