How to Transfer Gmail to Another Account (2026 Guide)

Whether you're switching to a new Google account, consolidating old accounts, or moving to Google Workspace, there's one problem everyone hits: Gmail doesn't give you a simple way to move your emails to another account.

Google's built-in import tool exists but strips labels, misses attachments, and can take weeks. Here's how to actually do it — in a few hours, with everything intact.

Why Gmail transfers are tricky

Google lets you forward new emails to another account, but there's no "move my entire inbox" button. The import feature uses POP3, an old protocol that:

• Doesn't transfer labels or folders
• Often misses large attachments
• Can take days or weeks for a large inbox
• Imports everything as "read" regardless of original status

For anything more than a handful of emails, you need a better approach.

The fastest method: GTransfer

GTransfer uses the Gmail API — the same interface Google's own apps use — which means it can move everything properly:

• All emails, including sent and archived
• Labels recreated in the destination account
• Read/unread status preserved
• All attachments intact

Step-by-step: transfer Gmail with GTransfer

1. Sign in. Go to gtransfer.app and connect your source Google account (the one you're moving from) via Google's standard OAuth screen.

2. Add the destination. Connect the Google account you're moving to. GTransfer keeps both accounts separate and secure.

3. Choose what to transfer. Select all labels, or pick specific ones. GTransfer shows the email count and size for each label so you know what's being moved.

4. Start the transfer. Hit go and watch progress in real time. GTransfer runs server-side — you don't need to keep the browser open for large transfers.

5. Verify. Search the destination account for a few emails you know well. Check that labels are present. Once you're satisfied, update your email address with whoever needs it.

What about Google Drive files?

If you also have Drive files to move, GTransfer handles those in the same session. The Essential plan (£9 one-time) covers unlimited Gmail and Drive transfer between Google accounts. See our guide on how to transfer Gmail to a new account for the full walkthrough.

Before you finish: a checklist

• Export Google Contacts separately at contacts.google.com → Export (GTransfer moves emails and files, not contacts)
• Set up email forwarding on the old account so new messages still reach you during the transition
• Update your email address with banks, subscriptions, and any platforms that use Gmail sign-in
• Don't delete anything from the old account until you've confirmed the transfer is complete