Sync data with Windows or Mac

Some users in your organization might need to use a Windows or Mac machine to keep mail, calendar, and contacts up to date while they transition to Google Workspace. 

You can use IMAP or POP to synchronize email data. We recommend that you use IMAP—it's simpler to set up and can be used across multiple devices.   

Use IMAP, CardDAV, and CalDAV to sync data

Your users can sync just email. Or, they can sync contacts and calendar data as well using CardDAV and CalDAV.  

Important: Different mail clients use IMAP in different ways. Some clients might exceed Gmail bandwidth limits. If you frequently reach the IMAP bandwidth or simultaneous connection limits on your Mac, try switching to another IMAP client, such as Mozilla Thunderbird.

Step 1: Enable IMAP in the Admin console

1. Sign in to the Google Admin console.
2. Verify that IMAP is turned on for your users.
3. Follow the steps in Set up IMAP. 

Step 2: Set up user machines

Mac

Have each user:

1. Open System PreferencesInternet Accounts.
2. Click Add an account.
3. Enter their Google Workspace email address and click Next. 
4. Enter their password and click Next. They might need to enter a 2-Factor Authentication code or perform other sign-in requirements.
5. Select the services to synchronize (mail, contacts, and calendars) and click Done. 

Windows 10

Have each user:

1. Open SettingsAccountsEmail & app accounts.
2. Click Add an accountGoogle.

   Note: If your email client doesn't have a Google option, go to Check Gmail through other email platforms for other set up options.

3. Enter their Google Workspace email address and click Next. 
4. Enter their password and click Next. They might need to enter a 2-Factor Authentication code or perform other sign-in requirements.
5. Review the permissions and click Allow.
6. Click Done.

Use POP to sync email

1. Sign in to the Google Admin console.
2. Verify that POP is turned on for your users.
3. Follow the steps in Set up POP. 

Related topics

• Read Gmail messages on other email clients using POP
• Check Gmail through other email platforms 

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