Google Takeout

How To:

  • How to use the Google Takeout services to download or transfer your data from your ESU account.

Applies To:

  • Alumni who have graduated and/or not been enrolled in the past year and Retirees that were granted a G. Google Account

On March 11, 2026, “g.emporia.edu” Google accounts meeting this criteria were deactivated.


Storage Considerations:
ESU accounts have a limit of 100 GB and personal Google accounts include 15GB of free storage. ​​​​​ If your data exceeds the free limit, you may need to purchase additional storage through Google One or delete/move files to get below the storage limit before completing your transfer. You can also download the Takeout file to your computer, flash drive, or an external hard drive. Please keep in mind these will be copied and are not located in a personal Google account.


Table of Contents:


Preparing your Google account for Removal

It’s important to plan ahead to avoid losing important information. Your account may be connected to more than just Gmail and Google Drive—it could also be linked to apps, devices, subscriptions, and other services.

You will need a personal Gmail/Google account to transfer mail or files. You can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup, or use an existing personal Google account.

Things to Consider Before Removal

Your ESU Google account may be used for:

  • Emails and folders/tags

  • Contacts or address book

  • Calendar events and appointments

  • Files in Google Drive, including documents, PDFs, and letters

  • Photos and videos

  • Files shared with others

  • Websites or subscriptions that use your ESU email

  • Services where you selected “Sign in with Google” (if unsure, contact the Help Desk for a list)

Steps to Take

  1. Notify contacts of your new email address.

  2. Update logins for other services where your ESU account is used (e.g., Facebook, Health Insurance, Social Security, bills, subscription services).

  3. Check device accounts (Android/Google Play or Apple ID) to ensure they are linked to a personal account.

  4. Export browser data, including Chrome bookmarks/favorites, profiles, and saved passwords linked to your Google account.

  5. Update account recovery options and login credentials for any third-party services before your account becomes inactive.

By reviewing these steps and preparing in advance, you can ensure a smooth transition and avoid losing access to important files or services.


Using Google Takeout to 'Transfer your content' to another Gmail account

1) In your internet browser on your computer go to takeout.google.com/transfer

2) Sign in with your ESU account and complete any 2 factor steps if prompted. (If you get any errors please confirm your browser is not signed in with a different Google account) 

3) Follow the on screen instructions by entering your Personal Gmail address under 1. Enter a destination account. Then click SEND CODE.

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4) Open your personal email address and find the email titled, "Verify your account". It should look like the email below:

Verify your account email

a) Click the "Get Confirmation code" button and input the code on the "Transfer your content" page and click "Continue".

5) Choose what content you want to transfer and then click "Start Transfer".

The transfer may take up to a week to transfer your content. You can click "View History" to view the progress on your transfer. You may choose to transfer files you own in your Google Drive or Gmail. If you need photos you will need to complete the steps for Using Google Takeout to download your data.


Use Google Takeout to download your data

Overview: Google Takeout allows you to download a copy of your data from your Google account. This may include items such as Gmail messages, files from Google Drive, Photos, Contacts, and Calendar data. 

1) In your Internet browser on your computer go to, takeout.google.com and sign in with your ESU account. 

2) You will see a list of Google services. 

  • By default, all services are selected. 

  • If you only want certain data, click Deselect all, then choose the services you want to download 

3) Select the data you want to export (for example: Gmail, Google Drive, Photos, Contacts, or Calendar). 

4) Scroll to the bottom of the page 

5) Click Next step then choose how you would like to receive your export: 

6) Send download link via email (this is the one we recommend), or Add to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Box .

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7) For Frequency choose Export once 

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8) Select your file type and size:  File type: usually .zip,  

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9) File size: choose the maximum size for each file (2 GB, 4 GB, 10 GB, etc.) 

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10) Click Create export.  Google will begin preparing your export. Depending on the amount of data, this process may take minutes, several hours, or even a week. 

11) When the export is ready, you will receive an email with a link to download your files. 

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12) You may have multiple files, be sure to download each one. 

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 Important Information:

  • Download links typically expire after 7 days. 

  • Large exports may be split into multiple files. (zip files) 

  • Be sure to download and save your files to a secure location that is easy for you to locate.