Migrating data from Box to Google Drive is about transferring files, folders, and user content from a cloud content management platform into Google Workspace’s file storage and collaboration ecosystem. This guide walks you through the key steps, prerequisites, and best practices for a smooth and efficient migration.
What Does “Box to Google Drive Migration” Look Like?
Box is an enterprise-grade content management platform designed for secure file sharing, collaboration, and workflow automation. Google Drive, part of Google Workspace, offers intuitive cloud storage with integrated tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides for real-time collaboration.
This migration typically involves moving user and team folders from Box into corresponding locations in Google Drive, such as Shared Drives or My Drive, while preserving access, folder structure, and file integrity.
Why Are Organizations Migrating from Box to Google Drive?
- Platform Consolidation and Collaboration
Box offers strong content control, but its tools are standalone.
Google Drive allows seamless collaboration using Docs, Sheets, Slides, and real-time editing within one ecosystem. - Cost and Licensing Considerations
Box does offer a range of plans with advanced features (such as Box Sign, Box Relay, and Box AI) that may require higher-tier or add-on licenses, particularly for enterprise and advanced workflow/collaboration tools. While Google Drive comes bundled with Google Workspace, it offers an all-in-one solution under one license. - User Familiarity and Accessibility
Box is widely used in enterprise settings with advanced admin controls.
While Google Drive is more widely adopted by end-users, it offers a familiar and user-friendly interface.
Prerequisites: What Should You Know Before Starting the Migration?
Access Credentials
Ensure you have administrator access for both Box and Google Workspace (including Google Drive and Shared Drives).
Required Permissions
You must be able to export/download content from Box and upload or assign ownership in Google Drive for the destination users or teams.
Choose the Right Migration Tool
Why Use Cloudsfer?
Cloudsfer provides a seamless, secure way to migrate your files with:
- User-friendly setup for quick migration.
- Advanced security features to protect sensitive files.
- Customizable filters to migrate only selected data.
- Preservation of metadata and permissions during transfer.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Assess Data Volume in Box
- Review file/folder size and user usage in the Box admin console
- Remove outdated or duplicate files before migrating
- Group files by user/team or function to organize the transfer process
Step 2: Prepare Google Drive for Incoming Data
- Create Shared Drives or user folders as destinations
- Assign appropriate access roles (Viewer, Editor, Manager)
- Confirm that users have sufficient storage or license allocation
Step 3: Set Up Cloudsfer as Your Migration Tool
1. Connect Box
- Log in to Cloudsfer and authenticate your Box account
- Select source folders or users to migrate
2. Connect Google Drive
- Authenticate your Google Workspace admin account
- Choose between Shared Drives or individual user Drives as the destination
3. Select Data to Migrate
- Apply filters (file types, dates, folder levels) to migrate only relevant content
Step 4: Start the Migration
Initiate the Migration
- Launch the migration from Cloudsfer’s dashboard
- Choose whether to migrate all data at once or in phases
Monitor Progress
- Use Cloudsfer’s dashboard to track file transfer status
- Pause or resume the migration as needed
Handle Errors
- Review logs and notifications for any errors or skipped files
- If any issues occur, Cloudsfer will provide error logs for troubleshooting.
Step 5: Verify and Finalize the Migration
- Log in to Google Drive and confirm that all files were migrated accurately
- Check folder structure, file visibility, and user access
- Test functionality of Google-native files (Docs, Sheets, etc.)
- Ensure content ownership and sharing settings are correctly assigned
Get started today with Cloudsfer
