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Exporting using Google Takeout


When your affiliation with Kenyon ends, your Kenyon-managed Google account will be deactivated as part of the College’s Account Policy.
After deactivation:
  • You will no longer be able to sign in.
  • Access to Gmail, Drive, Photos, and other Google services will be removed.
  • See Separation from Kenyon in the Account Policy for timelines
If you wish to retain copies of your email or files, you must export or transfer your data before your account is deactivated.
Kenyon provides access to two tools from Google to assist with this process.
Option 1: Google Transfer
(Best for Gmail and Drive)
Use Google Transfer to copy:
  • Gmail (email and attachments)
  • Google Drive files that you own
to a personal Google account.
Important Information
  • Transfer creates a copy (it does not move or delete original files).
  • The receiving Google account must have enough available storage or the transfer will fail.
  • Once started, a transfer cannot be canceled.
  • Large accounts may take several days to complete.
If your Kenyon account is deactivated before the transfer completes, the process may fail.
Option 2: Google Takeout
(Best for full backup and additional services)
Use Google Takeout to download data from services such as:
  • Google Drive
  • Gmail
  • Google Photos
  • Calendar
  • Contacts
  • And more
Important Information
  • Takeout creates downloadable ZIP archive files.
  • Once an export is initiated, it cannot be stopped or canceled.
  • Large exports may be split into multiple files (“chunked”).
  • You must download your archive before your account is deactivated.
  • Download links are typically available for about seven days.
Recommended Approach
For the most complete data retention:
✔ Use Google Transfer for Gmail and Drive
 ✔ Use Google Takeout for Photos, Calendar, Contacts, and a full backup
 ✔ Verify your receiving account has sufficient storage
 ✔ Start early to allow time for processing
 ✔ Confirm your files are accessible in your personal account prior to Kenyon account deactivation
 ✔ Securely store downloaded archive files
Frequently Asked Questions
I received the email “Your Google data is ready to download.” What do I do now?
You will only receive this message if you choose to receive a download link by email.
From the date you receive the email, you have seven days to download your archive before the link expires.
To download your data:
  1. Open the email titled “Your Google data is ready to download.”
  2. Click Download your files.
    • Do not forward this email to anyone.
  3. A new browser tab will open.
  4. You may be prompted to sign in again for security purposes.
  5. If your archive is a single file, the download may begin automatically.
  6. If your export was split into multiple files (“chunked”), click the blue Download button next to each file.
Be sure to save the files in a secure location (such as an external drive or personal cloud storage).
My archive is missing data. What should I do?
If some data is missing, it is likely that those services were not selected during export creation.
You cannot modify an existing archive. However, you can:
  1. Return to https://takeout.google.com
  2. Create a new export
  3. Select the additional services you want included
Multiple exports are allowed while your account remains active.
I see the error:
“Transfer your content is only available to authorized G Suite for Education Accounts…”
This error typically occurs when both accounts are open in the same browser session.
To resolve this:
  • Use two separate browsers or browser sessions:
    • One logged into your Kenyon account
    • One logged into your personal Gmail account
Examples:
  • Chrome for Kenyon + Edge or Safari for personal Gmail
  • Chrome + Chrome Incognito window
They must be separate sessions to complete verification successfully.
What if my personal Google account does not have enough storage?
Google Transfer will fail if the receiving account does not have sufficient available storage.
Before starting Transfer:
  • Check storage in your personal Google account
  • Delete unnecessary files or emails
  • Or purchase additional storage from Google if needed
If storage runs out during transfer, the process may fail and need to be restarted.
How long do these processes take?
Processing time depends on account size:
  • Small accounts: several hours
  • Large accounts: several days
You will receive an email when the process is complete. Start early to avoid timing issues before deactivation.
Can I cancel a Transfer or Takeout after starting it?
No. Once initiated:
  • Google Transfer cannot be stopped.
  • Google Takeout exports cannot be canceled.
If you selected the wrong options in Takeout, you must create a new export.
What happens if my Kenyon account is deactivated before I finish?
If your account is deactivated:
  • In-progress transfers may fail.
  • Undownloaded Takeout archives may become inaccessible.
  • Data recovery is not guaranteed.
All exports and downloads must be completed before deactivation.
Where can I find more detailed instructions?
Google documentation:
Google Transfer:
Copy content from your school account to another account
Google Takeout:
How to download your Google data