Can I keep underlying Google accounts if I move the custom domain elsewhere?

[jedwood]

I know it's possible to sign up for a basic Google account (e.g. use Google Drive) with a custom domain that is not a Google-hosted domain. For example, I can create a functioning me@something.com Google account. My question is: can I convert existing accounts (Legacy GAFYD) with a custom domains into those basic non-Workspace accounts? Mostly looking to keep all the Docs/Sheets/Slides/Drive stuff in place, but use non-Gmail email.

[KAM]

@jedwood I've personally done this a few times.  For example, at the Apache Software Foundation due to the legacy systems and neutrality, we created a cloud.apache.org hierarchy. Under that, we have gsuite.cloud.apache.org for the GWS set up.  And we have instructions to use it with forwarding and sending outbound with @apache.org email addresses.   Same for o365.cloud.apache.org, etc.  Also at The McGrail Foundation, we also have email outside of GWS but have @mcgrail.com GWS accounts.

The biggest issue really is how technical the users are and if they understand what's going on.  But you don't have to have the gmail service to use Workspace and you can set your MXes elsewhere.

Regards,
KAM

[jedwood]

Got it. Thanks KAM. Any idea if it's possible to convert the Workspace
accounts to "personal" accounts? The real litmus test will be if I can sign
my family up for YouTube Family Premium using these accounts. 🙂

[KAM]

@jedwood I don't know of anyway to convert from GWS to Gmail. -KAM

[icrew]

@KAM @is correct—it’s not possible to convert accounts from Workspace to Gmail. You could use https://vaultme.com (I have no relation with them other than being a satisfied customer) to export mail, calendar, and Drive data from a workspace account to a Gmail account, but it would be a different account.

[jedwood]

Got it. Thanks!