Data migration is a critical process for businesses that are moving from legacy systems to cloud-based platforms or transitioning to Google’s suite of services. While the process is usually seamless, encountering issues during migration can be frustrating. One such issue many users face is when Google data migration gets stuck at 99%. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the problem, its causes, and potential solutions, ensuring you can resolve the issue quickly.

Understanding Google Data Migration!

Before diving into why the migration process may stall, it’s essential to understand data migration. Data migration refers to the process of transferring data from one system to another, often as part of a larger system upgrade, change, or transition. For Google users, this typically involves transferring data between Google Workspace accounts, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, or other Google services.

During the migration, data is copied from the old system to the new one, ensuring all files, emails, contacts, and calendars are intact and accessible after the migration. Google’s Data Migration Service (DMS) simplifies this task by automating much of the transfer. However, users often report that their migration is stuck at 99%, which can be a frustrating and perplexing issue.

Related article: How to Import EML to Google Workspace?

Why Does Google Data Migration Get Stuck at 99%?

There are several reasons why Google data migration can get stuck at 99%. These causes may range from connectivity issues to data corruption. Here are the common causes:

1. Network Connectivity Issues

A weak or intermittent internet connection can disrupt the data migration process. Since data migration is a real-time process that requires consistent data transfer, a slow or unstable connection may cause delays, leaving the migration at 99%. To resolve this, ensure that your internet connection is stable and has sufficient bandwidth to handle large data transfers.

2. Large Volume of Data

When dealing with a large volume of data, the migration process may take longer than expected. While Google’s Data Migration Service is efficient, the sheer size of the data can sometimes cause the process to stall. Even though the migration might show as 99% complete, the system could be working through a particularly large or complex file that requires more time to transfer.

3. Overloaded Server Resources

Google’s servers handle millions of data migrations daily. If the servers are overloaded, particularly during peak usage hours, the migration process may slow down or become stuck. The system might be trying to sync a large amount of data while managing other tasks, which can cause delays in completing the process.

4. Corrupted or Problematic Data

Corrupted data or incompatible file formats can hinder the migration process. Google Data Migration Service may get stuck at 99% if it encounters a file that it cannot transfer due to corruption or an unsupported format. Files such as emails with malformed attachments, or documents that don’t conform to Google’s data standards, may cause problems.

5. Migration Service Bugs or Errors

Sometimes, the issue lies with bugs or errors in the migration tool itself. Google Data Migration Service is not immune to glitches, and sometimes the tool can freeze at 99%, especially after handling large data sets. Such problems may require intervention from Google’s support team to resolve.

6. Third-Party Application Conflicts

In some cases, third-party applications, especially security software, can interfere with the migration process. Applications like firewalls, antivirus software, or even browser extensions can disrupt the communication between your system and Google’s servers, preventing the data from completing the migration.

Also read: How to Import Contacts to Google Workspace?

Solutions for Google Data Migration Stuck at 99%

Now that we’ve identified the possible causes, let’s dive into potential solutions for resolving the issue of Google data migration stuck at 99%.

1. Check Network Connectivity and Speed

Since a stable internet connection is critical to the migration process, it’s important to check your network speed and reliability. Consider using a wired connection instead of relying on Wi-Fi to ensure a stable connection. Additionally, check for bandwidth throttling that may be limiting your internet speed. You can use online tools like Speedtest.net to measure your connection speed and verify that it’s sufficient for large data transfers.

2. Be Patient with Large Data Volumes

If you’re migrating large volumes of data, it may take time to finish the process. If your migration is stuck at 99%, give it some time before taking any further steps. Google typically informs you of expected migration times, but the actual time can vary depending on the size of the data. While it’s tempting to intervene, sometimes the process will finish on its own if given a little more time.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

A browser-related issue can also cause the migration process to stall. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, as accumulated data can interfere with the migration tool’s functionality. After clearing the cache, try the migration process again to see if the issue resolved.

4. Review Data Files for Corruption

Corrupted data is a major cause of migration failure. Review the files that you’re migrating to ensure there are no corrupted documents, emails, or other types of data. You can try removing problematic files from the migration batch and attempting to transfer them separately.

For instance, if you're migrating Gmail data, try sending yourself a test email and see if the migration tool stalls while processing certain emails or attachments. Identifying the specific file causing the issue can help speed up the migration.

5. Disable Antivirus or Third-Party Software

If you have security software running on your system, temporarily disable your antivirus program, firewalls, or any third-party applications that might be interfering with the migration. These tools often block or slow down data transfers, so turning them off during the migration might help.

Additionally, if you are using a VPN, disable it temporarily, as it may be affecting your connection to Google’s servers.

6. Try a Different Browser or Incognito Mode

Sometimes, browser extensions or settings can interfere with the migration process. If your migration is stuck at 99%, try using incognito mode in your browser or switch to a different browser altogether. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari are recommended browsers for data migration.

7. Use Google Workspace Migration Tool

When the standard Google Data Migration Service doesn’t resolve your migration issues, or you’re looking for more advanced features, SysTools Google Workspace Migrator can offer a powerful alternative. This third-party tool is specifically designed to handle Google Workspace migrations (formerly known as G Suite) and is widely recognized for its ability to address challenges like migration stuck at 99%, large data transfers, and data integrity issues.

It is particularly beneficial for organizations or users migrating large volumes of data or dealing with complex migration requirements, such as multi-domain migrations or migrating data from third-party email platforms (like Office 365, Exchange, etc.) to Google Workspace.

Preventing Data Migration Issues in the Future

While encountering the 99% stuck issue is frustrating, there are measures you can take to prevent it from happening again in the future:

1. Pre-Migration Checks

Before starting the migration, run a pre-migration check to ensure that all your data is compatible with Google’s system. You can use Google’s Data Migration Service Health Checker to identify potential problems before they arise.

2. Monitor Migration Progress

It’s important to regularly monitor the migration progress to catch any issues early. Google’s Data Migration Service provides detailed progress reports and notifications that can help you track how the migration is progressing. Set up alerts for when the process is complete to avoid being left in the dark.

3. Split Large Migrations into Smaller Batches

To avoid long delays, consider splitting large migrations into smaller batches. For example, if you have thousands of emails, split them into groups of 500 or 1,000, depending on the file sizes. This can help the process move faster and reduce the chance of errors or stalls.

4. Regularly Update Your Systems and Software

Keeping your system software and browsers up to date ensures compatibility with Google’s tools. Regularly check for updates to Google Data Migration Services, your operating system, and any related applications to ensure you have the latest fixes and features.

Conclusion

Google data migration can be a smooth process if approached with the right strategies and tools. However, if your migration is stuck at 99%, it’s important to address the issue methodically by checking your network, data integrity, and system compatibility. By following the solutions and tips provided in this article, you can resolve the issue and complete your data migration.

Remember that patience is key, especially when handling large data sets. Ensure that you follow best practices and optimize your migration process to avoid future problems.