How to Import IMAP Email to Gmail Safely?
Many people find it difficult to transfer emails from an IMAP email service (such as Yahoo, Zoho, Fastmail, cPanel, or business server) to Gmail due to their fear of losing emails or attachments and folders. The purpose of this guide is to explain how to import IMAP email to Gmail using both Gmail’s built-in import option, as well as through the use of a professional email migration tool.
When a User Transfer IMAP Email to Gmail?
- When switching to Gmail from any other email provider and want to import IMAP email to Gmail.
- See all of my past and current emails in one Gmail account for convenient access.
- When trying to organize various email accounts into a single inbox by importing an IMAP account to Gmail.
- To preserve your emails safely and migrate IMAP email to Gmail.
- When transferring work-related emails from a business server to a personal Gmail account.
- To discontinue use of a prior email provider but still retain all your messages by migrating IMAP email to Gmail.
- When using a new device and would like to see all of your emails in Gmail without the need to set up multiple accounts from other providers.
- Users also import IMAP email to Gmail for an improved email service with better features, storage, and search capabilities.
IMAP Email Providers You Can Import into Gmail
Gmail allows users to import emails from various IMAP-supported email providers. Such as:
- Yahoo Mail
- Zoho Mail
- Fastmail
- cPanel / Webmail
- Business IMAP servers
- Custom domain email accounts, etc.
How to Import IMAP Email to Gmail Manually?
You can migrate IMAP emails to Gmail manually using built-in Accounts & Import feature in Gmail. However, the manual way poses several challenges and involves lots of technicalities.
Important Notes About Gmail’s Manual IMAP Import:
Gmail’s inbox feature can transfer your IMAP account’s information into your Gmail account, but it only does so in one direction. Because of this, some folders from one IMAP account may not appear in the same order/arrangement when you use another IMAP account.
For instance, sent items or folders that were created by you may not be transferred properly to your Gmail account. Additionally, large amounts of data may experience long loading times and can cause interruptions in syncing.
Steps to Migrate IMAP to Gmail using Gmail’s Built-in Option
- First, open your Gmail and Sign In to your account to import IMAP email to Gmail.
- Click on the “Gear” icon in the upper right and select “See all settings.”
- Next, click on the “Accounts & Import” tab.
- Look for the “Check mail from other accounts” section and click “Add a mail account.“
- Enter the IMAP email account you want to transfer emails from, and click “Next.”
- Next, enter your IMAP email address and password and click “Sign In.”
- If Gmail prompts you for any permissions, click “Allow” to transfer IMAP email to Gmail.
- Finally, click “Save,” and once done, close the settings window.
Common Issues Users Report with Manual Methods
- Not reliable process for migrating multiple IMAP accounts to Gmail.
- Repetitive process to import IMAP emails to Gmail in bulk.
- Migrated folder structure may not be accurately preserved as Gmail Labels.
- Gmail may stop pulling mail without notice.
- No option for selective email/folder migration.
- Attachments and special properties of email may not always migrate correctly.
- You will need to manually set up your mailbox on Gmail account.
Secure and Reliable Tool to Directly Import all IMAP Emails to Gmail
To make this process easier, use the Email Backup Software that will automatically import IMAP email to Gmail. The IMAP migration software uses secure IMAP authentication to move emails from the server to Gmail account directly, ensuring that the original email messages will not be modified on the source server. All data (including attachments and folders) will be safely migrated from the source email account into the target Gmail account without changing the original message or email attributes.
This IMAP to Gmail migration tool makes it easy to work with data, even if you’re not a tech expert. This method avoids errors that can occur during manual IMAP email migration to Gmail. This is a simple and effective way for beginners as well as professionals to import IMAP email to Gmail with a few clicks.
Using software is a great option if you are looking for a way to quickly, safely and completely transfer IMAP email to Gmail. You will save time and will reduce the risk of losing important messages.
How to Import IMAP Account to Gmail with Attachments?
- Download the IMAP to Gmail migration tool on your computer, whether it’s Mac or Windows Os.

- Start the software and select the IMAP option to import IMAP email to Gmail.
- Enter your IMAP email address and password along with server details to connect to your account.

- Select the folders or emails you want to transfer from IMAP, or you can simply move all IMAP emails to Gmail.

- Select Gmail from the Saving Options. Enter your Gmail email address and click the Sign In button.

- Click the “Start” button to begin the IMAP to Gmail migration process.

Manual IMAP to Gmail Migration vs Automated Tool
The suggested automated tool to import IMAP email to Gmail is preferred by professionals due to its accuracy and efficiency when migrating larger amounts of IMAP accounts to Gmail. IMAP accounts can typically be migrated using manual methods, but exporting from IMAP accounts is an unreliable way to move data to Gmail due to issues with large amounts of data and the process required to create and preserve the necessary folder hierarchy and files.
Which Method Should You Use?
- Select the manual procedure only if your mailbox is small and you have advanced technical knowledge.
- Select the automated tool if your mailbox has multiple folders or large attachments.
- For business users and professionals, the automated tool is recommended in order to save time and provide a superior accuracy level.
Why is Using the Pro IMAP to Gmail Migration Tool Recommended?
- Transfer all your emails from IMAP to Gmail without having to do anything manually.
- Move all your IMAP emails, attachments and folders to Gmail safely.
- You will save a huge amount of time over moving your emails by hand.
- By using this method, there is no risk of losing an email or missing an important email.
- Folders and complete mailboxes can be migrated as needed.
- Large IMAP mailboxes can be migrated easily.
- No technical expertise required. It is very simple for beginners.
- Internet connections that slow down and lose connection during the migration.
- The original email structure will remain intact.
- Import IMAP email to Gmail on Mac and Windows OS.
These benefits are more than enough to justify using this software over the manual method for those users who have a large or important IMAP mail data.
Conclusion
In summary, there are two ways to import IMAP email to Gmail, manually and with the IMAP to Gmail migration tool. The manual way to do it is free but can be technical and time taking. The IMAP to Gmail migration tool will allow you to transfer IMAP email to Gmail faster and easier, and it is a safer option, especially if you have a lot of emails to transfer. In either case, both methods will migrate IMAP to Gmail, so you can centralize everything there. Enjoy streamlined email management with Gmail. Select the option that fits your needs.
Things You Might Be Wondering:
Q 1: Are original IMAP emails deleted after they’re imported into Gmail?
Importing IMAP emails to Gmail will not delete any existing IMAP emails. They will remain intact in the IMAP account after the import process.
Q 2: Will Gmail accept IMAP email imports with attachments?
Yes, you can manually or automatically import IMAP emails with attachments into Gmail. Professional tools provide the highest accuracy when importing IMAP emails with attachments into Gmail.
Q 3: How long does it take to import IMAP email to Gmail?
The migration of small mailboxes may take several hours to complete, while larger mailboxes may take several days using the manual method of migration.
Q 4: Is it safe to use an automatic method for the migration of IMAP to Gmail?
Yes, automatic tools for IMAP to Gmail migration use secure IMAP connections and do not modify the original email data.