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How to Migrate Gmail to Apple Mail?

  author
Rollins Duke   Contributor
Published On March 17th, 2025 • 6 Min Read

This article explains how to migrate Gmail to Apple Mail with ease. Most users import Gmail to Mac mail for a better macOS experience and offline use. In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step procedures to move Gmail to Apple Mail without data loss, hence making the process seamless.

Gmail is a web email service with good search and AI functionality. Apple Mail is a macOS email program that works offline and is highly compatible with the operating system. Apple Mail is more suitable for Mac users because it is seamless and provides control over privacy.

In order to export Gmail to Apple Mail, users can import their Gmail account via IMAP in Apple Mail, batch import emails directly via MBOX, or use sophisticated mass migration software. This enables you to seamlessly import Gmail into Apple Mail including all emails, attachments, contacts, and other data.

Reasons to Import Gmail to Mac Mail

The following are the reasons to migrate Gmail to Apple Mail:

  • Gmail migration to Apple Mail is a great choice for Mac users. Apple Mail runs flawlessly on Mac, iPhone, and iPad, delivering the best performance.
  • It offers offline access, and one can read emails even without being on the internet. Apple also focuses on privacy, with your data more secure than that of Gmail.
  • Unlike Gmail, Apple Mail does not contain ads, offering a distraction-free experience. It also allows you to handle multiple email accounts at one location.
  • Because Apple Mail is optimized for macOS, it performs faster and harmonizes with other Apple devices and applications.
  • These benefits make Apple Mail a great alternative for Gmail users and that is why users choose to import Gmail into Apple Mail.

How to Migrate Gmail to Apple Mail?

Use the method mentioned below to import Gmail to Mac mail:

Method 1: Import Gmail to Apple Mail via Google Takeout

This manual method to migrate Gmail to Apple Mail requires two separate steps, exporting emails from Gmail and importing them to Apple Mail.

Step 1: Export Gmail Emails to MBOX

  1. Open a web browser and navigate to Google Takeout.
  2. Sign in with your Gmail account.
  3. Click Deselect all to deselect all.
  4. Scroll down and select Mail to export Gmail emails.
  5. Click All Mail data included and choose specific Gmail folders.
    select Mail
  6. Scroll down and click Next step.
  7. Choose the export format: ZIP or TGZ.
    choose file type
  8. Click Export and save the file on your computer.
  9. After downloading the file, unzip the ZIP or TGZ file to obtain the MBOX file.

Step 2: Import MBOX File to Apple Mail

  1. Launch Apple Mail on your Mac.
  2. Click File > Import Mailboxes.
    select Import mailboxes
  3. Select Other from the import options.
    select Other
  4. Select Files in MBOX format and click Continue.
    migrate Gmail to Apple Mail manually
  5. Find the MBOX file you unzipped earlier.
  6. Click Continue to import email into Apple Mail.
    continue

Method 2: Migrate Gmail to Apple Mail

This approach links your Gmail account directly to Apple Mail.

Step 1: Set up IMAP in Gmail

  1. Open a browser and sign in to your Gmail account.
  2. Tap Settings (gear icon) > See all settings.
  3. Proceed to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP section.
  4. Scroll down to the IMAP access section and press Enable IMAP.
  5. Click Save Changes to import Gmail into Apple Mail.

Step 2: Add Gmail to Apple Mail

  1. Launch Apple Mail on your Mac.
  2. Click Mail in the top menu and choose Accounts.
  3. Tap the + (plus sign) and choose Google from the menu.
  4. Sign in with your Gmail email and password.
  5. Grant the permissions required and choose Allow to migrate Gmail to Apple Mail.
  6. Your Gmail account is now successfully set up in Apple Mail.

Disadvantages of Manual Methods

  • It is too slow, especially for big mailboxes.
  • No way to choose individual emails.
  • Users may lose important emails.
  • Imported emails won’t be updated with new ones.
  • Large accounts take a long time to sync.
  • IMAP doesn’t save emails offline.
  • Mac storage limits may cause issues.

Pro Method to Easily Move Gmail to Apple Mail

The Email Backup Wizard is the ultimate solution to migrate Gmail to Apple Mail professionally. Unlike manual methods, it provides instantaneous, flawless migration with zero data loss. You can import Gmail to Mac mail, and archive emails, attachments, contacts, folders, or date ranges to restore them for accurate backup. It even retains email attachments, layout, and folder hierarchy. The utility saves Gmail emails as MBOX files, which can be easily imported to Apple Mail. Besides this, it imports offline, meaning it’s even quicker than IMAP sync. Due to its simple interface, even non-technical users can export Gmail to Apple Mail without any issues. Give it a try for a smooth email transfer!

How to Migrate Gmail to Apple Mail? Step-by-Step

  1. Download and install the tool on your computer.
  2. Open the app and choose Gmail as the source mail service.
  3. Type in your Gmail email address and click on Sign In with Google.
    sign in with google
  4. Enter the Password of your Gmail account and click on Login button.
    click login
  5. Give necessary permissions and Hit the Continue button.
    permissions
  6. Select the folders or the messages you wish to transfer.
    select folders
  7. Choose MBOX as the output file format because Apple Mail supports it.
    choose mbox
  8. Choose a destination folder where you want to save the MBOX file.
    path
  9. Click Start Backup to start the process.
    migrate Gmail to Apple Mail
  10. Once complete, import the MBOX file into Apple Mail.
Conclusion

In this article, we have illustrated how one can migrate Gmail to Apple Mail through different ways, i.e., manual steps and Email Backup Wizard. Manual steps are efficient but risk-prone and time-consuming. The Email Backup Wizard offers a quicker, more secure, and more efficient way to import Gmail to Mac mail without data loss. Whether you need an IMAP setup, MBOX import, or an automated solution, the correct method ensures a hassle-free transfer. To achieve the best results, employing a professional tool to import Gmail signature to Apple Mail is highly recommended. Following the proper procedure, switching to Apple Mail is simple and ensures an even better email experience on macOS.

author

By Rollins Duke

Rollins Duke is a content curator with a unique blend of technical expertise. Specializing in email migration, data backup, and conversion, He has a proven track record of simplifying complex processes. As a content creator, Rollins excels in presenting information in a clear and engaging manner.