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How to Import PST File to IMAP Server Account on Mac OS?

Ritu Roy | how to mac os PST software technology | 6 minutes read | Modified on: 18-03-2025
import pst file to imap

Importing a PST file into an IMAP server account on Mac OS can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the nuances of email clients and email protocols. PST files are commonly used by Microsoft Outlook for storing emails, contacts, calendars, and other data. However, since IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a more universal and flexible protocol for email management, migrating from PST to IMAP can be quite useful for syncing your email across multiple devices.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a detailed guide on how to import PST file to IMAP server account on Mac OS, using various methods and professional MacArmy PST Converter for Mac.

What is a PST File & IMAP Server?

Microsoft Outlook uses PST (Personal Storage Table) files to hold contacts, calendar events, tasks, emails, and other private data. These files are frequently used for data transfers or backups between Outlook installations. IMAP servers are popular for synchronizing emails across devices, however PST files are not natively compatible with them.

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a protocol that allows email clients (like Outlook, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, etc.) to access and manage emails stored on a remote mail server. With IMAP, emails are stored on the server, making it easier to sync and access your email from any device.

Challenges of Importing PST to IMAP on Mac OS

While Outlook for Mac supports IMAP, it does not allow you to directly import a PST file into an IMAP account. Therefore, the process involves transferring emails from the PST file into an Outlook account and syncing them with your IMAP server, or using third-party tools that can facilitate the conversion or migration.

Manual Techniques to Import PST File to IMAP Server Account on Mac OS

This is a comprehensive, step-by-step tutorial on how to import a PST file into a Mac’s IMAP server account:

Step 1: Set Up an IMAP Account in Apple Mail

Before importing a PST file into your IMAP account, be sure that Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail, the Mac’s default mail client, has your IMAP account configured correctly. In this example, we’ll be utilizing Apple Mail.

  1. Open the Apple Mail application on your Mac.
  2. In the top menu, go to Mail > Add Account.
  3. Select the email provider that supports IMAP (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, or another custom IMAP server).
  4. Provide your email address and password, then click Sign In. Apple Mail will automatically configure the IMAP settings for most email providers.
  5. After successful setup, your IMAP account should appear in the Mail sidebar.

Step 2: Use Outlook for Mac to Import the PST File

You must first import your PST file using Microsoft Outlook for Mac because Apple Mail does not support direct PST file imports.

  1. Download and Install Microsoft Outlook for Mac if you haven’t already.
  2. Open Microsoft Outlook on your Mac.
  3. Choose File > Import from the top menu.
  4. Select the option to import a PST file. Choose your PST file by navigating to its location.
  5. After the import of the PST file is complete, Outlook for Mac will allow you to access its contents, including contacts, calendar events, and emails.
  6. Verify that Outlook for Mac has your IMAP account set up.

Step 3: Move Emails from PST to IMAP Folder in Outlook

Once the PST file has been imported into Outlook for Mac, you can transfer the emails from the PST file’s local folders to the appropriate IMAP folder.

  1. Choose the newly imported PST file in Outlook for Mac.
  2. To view the emails you imported, open the PST folders in the panel on the left.
  3. Two sections will be visible to you: the PST and IMAP folders.
  4. Choose the emails from the PST folder you wish to transfer.
  5. Use your IMAP account to drag and drop the emails into the appropriate IMAP folder, such as your Inbox, Sent Items, or any other custom folder.
  6. Outlook is going to start transferring these emails to the IMAP server.

Note: Depending on the size of the PST file and the number of emails you are transferring, this process may take some time.

Step 4: Verify the Synchronization on IMAP Server

Once you moved the emails from the PST file to your Outlook IMAP account, you should confirm that everything has successfully synchronized with the IMAP server.

  1. Open your Apple Mail (or any other email client that uses the IMAP account).
  2. Check the IMAP folders to ensure that the emails you moved from the PST file are visible.
  3. If you don’t see the emails, try refreshing the folders or restarting the application.
  4. Log in to your webmail or any other device to confirm that the emails are properly synced and accessible.

Limitations of Manual solutions –

Although manual methods for importing PST files to Mac OS IMAP accounts can work well for smaller or easier migrations, they have a lot of drawbacks. The lengthy, human error-prone, and non-automated approach makes it ineffective for large-scale migrations. Furthermore, the manual technique lacks rollback and backup capabilities, and it is challenging to carry out selective migration without the use of third-party software.

A third-party PST to IMAP Migration application is a better option for users who are working with large data sets or who want a more efficient and risk-free method. With features like automation, sophisticated filtering, and data loss protection, this solution is better suited for intricate transfers. However, these limitations might not be as problematic if you handle just a small number of emails and feel at ease with the manual method.

Automated Solution to Import PST File to IMAP Account on Mac

MacArmy PST to IMAP Migration Tool is a specialized software designed to facilitate the transfer of data from PST files to any IMAP-supported email account. It allows users to seamlessly import Outlook data stored in PST format into various IMAP servers, including Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook.com, and custom IMAP servers.

With this tool, you don’t need to worry about manually moving data or dealing with compatibility issues between Outlook and IMAP. It automates the entire process, ensuring that your data remains intact and your emails, contacts, and other essential items are successfully transferred.

Key Features & Benefits of MacArmy PST to IMAP Converter for Mac

The PST to IMAP Migration Tool offers a variety of features that make it a go-to solution for users looking to import PST files to IMAP accounts on Mac OS:

  • The tool enables direct migration from PST files to IMAP server accounts without the need for Outlook or other intermediate email clients.
  • The software supports migration to various IMAP servers, such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Office 365, Outlook.com, and custom IMAP mail services.
  • Users can upload multiple PST files at once, making the process faster and more efficient. This is particularly useful when migrating large amounts of data.
  • The software preserves the original folder structure of your emails and folders during the migration. This helps you maintain organization when accessing emails in the IMAP account.
  • MacArmy supports all versions of PST files, whether created using older versions of Outlook or the latest ones.

Pricing and Availability

The Mac PST to IMAP Migration Tool is available for both trial and paid versions. The trial version allows you to preview and analyze the migration process, but to complete the actual migration, you’ll need to purchase a license.

  • Trial Version: Free (Limited features and convert the first 25 items only)
  • Full Version: Priced reasonably with options for personal and business licenses.

Conclusion

To move PST files to an IMAP account on Mac OS, the MacArmy PST to IMAP Migration Tool is a great option if you want to do it quickly, safely, and effectively. By automating every step of the process, it streamlines the migration process while guaranteeing that your data is transferred without any problems and stays intact.

It’s an excellent option for anyone wishing to move Outlook PST data to their IMAP account without the need of third-party email programs or manual techniques because of its user-friendly interface, quick migration speed, and support for various IMAP servers. To ensure a seamless and trouble-free PST to IMAP migration, give the tool a try now!