How to Import MSG to IMAP Account- Best Guide

IMAP(Internet Message Access Protocol) is a standard protocol that enables users to access emails on a remote mail server. Using IMAP, one can easily access any email client, such as Outlook, Thunderbird, Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc. This enables you to access email mailboxes from anywhere and on any device, like a Phone, Tablet, PC, or others. 

What Makes it Necessary to Import MSG Files to IMAP?

As stated above, using IMAP, you can easily import MSG to Zoho Mail, Yahoo, AOL, Office 365, and other platforms with ease. This means a highly synchronized access across devices is available, which is ideal for shared and cloud-enabled workspaces. IT teams, individuals, end users, and business professionals often save MSG files in their IMAP accounts for the following reasons:

• Centralized governance for the Outlook mailbox with message files
• Cross-device accessibility and simplified audit and compliance management
• Consolidation of data during the onboarding of users to a new IMAP
• Migration of data from Outlook Web to other IMAP-supported email clients
• No dependency on Outlook or local storage to check and review emails
• Improved communication in teams and departments with live data syncs
• Options for encryption and backup to minimize the potential data loss

Functional Method to Import MSG to IMAP Account 

As IMAP doesn’t directly support IMAP, we need a common connection for the import. MS Outlook saves data in MSG files and can sync well with IMAP as well. Therefore, it serves as the bridge to perform a streamlined import without major setbacks. However, it may have some limitations. The steps to follow are:

1. Launch MS Outlook and move to the File tab. 
2. Then, click the Add Account option and enter IMAP account details. 
3. Additionally, set the incoming server to IMAP and the Port to 993 for manual configuration.
4. Click Add to configure and sync the IMAP account with Outlook. Wait for the process to complete. 
5. Afterward, Outlook displays the synced IMAP mailbox folder in the left pane.
6. Furthermore, open the folder containing the MSG files on your PC. 
7. Next, select one or more MSG files that you want to upload.
8. Finally, drag and drop them into the new IMAP folder for swift access. 

Later, start your IMAP account on the web and check if you can open MSG files in IMAP Server. If yes, then the process is completed successfully. 

Shortfalls of the Manual Method

• The sync may take time depending on your mailbox size and internet speed. 
• Slow syncs occur for large mailboxes and fail those with corrupted MSG files.
• Loss of custom folder structures and creation of duplicate emails.
• No advanced filtering or control options for selective imports or more.
• High dependency on the Outlook mail client with absolute data loss risks.
• A lengthy and hectic procedure that requires time and technical skills. 

Dedicated Method to Import MSG to IMAP Account 

For stable and precise bulk MSG imports, the SysInfo MSG File Converter is the ultimate option. It enables you to import files, hassle-free and risk-free, directly to the desired IMAP accounts with full accuracy and no loss. Additionally, it ensures that all email properties, metadata, and structure remain preserved, and the import process is smooth and secure. Moreover, it provides OAuth authentication and has no database storage, which makes it a preferred choice for all kinds. 

Quick Working Process to Convert MSG to IMAP

1. Launch the MSG File Converter Tool on the system and click Next.
2. Then, browse the PC, select the MSG files, and click Open to add. Tap Next.
3. After that, preview the content and attachments and select to move. Tap Next.
4. Furthermore, opt for IMAP from the email client and input the email, app password, port, and host of the target client. 
5. In the end, use the built-in filters to customize and click Convert to complete the import. 

IMAP Credentials to Import MSG to IMAP 

The host details for various email clients are provided as follows. This is usable for both manual and automated methods while inputting the IMAP account details. 

• Gmail: imap.gmail.com

• Yahoo Mail: imap.mail.yahoo.com

• Outlook.com: imap-mail.outlook.com

• Zoho Mail: imap.zoho.com

• AOL: imap.aol.com

• Yandex Mail: imap.yandex.com

• Office 365: outlook.office365.com

Key Note: The port for all incoming IMAP servers remains 993, and you must enable SSL for secure encryption.

Conclusion

You can definitely import MSG to IMAP account with ease, either with a manual process or using the trusted professional software. The fact is that the freeway can only handle small mailboxes with a few MSG files without large attachments. If your mailbox size grows and you need to import multiple MSG files with attachments in bulk, using the MSG Coverter Software is the smart choice. It provides scalability, accuracy, and ensures data is accessible in the long run. 

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.