Free & Pro Methods to Import PST to Apple Mail

Common Reasons to Convert PST to Apple Mail

Below are the specific reasons why users like to access their Outlook data in Mac Mail:

• Switching from Windows to macOS systems for better integration.
• Saving Outlook data into usable formats for long-term backup and retention purposes, especially if using a Mac for business.
• To access work emails on a personal Mac without M365 or native Outlook.
• Apple Mail has several security options that secure data from unpredictable loss.
• Use all Apple Mail capabilities like intelligent search, configurable rules, and interaction with other Apple Mail features.

Fact: Apple Mail does not read PST files because it’s written around open source mailbox standards (MBOX/EMLX). There are no compatibility issues; it is just different systems built for very different OS architectures.

Best Method to Import PST to Apple Mail

The only way to import PST files into an Apple Mail account is by converting PST to MBOX, which cannot be done natively. It is because no direct manual method exists to convert PST to MBOX, and the other ways are too complex and hectic. Also, the online converters are not very reliable and contain a high risk of data theft and corruption. Therefore, the ideal way to convert PST to Mac Mail is by:

• Exporting PST from Outlook and importing it on a Mac
• Then, use a dedicated SysInfo PST File Converter for PST to MBOX conversion.
• Finally, importing MBOX files in Apple Mail for access.

Here’s a brief guide for this procedure:

Import PST to Outlook for Mac

Before the import, ensure you have transferred your exported PST files on Mac OS using an external hard drive. If yes, then continue with these steps:

1. Download, start, and log in to your Outlook for Mac.
2. Then, press the File option from the ribbon and choose Import.
3. Next, select the Outlook for Windows Archive File (.pst) and press Continue.
4. Further, browse the PST files you copied to your Mac OS.
5. Lastly, select them all and click Import to add them to your Outlook for Mac.

Now, this only enabled you to import files into Mac Outlook. Later, you can try to sync with Apple Mail for access. But this is not a very suitable way. And you may possibly not be able to view the emails. Instead, go with the professional way.

Conventional Way to Import PST to Apple Mail

For individuals who do not have Outlook for Mac or for those who are transferring large volumes of data, a professional SysInfo PST Converter is much more efficient to manage. It will automatically pull all mailbox items (such as emails, contacts, and attachments) and export them to MBOX, ready for importing to Apple Mail. No need for Outlook, and the conversion can be done in bulk instead of individually transferring emails one by one. Moreover, the tool retains the original folder structure, original metadata, and the attachments without loss.

Import Outlook PST File to Mac Mail Working

1. Launch the PST Conversion Tool and click Next for file addition.
2. After that, load the PST files from your Mac OS and click Next.
3. Further, preview all the contents, select folders, and again tap Next.
4. Now, choose the MBOX (Apple Mail format) from the drop-down.
5. Finally, use the filters as needed and click Convert to end the conversion.

Once done,

• Sign in to your Apple Mail and click File.
• Then choose Import Mailboxes and opt for Import MBOX Files.
• At last, press Continue and load the converted MBOX files.

Finally, you can now access PST emails in Apple Mail.

Also Read: Migrate Outlook to Zoho Mail

Conclusion

While an individual can manually import PST to Apple Mail, it is only for smaller volumes of data and requires Outlook for Mac. For professionals, and particularly any enterprise-level users, the automated PST to MBOX Converter provides for far more stable and faster conversion processes. Even making sure every single attached file, email, and folder is being exported seamlessly into Apple Mail without any risk of missing content or a double transfer.

FAQ

About The Author:

Suman Rawat

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.