Transfer BigPond Emails to Gmail: Secure Migration Methods 2026

Why Can’t You Just Move BigPond Emails to Gmail?

Gmail used to pull mail from other accounts using POP. Google turned that feature off in January 2026. Gmail on the web no longer fetches emails from outside accounts. You can still add a BigPond account to the Gmail mobile app using IMAP, but that only lets you read BigPond mail there. The emails stay on the BigPond server and do not move into your Gmail storage. If BigPond ever closes or you leave Telstra, your emails are still at risk.

How to Migrate BigPond Email to Gmail (Quick Answer)

To move your BigPond emails to Gmail, add both accounts to an email client like Thunderbird using IMAP. Then copy your BigPond folders into your Gmail account. For a large mailbox, a migration tool that connects to BigPond over IMAP and uploads directly to Gmail is faster and keeps folders intact.

Before You Start

• BigPond email address and password. Gmail address and password.
• A steady internet connection. Big mailboxes take a while to move.
• Free space in your Gmail account. A free account gives you 15 GB, and that space is shared between Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
• BigPond IMAP settings:

Method 1: Transfer BigPond Emails to Gmail Using Thunderbird

1. Install and open Thunderbird. Click Account Settings → Add Mail Account. Enter your BigPond address and password.
2. If Thunderbird doesn’t find the settings itself, choose Manual config and enter the IMAP settings from the table above.
3. Add your Gmail account the same way. Thunderbird will open a Google sign-in window. Approve access there.
4. Wait for your BigPond folders to finish syncing. This can take a while for old mailboxes.
5. Open your BigPond Inbox, press Ctrl + A to select all emails, then drag them into your Gmail Inbox (or a new folder under your Gmail account).
6. Repeat for Sent Items, Archive, and any other folders.
7. Open Gmail in your browser and check that the emails are there.

Limitations: Slow for big mailboxes, easy to miss a folder, and it can stall if your connection drops. Copied emails may also land as a bulk of items without your original folder structure unless you build the folders by hand.

Method 2: Switch from BigPond to Gmail

This does not move old emails. It only sends new ones to Gmail.

1. Sign in to your BigPond account through Telstra Mail.
2. Open the mail settings and look for Forwarding.
3. Enter your Gmail address and save.
4. Confirm the forwarding request from the email Gmail receives.

Limitations of the Manual Gmail Method

• POP-based mailbox checking is being discontinued for new users.
• Imported messages do not continuously synchronize with the source account.
• Gmail’s import process does not transfer folders or labels in the same way as an IMAP migration.
• Large mailboxes can take considerable time to process.
• Troubleshooting account authentication errors can be difficult.

Method 3: Professional Tool to Transfer BigPond Emails to Gmail

For a larger number of emails, use the reliable SysInfo IMAP Email Backup Software. This tool provides single or batch options for single or multiple email migrations without any data loss. It preserves the original email formatting, structure, and metadata. Offer several advanced features, including Date Filter, Remove Duplicates, and more. You can also migrate IMAP emails to Microsoft 365, Yahoo Mail, and other email clients/file formats.

Steps to Transfer Emails From BigPond to Gmail

1. Download the tool, choose Single or Batch Mode, and enter your credentials to Sign In.
2. Preview and select the files/folders that you want to migrate. Click Next.
3. Choose Gmail as the Saving Format and enter its credentials to Sign In.
4. Apply advanced features and filters as needed. Press Start Export.

IMAP vs POP: Migration from BigPond to Gmail

IMAP keeps messages synchronized with the mail server. Changes such as reading, deleting, or replying to emails can be reflected across connected devices. Telstra recommends IMAP for this type of synchronization. POP, on the other hand, downloads email to a device and does not provide the same server synchronization. Telstra lists POP3 on pop.telstra.com, port 995, with SSL. Telstra.com

Note: For mailbox migration, IMAP is generally the more suitable connection method when you need access to the mailbox stored on the server. This tool uses both IMAP/POP3 to perform migration; review the software guide for detailed steps.

Common Problems and Fixes

• BigPond login fails in Thunderbird or the tool. Check that you typed the full email address as the username and that SSL is on. Try an app password if your regular one is refused.
• Some emails are missing after the copy. Check that every folder finished syncing before you started dragging. Big folders can take a long time to load.
• Gmail says storage is full. Free up space or buy more Google storage before you continue.
• Duplicates appear in Gmail. This happens if you copy the same folder twice. Use a tool that skips already migrated emails, or delete the duplicate folder.

Conclusion

Google removing the old import option made things harder. But you can easily transfer BigPond emails to Gmail using the manual methods and a professional tool. Use Thunderbird if your mailbox is small. Use forwarding to catch new mail. Alternatively, use a migration tool for a large mailbox with advanced features and filters. 

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.