How to Import IMAP Email to Gmail in Bulk?

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Updated on
August 26, 2025

4 minutes Read

Summary:A user was using a custom domain email that was hosted on an IMAP server. Now, he wants to host the same domain with Google Workspace. Therefore, he decided to migrate his IMAP server emails to Gmail. In this blog, we’ll describe the best methods available to import IMAP email to Gmail. These methods will make sure that all the old emails are available in users’ Gmail accounts. The MacSonik IMAP Backup Tool to be introduced will be best for users to complete the migration process professionally. Also, we will introduce a manual method best suited for users with limited or personal use.

Why Users Need to Migrate IMAP to Gmail?

Users may need to migrate their IMAP emails to Gmail for several reasons. Here are the key motivations behind such a migration:

  1. Gmail is cloud-based, so emails can be accessed from anywhere without needing a dedicated email server.
  2. Gmail provides more storage compared to many IMAP servers, reducing the need to frequently delete old emails.
  3. Gmail’s modern UI is easier for non-technical users compared to configuring IMAP clients.
  4. Many IMAP services charge a fee or impose restrictions, while Gmail provides a free and feature-rich alternative.

How to Users Can Import IMAP Email to Gmail?

From the various methods available for IMAP migration, here we have discussed the best two. First, the manual method, which will help users to practice the migration for low volume and personal use. After that, users who are in search of a specialized tool capable of handling large folder migrations. Let’s see how users can handle migration with both of these methods ahead. 

Manual Method for IMAP to Gmail Migration

In this method, users will learn how to successfully bring their IMAP emails into their Gmail account. First, the user will log in to his Gmail account, and then add his IMAP account to import emails.

Let’s see these steps carefully:

  1. First, sign in to your Gmail account on Chrome Browser.
  2. Then, head to the Settings icon and open the See All Settings option.
  3. Now, go to the Accounts and Import tab.
  4. After, in the Check Mail from other accounts button, tap the Add a Mail account option.
  5. Now, enter the email ID of the IMAP-based email account you wish to import emails from.
  6. Afterward, you can either link accounts or choose to Import email from my other accounts option and click Next.
  7. Then, enter the required IMAP credentials and hit the Sign In button.
  8. At last, click Save, and press the Close button.

IMAP will automatically start fetching emails and move them to the Gmail account.

Demerits of the Manual Methods

Some key points that limit the manual method’s efficiency to import IMAP to Gmail:

  1. Manual configuration and migration take a lot of time, especially for large mailboxes.
  2. It’s difficult for users to filter and migrate only certain emails or folders from their inbox.
  3. Migration can stop due to internet failure or server disconnection, requiring you to restart.

Specialized tool to Import IMAP Email to Gmail in Bulk

Users can easily transfer emails from any IMAP account to Gmail using the MacSonik IMAP Backup Tool, with no complications. It transfers your complete mailbox, including attachments, without losing any data. The tool is user-friendly, so even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can complete the migration quickly and smoothly. Also, the tool provides the user with advanced features that help them manage their emails efficiently. The duplicate remover feature benefits users by saving their cloud storage space, consumed by similar emails.

Below are the steps to use the tool effortlessly:

  1. First, initiate the backup tool and sign in with your IMAP account credentials.
  2. Then, select the desired emails or folders for migration to Gmail, and then proceed by clicking Next.
  3. Now, select the Gmail option from the available Email Clients, and click Next.
  4. After that, enter your Gmail credentials, then verify them from the redirected browser page.
  5. At last, enable the desired filters and click the Start process.

Conclusion

To conclude, it’s best to import IMAP email to Gmail because of Gmail’s reliable performance and access to its ecosystem. The key is to ensure data integrity, whether the user goes with a manual approach or an automated method. The blog answers the user’s question on how to migrate IMAP email to Gmail. Users’ emails, attachments, and other important data are transferred safely without any loss. For a smoother, more reliable, professional use, we recommend using the MacSonik IMAP Backup Tool. It simplifies the migration process and reduces the risk of errors or data loss. 

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