How to Import PST to iCloud Mail Account? Simple Steps

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Updated on
September 3, 2025

7 minutes Read

Summary: A user has an Outlook PST file that archives years of his business emails. Before, he was using MS Outlook on Windows, and now he is switching to Mac. Currently, he wants to import them to iCloud Mail to make those emails available on his Apple devices. This guide provides users with a simple and effective method to import PST to iCloud. In the first place, the PST Converter Tool will simplify the conversion process by fractions. However, a free manual method will also be described to help individual users.

I have been using Outlook PST for a long time to manage my business emails on Windows. Now, I am switching to Mac and want to access my old emails stored in a PST file in Apple Mail. Therefore, how can I import my Outlook PST file into iCloud Mail?

William Miller

Outlook PST vs iCloud

PST is the local data file used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails locally. Furthermore, PST files are only accessible on the device where they are stored. On the other hand, iCloud is a cloud-based email and data service provided by Apple. All the data is stored in the cloud, which is accessible from any Apple device or web browser. To migrate from Outlook PST to iCloud, you’ll need to convert or import PST emails into iCloud.

Simple and Effective Steps to Import Outlook PST to iCloud

  1. Initially, install and run the MacSonik PST Converter Tool.
  2. Thereafter, click on Select File to choose your PST file, click Open, followed by Next.
  3. Then, open folder hierarchies to select your PST file, view the attachments, preview, and click Next.
  4. Now, select iCloud from the given list of email clients and sign in with your iCloud Login credentials.
  5. Finally, apply filters, use advanced features, and click Convert to initiate the migration process.

Quick Solutions:


Why Clients Import PST Files to iCloud

Strong, valid reasons why users import their PST files into iCloud are:

  • Users can access their emails across all Apple devices seamlessly.
  • This allows users to securely back up their Outlook email data in the cloud and avoid future data loss.
  • Transferring emails to the cloud eliminates dependency on Outlook to access PST data.
  • Migration to iCloud provides better integration and data portability.

Preparations Before Initiating the Migration Process

Users must be sure to make the following preparations before starting to import Outlook PST to iCloud Mail:

  1. Locate and make sure your PST files are not corrupted before migration.
  2. Create a copy of your PST file, in case there is a mishap while migrating.
  3. You will need a stable internet connection to sync emails with the cloud without interruption.
  4. Configure your iCloud account in Apple Mail, and make sure it has a sufficient amount of cloud storage available. 

Free Manual Method to Import PST to iCloud Mail

Users can manually import their PST file to an iCloud account using Outlook and Apple Mail. Users need to configure accounts and manually move their emails to iCloud.

Steps to import PST file to iCloud for free:

Step 01: Import PST into Outlook and enable iCloud Mail on Mac

  1. Initially, open Outlook and from the File tab, click Import.
  2. Now, choose Outlook for Windows Archive (.pst), select your desired PST file, and click Import.
  3. Concurrently, go to System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and make sure the Mail Toggle is ON.

(This will add your iCloud Mail account to Apple Mail with IMAP settings)

Step 02: Configure accounts and move mails manually 

  1. Firstly, open Apple Mail on your System.
  2. Make sure both the Outlook account and iCloud Mail are visible in the left-hand sidebar.
  3. Then, select the emails or folders you want to migrate from the PST section.
  4. Finally, drag and drop them into the appropriate folder in your iCloud Mailbox.

Limitations to Migrate PST to iCloud Mail Manually

  • The process is time-consuming for large PST Mailboxes.
  • Users can only transfer emails manually, not contacts, calendar, or rules.
  • Manual folder mapping is required while migrating.
  • Moreover, there are no migration logs or error reporting.

Trusted Method to Import PST to iCloud

To overcome the limitations possessed by the manual method, we’ll introduce a specialized utility to simplify the migration process. The MacSonik PST Converter Tool will handle the migration of large PST files and ensure a secure and loss-free transfer. The tool will maintain the data structure, metadata, and folder structure as the original file.

The advanced features, like backup with or without attachments, date filters, and a preview option, reduce user efforts. Moreover, you can import Outlook PST Files into Gmail with this tool easily.

One-Time Service Option

Prefer not to install any software? For a secure and cost-effective solution, you can reach out to our support team to handle a one-time PST to iCloud Mail migration on your behalf.

Why Choose the PST Converter Tool?

  • The tool provides an option to migrate emails with or without attachments.
  • Users can filter or sort their emails based on their duplicacy and date filters.
  • A free demo version is also available to give an idea about its capabilities.
  • This tool allows users to import PST to Yahoo Mail and other email clients.

How to Import PST to iCloud

  1. Begin by installing and running the PST converter Tool.
  2. Thereafter, the Select File button will allow you to choose your PST file, and then click Next.
  3. Then, expand the folder hierarchies and select your PST file or folder, enable preview, and click Next.
  4. Now, select the iCloud option from the list of email clients and sign in using your iCloud Login credentials.
  5. Finally, use advanced features to condition your migration, and click Convert.
Real-Life Scenario:

Emma is a graphic designer who has been using Outlook for years to manage her business. All her emails were saved in a PST file on her old Windows laptop. Recently, she started using iCloud, and needs to access her old PST files there.

But she wasn’t sure how to move all her old Outlook emails to iCloud without losing anything. Therefore, one of her colleagues recommended the MacSonik PST Converter Tool, and it worked perfectly.

Conclusion

In brief, we came to the conclusion that users migrate their PST files when switching from Outlook to iCloud. Users can easily import PST to iCloud using a manual or automated method. Even though, manual method is not suitable for large migrations, users can use it. However, we recommend that users employ the professional PST Converter Tool for large mailboxes. Additionally, the tool ensures a reliable and complete migration without compromising data integrity and security. The tool is specially designed and thoroughly tested for this purpose.

Q1. How can I view a PST file through iCloud?

Ans: You can’t open a PST file directly in iCloud. To view a PST file’s contents, you need to first import the PST file into an email client like Outlook or Apple Mail, then move the emails to your iCloud account using IMAP. Once transferred, you can access them in iCloud Mail on any device. You can also use a professional tool for the migration.

Q2. Which is the best tool to import PST to iCloud free?

Ans: The best tool to import PST file to iCloud is the PST Converter Tool. This tool allows users to migrate 50 emails per folder for free. The tool provides advanced features like date filter, advanced filters, preview, etc, to simplify user needs and minimize effort.

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