How to Migrate Gmail to IMAP? A Complete Guide

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admin

Updated on
October 27, 2025

7 minutes Read

User Query: ”I want to move my emails from Gmail to an IMAP-supported email client. Therefore, I am searching for ways to transfer my Gmail emails to IMAP without losing any data. Is there any reliable method to do this quickly and safely?“

Summary: Gmail is one of the most widely used email platforms in the world, due to its collaboration with Google-based apps. However, many users need to migrate Gmail to IMAP-supported email clients. These email clients provide better control of their accounts and keep their Gmail data safe and accessible, independent of the platform. In this blog, we’ll discuss the manual method for small migrations. Also, a professional MacSonik Gmail Backup Tool to complete bulk migration will be discussed. Therefore, this blog will be a complete solution for users looking for a safe migration..

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Gmail vs IMAP Server

Gmail is an online email service from Google that stores all emails in the cloud and syncs them among devices. It’s easy, user-friendly, and convenient to use. But restrictive if you want to keep the data on your personal mail server or switch email clients.

IMAP gives users the ability to connect to different email servers and access their email on any device. Migration of Gmail to IMAP provides users with a more efficient system to keep track of their data across different platforms and email clients.

Simple Steps to Migrate Gmail to IMAP Account

First, download and run the Gmail Backup Tool and sign in using your Gmail account and App password.
Next, choose the email folders you want to backup and click Next.
Then, choose Save in Email Client and select IMAP, and finish signing in with your IMAP credentials.
Further, apply the required advanced filters before migration and click Next.
Finally, click Download to start migration.

Why Import Gmail to IMAP?

Users migrate their Gmail email account to another IMAP server for a variety of reasons:

To access your Gmail data in email clients like Outlook, Thunderbird, or Zoho Mail,
When users want to create a backup of Gmail data on a more secure mail server,
To consolidate email accounts on another IMAP server, while storing your business email under one IMAP platform,
Reducing account dependence on Gmail and utilizing email across multiple email clients.

Preparations Before Starting the Migration

Before you begin migrating your Gmail emails to IMAP, make sure to complete these steps for a smooth and accurate transfer:

Make sure IMAP access is enabled in Gmail settings.
Be sure you have valid login credentials for Gmail and the IMAP destination account.
Back up any important Gmail emails for safety.
Make sure your internet connection is working and you have enough space on the IMAP server.
Try to perform the migration during off-hours, if possible.

Free Method to Transfer Gmail to IMAP

You can manually move Gmail emails to another IMAP account by setting up both accounts in a desktop email client like Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird.

Steps to Migrate Gmail Email to IMAP

Here, you find the detailed steps to migrate Gmail to IMAP

Step 1: Add Your Gmail Account to Outlook

To start, open Microsoft Outlook on your computer and go to File > Add Account.
Next, add your Gmail email address and click on Connect > enter the App Password to continue.
Here, Outlook will automatically configure Gmail IMAP settings and begin syncing all your emails and folders.

Step 2: Add Your IMAP Account to Outlook

Again, click on File > Add Account and enter your IMAP account email address.
Next, click on Advanced Options → select Let me set up my account manually → click on Connect.
Then, select IMAP for the account type and add your IMAP settings.
Next, add your IMAP account credentials, click on Next→ Finish.

Step 3: Export Emails from Gmail to IMAP Account

After setting up your different email accounts, you can proceed to the folder(s) that you want to transfer.

Next, select the emails or folders (or everything inside the folder) you want to transfer.
Finally, just drag and drop into your IMAP inbox or into your selected folder.

Limitations of Manual Gmail to IMAP Migration

Takes a long time to migrate larger mailboxes.
The inability to migrate email reliably without duplication or incomplete emails.
Requires you to set up the technical aspects for IMAP settings.
You could lose attachments or embedded media during the migration.
Not an option for business or large-scale migrations.

Verified Way to Migrate Gmail to IMAP Account

Instead of facing the complications of manual migration, users must use the Gmail Backup Tool. This professional application provides a direct and safe way to migrate Gmail emails to any IMAP-supported mail server. The tool completes the migration without any data loss, maintains folder hierarchy, and keeps attachments and metadata. The tool also allows for the exporting of Gmail emails into other formats and email clients such as Outlook, Thunderbird, Office 365, Yahoo, and more. One can also migrate Gmail to Zoho Mail smoothly and seamlessly.

One-Time Service Option:

If you prefer not to install any software, you can choose our One-Time Gmail to IMAP Migration Service. Our experts will securely transfer your Gmail data to your target IMAP account. It’s fast, private, and 100% accurate — ideal for business users or large mailboxes.

Why Choose Gmail Backup Tool?

The tool offers Preview, Date Filter, and Remove Duplicate features.
It supports direct migration from Gmail to an IMAP-compatible mail server.
The tool maintains the structure, formatting, and attachment of the email intact.
It is easy to use on both Windows and Mac.
You can try the free demo version before purchasing the full version.
It will transfer the messages quickly, safely, and with zero data loss.

Steps for Gmail to IMAP Migration Using Gmail Backup Tool?

First, install and run the backup tool on your system.
After that, sign in using your Gmail account and App password.
Next, select the email folders that you need to backup and click Next.
Then, choose the Save in Email Client option and opt for IMAP, and sign in with your IMAP account credentials.
Further, use the desired advanced filters and click Next.
Finally, click Download to start the migration process.

Real-Life Scenario:

David, an IT manager for a small company, had accumulated an inbox of years’ worth of business emails stored safely in Gmail. When the company transitioned to a self-hosted IMAP mail server in an effort to better manage the data, David needed to find a way to migrate thousands of emails securely. Instead of moving folders manually, he turned to a Gmail Backup Tool that migrated all his Gmail emails to the new IMAP account – maintaining the structure, attachments, and timestamps altogether in one action.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed the manual and professional methods to migrate Gmail to IMAP. The manual process works best for small migrations; however, it can be slow and complex for large mailboxes. Therefore, to save time and maintain data accuracy, the Gmail Backup Tool is the best solution. It provides a fast, secure, and easy migration process while keeping data safe. It’s the best solution for business or individual users; this tool makes Gmail to IMAP migration effortless and reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How to Import Gmail to IMAP Server?

Ans. To manually do it, log in to your Gmail account and enable IMAP in it. Then, in Outlook, add the IMAP-enabled Gmail account and configure the IMAP settings. Also, add the destination IMAP account, and finally drag and drop the emails between them.

Q2. Can we migrate multiple Gmail Emails to IMAP?

Ans. Migrating multiple Gmail emails to IMAP is a challenging task manually. On the other hand, if done with the help of a professional tool, it can be done easily.