How to Fix MSG Import Error in Outlook on Mac? Best Way
Shivansh Shukla
April 21st, 2026
Introdution: Users who work with email and data management might face an MSG Import Error in Outlook on Mac. This error can show up when they try to open or import MSG files into their Outlook for Mac account. The error shows that the format is not supported or that the file can’t be opened. Hence, it’s very crucial to fix MSG Import Error in Outlook. Therefore, this full recovery guide will explain why this error happens and how to fix it. The manual way and the professional MacSonik MSG Converter Tool will be discussed to efficiently help users fix the MSG import error.
Why do MSG Import Errors Occur in Outlook?
The term MSG Import Error generally means that Outlook for Mac cannot read the MSG file. That MSG file may be a Windows-created Outlook format. Typically, Outlook for Windows will create the MSG file, while Outlook for Mac creates the OLM or EMLX formats.
Here are some of the reasons that can generate MSG file cannot open error:
- This format is not supported (MSG is Windows-specific).
- The MSG file is corrupted or damaged, and Outlook is unable to process it.
- The MSG file was not transferred correctly or fully from Windows to Mac
- Limited permissions are allowed to read the MSG files.
- The older versions have unsupported encoding and/or message structure.
Whatever the cause may be, this problem may limit your access to important emails, attachments, or records of communication.
Symptoms of MSG Import Error in Outlook on Mac
You might see one or more of the following issues when unable to open MSG files saved with Outlook:
- Outlook displays an Import Failed or Unsupported File Type message.
- MSG files are blank or unreadable when opened.
- Some MSG messages that were imported are missing their attachments or other content.
- The import process halts in the middle of the process.
- Outlook hangs, crashes, or becomes unresponsive while working on MSG files.
A marketing agency using Outlook on Mac had exported several hundred client emails in MSG format from Windows. When they tried to import the emails, they received an error message: ‘The file format is not supported. Unable to open MSG files in Outlook.’ The IT staff tried to fix MSG import error in Outlook 365 using multiple manual methods, but the problem continued. After all that, they determined the files were fine; they just couldn’t be used in the Mac Outlook format. Until they were converted, the messages could not be opened on a Mac.
Reliable Methods to Fix MSG Import Error in Outlook
Various methods can help users solve the MSG import error. The practical manual methods are discussed below. However, if these methods do not work, users need to convert MSG to PST for a safe import in Outlook.:
Method 01: Reconfigure Outlook Profile Settings to Avoid MSG Import Errors
Sometimes, an improper configuration of an Outlook account or profile can hinder importing/displaying MSG files on Outlook. Reconfiguring your Outlook account might solve the issue.
Steps:
- First, launch Microsoft Outlook on Mac.
- Then, click Outlook then, Preferences and select Accounts.
- After that, select your account and click the minus sign to delete it.
- Now, click the plus sign and add your account using your account credentials, and let Outlook check connectivity.
- At last, restart Outlook and see if your MSG files will open or import.
Method 02: Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Antivirus or security programs installed on your Mac could also flag MSG files as potentially harmful or unsafe. So, they prevent Outlook from opening/displaying/importing messages of the MSG file. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software can help identify whether it’s flagged your file.
Steps:
- Initially, open your antivirus from the Mac menu bar.
- Then, check if any Outlook or MSG files are blocked/quarantined.
- Now, if any forums are ok, then whitelist or let them.
- After that, temporarily disabling antivirus real-time protection should allow you to review the import possibilities of the MSG file.
- Once identified whether the open or import is incorrect, enable the antivirus for safety/security.
Method 03: Rebuild Outlook Profile
If you’ve got a corrupt Outlook identity or data file, it may stop you from importing your MSG files or produce errors when you try. Rebuilding the database often solves this.
Steps:
- To start, close Outlook completely.
- Then, hold the Option key and click the Outlook icon in the Dock.
- This will launch the Microsoft Database Utility window.
- Further, select your version of Outlook profile and click Rebuild.
- When the process finishes, open Outlook again and import your MSG file again.
Method 04: Repair Microsoft Office on Mac
Your Outlook could be having an issue with the actual application itself, so repairing or reinstalling Microsoft Office can also fix hidden problems in the applications, which could stop the importing process.
Steps:
- Start by quitting every Office application you have.
- Then, open Finder → Applications → Microsoft Outlook.
- Drag Outlook to the Trash.
- You can download it from the Mac App Store or download it from the Microsoft 365 portal.
- After you reinstall Office, which also requires you to sign in with your account, try importing the MSG files again.
Reliable Way to Fix MSG Import Error in Outlook
If none of the above methods work, users must choose the MacSonik MSG Converter for Mac. It’s a reliable and secure way to fix the MSG Import Error in Outlook. Users can convert MSG files to PST, which is completely compatible with Outlook for Mac. This specialized tool provides accurate conversion, data privacy, and causes no data loss. With secure payments, various licensing options, and a one-time purchase, it is perfect for personal and business users.
Also Read: Import MSG to Apple Mail
Steps to Fix MSG import error in Outlook Mac
- To start, download and run the MacSonik MSG Converter Tool on your system.
- Now, pick the appropriate option: Select Files or Select Folder option to open your MSG file(s) and click Next.
- Next, from the tree structure, locate and choose your desired file(s) or folder to convert and click Next.
- After that, select PST as the Output format and apply advanced features, if any.
- Finally, choose the desired saving location and click Convert.
Once MSG files are saved as PST, users can easily import the resultant PST file into their Outlook application. It resolves your issues of “Unable to import MSG files into Outlook”. Moreover, this tool also helps users easily import MSG Files into Outlook 365 and other email clients.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed various methods to fix MSG import error in Outlook. The manual methods to fix this error are also discussed, which might solve the import error. However, if the problem persists, users need to convert their MSG files into PST files. Users can use the professional MSG converter Tool to convert their MSG files to PST. The tool can handle bulk conversion and gives reliable and secure output without losing any data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: The error occurs because Outlook for Mac doesn’t support Windows-based MSG files directly. It only supports PST, OLM, or EML formats. Corrupted MSG files, permission issues, or antivirus interference can also cause the error.
Ans: No, Outlook for Mac cannot open MSG files natively. You need to convert MSG files into a compatible format like PST before importing them into Outlook on Mac.
Ans: You can try several manual fixes, such as reconfiguring Outlook settings, disabling antivirus temporarily, rebuilding the Outlook database, repairing Microsoft Office, or converting MSG files to EML format. However, these methods may not work for large or corrupted MSG files.
About The Author:
Shivansh Shukla is a technical content writer who researches and provides reliable solutions to help users resolve their problems. He offers effective procedures for email migration, data backup, and file conversion for all technical and non-technical users.
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