How to Import PST to IMAP on Mac: A Simple Guide (2025

Written By
Shivansh Shukla

Updated on
April 21st, 2026

5 minutes Read
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Introduction: Legacy or old PST files hold years of emails and attachments that need to be accessed or recovered now. The best way is to import PST to IMAP account to centralize emails in the cloud, enabling full searchability. But, how do we do that? This article walks you through both free and paid tools using MacSonik PST Converter. With the help of correct step-by-step instructions, make the process smooth and hassle-free. Now, let’s start with the blog.

Common Reasons to Import Outlook PST to IMAP

There are numerous benefits of importing an Outlook PST file to an IMAP account. Take a look at a few of them:

  • By moving PST into IMAP, one can access emails across multiple devices anywhere, anytime.
  • IMAP centralizes all the email data online, making it safer and more organized.
  • Unlike PST files, IMAP keeps your mailbox synchronized automatically. The Outlook PST to IMAP conversion ensures consistent email management on all devices.
  • Importing archived PST emails to an IMAP account, users can access and retrieve old messages.
  • Users migrate from PST to an IMAP account for a smooth migration to modern email services.

Manual Method to Import PST to IMAP On Mac

In this method, we will first import the PST file data by converting it into EML in Outlook for Mac. After that, we’ll move the imported emails into an IMAP account.

Look at the following steps to start the process:

Step 01: Add an IMAP Account to Outlook for Mac

  1. Open the Outlook for Mac application on your system.
  2. Then, click Preferences > Accounts > New Account.
  3. Now, add the IMAP account credentials and complete the on-screen instructions.

Step 02: Import PST as EML into Outlook for Mac

  1. In Windows, open the Outlook application.
  2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Outlook Data File (.pst).
  3. Browse and choose the PST file and open it to import PST file to IMAP.
  4. Now, select the emails from the PST file and drag and drop them locally. They will be saved as .eml files.
  5. Next, copy the EML files into a USB drive and move the EML files to a Mac.
  6. Copy the EML files and drag and drop them into the Outlook for Mac folder.

Step 03: Move EML File Emails into IMAP

  1. In Outlook for Mac, open the EML files folder and IMAP account folder.
  2. Select the desired emails and drag and drop them into the IMAP folder.
  3. Outlook will automatically sync the emails into an IMAP account folder.

Drawbacks: Moving thousands of PST files can be a cumbersome task and will make the process time-consuming. Some of the folders may not maintain the exact structure.

Simple & Efficient Way to Import PST to IMAP Mac

MacSonik Outlook PST Converter Tool is a well-designed utility to import PST files to an IMAP account without technical expertise. This software will help users move either single or multiple PST files in a single operation. Additionally, it provides various extraordinary features to simplify the importing process. Also, users can import PST to Gmail account and to other email clients.It allows users to convert PST files without duplicates, specified date range emails, and much more. Besides, they can view the PST file content before beginning the process. In addition, it enables users to convert or view PST files without installing the Outlook application. Moreover, it preserves the original folder hierarchy and gives a smooth migration experience.

Simple and quick steps to upload multiple PST files to IMAP:

  1. Begin by downloading and opening the tool on your macOS.
  2. Then, choose Single Mode and browse the desired PST file to import. Click Open.
  3. After that, from the tree view, pick the folders and press Next.
  4. Now, select IMAP from the Migrate As Email Client options.
  5. Next, log in to your IMAP account credentials and finally, hit the Convert button to convert PST to IMAP.

Note: Convert PST to PDF to make the PST file data more readable, accessible, and portable.

Conclusion

Enterprises usually import PST to IMAP Outlook to keep the mailbox data synchronized and make the data available online. Though the manual method is lengthy, time-consuming, and requires technical expertise. Whereas, choosing a professional tool like MacSonik PST Converter, the migration becomes fast and reliable. Users can choose whichever method fulfills their requirements.

Also Read: Import PST to BlueMail

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Will importing PST to IMAP keep the folder structure?

Ans: Yes. When you drag folders into the IMAP mailbox in Outlook, the same hierarchy syncs to the server. But for deeply nested folders, syncing may take more time.

Q2.  Can I import PST to IMAP without Outlook?

Ans: Yes. By using a professional converter tool, you can import the PST files into IMAP without the Outlook application. The tool ensures data authenticity and maintains the original folder hierarchy.

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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