Quick IMAP to Gmail Migration Guide:
Here’s a brief outline of the steps involved in migrating from an IMAP server to Gmail:
- Create a Gmail account: If you don’t already have one, create a Gmail account to which you’ll migrate your emails.
- Download MailJerry, an IMAP migration tool that simplify the process.
- Migrate emails: Use the migration tool to transfer your emails from your current IMAP server to Gmail.
For more detailed instructions, simply continue reading this guide!
IMAP: The Bridge Between Your Old Email and Gmail
IMAP, or Internet Mail Access Protocol, is an email retrieval protocol supported by most email services total, including Gmail. This protocol allows email clients like the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook and email migration tools like MailJerry to remotely access messages stored on an email server.
Because the IMAP protocol was designed to allow full control over an email account, email migration tools that take advantage of it can move messages from the old server to Gmail’s server while:
- Preserving folder structure:
One of the key advantages of using IMAP for email migration is its ability to maintain the existing organization of your email folders and sub-folders. This feature is especially useful as it eliminates the need for you to manually reorganize your emails after they have been transferred to Gmail. - Synchronizing message status:
IMAP is capable of tracking the current status of each email message – whether it is read, unread, replied to, or forwarded. During the migration process, this status information is transferred along with the emails and labels themselves. This ensures that you can pick up right where you left off, without missing a beat in your email interactions. - Not disrupting access to the original mailbox:
Another advantage of IMAP is that it allows you to continue accessing your emails even during the migration process. This means you can still read, reply to, and manage your emails from the original server until the transfer to Gmail is fully completed.
By leveraging the IMAP protocol, email migration tools like MailJerry can facilitate a seamless transition from your old email service to Gmail.
What’s the Difference Between IMAP and POP?
IMAP and POP differ significantly in how they manage your emails, including during email migrations. IMAP keeps your messages on the server, allowing for a seamless and organized transition between email services. POP, in contrast, downloads and often deletes emails from the server, complicating the migration process by essentially burning the bridge to your old mailbox behind you.
➡️ For a hassle-free migration, choose an email migration tool that supports IMAP.
Guide: How to Migrate from IMAP to Gmail in 2 Steps
Moving your emails from IMAP to Gmail with the right migration tool is so straightforward that it can be broken down into just two steps:
Step 1: Create a Gmail Account
If you don’t already have a Gmail account, then the first step is to create one:
- Go to the Gmail homepage.
- Click the “Create account” button.
- Fill in your name, choose your desired email address, and create a password.
- Verify your phone number to secure your account.
- Log in to your new account for the first time and, if you want to, customize it to your liking.
➡️ Once your account is set up, you can proceed to the next and final step of the migration process.
Note: IMAP access is enabled on all new Gmail accounts by default. However, if you created your Gmail account a long time ago, IMAP might be disabled. Therefore, for older accounts, it is a good idea to double-check if IMAP is enabled. (View Tutorial)
Step 2: Migrate Emails With MailJerry
Now comes the exciting part: migrating your emails using MailJerry! MailJerry simplifies the email migration process, making it a breeze even for those who consider themselves to be anything but tech-savvy. 💪
Why MailJerry?
MailJerry’s mailbox migration process is fully automated, and it incorporates several health checks to ensure that all of your messages are migrated in a secure manner and without any duplicates.
Here’s how to migrate from IMAP to Gmail with MailJerry:
1. Download MailJerry or start your email migration using the Webapp.
2. Install & open the tool and enter your current email address. Click on Proceed.
3. Hit the “Start Your Migration!” button.
4. Enter the username and password of the mailbox you want to migrate to Gmail in the “Existing Address” column. MailJerry will automatically fill in your mailserver for you.
5. In the section “New Address”, select Gmail as Account Type and enter your email address and Gmail app password. If you don’t know your app password, click on Show Gmail Instructions to learn how to quickly generate an app password for your account.
6. Click “Check Settings”.
7. On the summary page, check if everything is set up correctly. Once you’re satisfied, hit “Start Your Migration”
You can now monitor the progress of your email migration or simply close MailJerry and head on to do something else.
Before you know it, all your emails and the folders they currently reside in will be neatly organized in your new Gmail account, ready for you to pick up right where you left off!
"My mailbox migration is complete and it is commendable that MailJerry outperformed all the migration softwares in the market including Google's own which was really pathetic.""
IMAP Provider vs Gmail: Is Gmail Really Better?
For a detailed analysis, have a look at this review: Hosting Email on Google: A Good Idea?
When considering a migration from an IMAP-based email service to Gmail, it’s natural to wonder if the grass is indeed greener on the other side. But when it comes to Gmail, the world’s most popular email service (boasting more than 1.8 billion users at the time of writing), reasons to go forward with the migration are easy to find. They include:
- Ease of use: Gmail is widely known for its intuitive user interface. The ease of use extends to its settings and customization options, allowing users to tailor their email experience to their preferences effortlessly.
- Rich features: From Smart Replies, which suggest quick responses to your emails, to powerful search capabilities that help you find what you’re looking for in seconds, Gmail is built to save time and enhance productivity.
- Robust spam protection: Gmail has one of the most effective spam filters. Its algorithms are continuously updated to keep up with the evolving tactics of spam and phishing attacks.
- Mobile apps: Gmail’s mobile applications for Android and iOS are highly polished, and they mirror the simplicity and functionality of the web client.
- Free email storage space: With 15 GB of free storage shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos, you have ample space for your emails and attachments.
- Integration with Google services: The synergy between Gmail and other Google services like Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Meet means that you can quickly access files, schedule meetings, or join video calls right from your inbox.
- Third-party email clients: If you have a preferred email client, there’s a good chance Gmail will play nicely with it because most developers understand that they can attract and cater to a larger user base by providing Gmail support.
Of course, Gmail isn’t without flaws, and the fact that the service analyzes its users’ emails for advertising purposes is arguably the biggest one. If you are a privacy-conscious individual, then are other email services, such as Proton Mail or Tutanota, that prioritize user privacy and data security, offering end-to-end encryption and zero access to your email content for advertising.
IMAP to Gmail: Conclusion
✅ Switching your email service, especially from an IMAP-supported platform to Gmail, can be a breeze with the right approach, like the one provided in this guide.
✅ Best of all, the steps outlined in this guide aren’t exclusive to a Gmail migration. The essence of this process – utilizing a reliable migration tool like MailJerry to move messages from one server to a different one using the IMAP protocol – can easily be adapted to other email services as well.
For more tutorials on how to migrate your email data from one provider to another, have a look at the MailJerrry blog:
