Many people backup their Outlook accounts and choose Gmail as the best option. However, some people simply want to stop using Microsoft services and want to move to Google and take all their messages with them. No matter the case, you're probably wondering about the best ways to backup Outlook emails to Gmail.
There are several ways you can move your emails from Outlook to Gmail. Today we'll share all the possible methods and give you detailed step-by-step instructions on executing them.
Why Choose Gmail to Back Up Outlook Emails?
People often lose their messages because their devices get interrupted by power outages or bad weather. That's why it's always a good idea to backup your Outlook emails, so you can continue with your work no matter what happens.
Gmail is a very secure email platform. You can save your files inbox or on Google Drive in a few easy steps. Every free Gmail user gets 15 GB of space; for just $3 per month, you can get an additional 200 GB of storage space.
Gmail is a part of Google's large ecosystem, and you have many integrations and services available. Here are some of the main reasons why people backup Outlook emails to Gmail:
- These emails can be imported and used in Outlook again if needed;
- Outlook only saves emails on the local computer;
- Gmail saves emails online;
- Higher chances of protecting your files and keeping them available.
Gmail is very convenient, but it lets you secure your email better. However, if you want to backup Outlook emails to Gmail, you should know there are several methods you can do this. In addition to backing up to Gmail, you can also save Outlook emails to hard drive or backup Outlook emails to flash drive for data security.
Method 1: Transfer Outlook Emails to Gmail Manually (Using Gmail Site)
This is the manual method for backing up Outlook emails to Gmail. Some people manually forward their emails from Outlook to Gmail, but there's a better way. Here are the steps:
- Step 1: Log into your Outlook account.
- Step 2: Click File, select the Open & Export card, and click Import/Export.
- Step 3: Choose Export to a file option and click Next.
- Step 4: Choose Outlook Data File and click Next.
- Step 5: Select the folder you want to export and click Next.
- Step 6: Select the location where you want to export and click Finish.
- Step 7: Once you've exported PST files, sign into your Gmail account.
- Step 8: Click on the settings icon in the upper right corner.
- Step 9: Click See all settings.
- Step 10: Click on Accounts and Import Tab > Import mail and contacts.
- Step 11: Find the saved PST file in your destination folder and import them. Wait until the process is completed.
- Step 12: If your Gmail version doesn't let you choose local storage files, you can simply add the email account you would like to connect with Gmail.
Method 2: Backup Outlook Emails to Gmail Using Gmail App
If you want to move your Outlook emails to Gmail using a smartphone, you can do this on iPad, iPhone, or Android. Here's how to do it:
- Step 1: Download the Gmail app for your device from the App Store or Google Play.
- Step 2: Set up your account.
- Step 3: Click on your user icon and add another account.
- Step 4: Choose the Outlook, Hotmail, and Live.
- Step 5: Provide your Outlook address and login so the accounts can link. Wait until the process has been completed.
Method 3: Backup Outlook Emails to Gmail Using IMAP
Gmail lets you use its IMAP feature in settings for importing Outlook emails. You need to be accurate and thorough when using this method, so follow all the steps carefully and repeat if something's wrong. Here's how to do it:
- Step 1: Start Outlook and log into your account.
- Step 2: Click on Open & Export settings and choose Import/Export.
- Step 3: When the wizard starts, select the Export to a file action and go next.
- Step 4: Select the folders and files you wish to export and click next to finish the process.
- Step 5: Start Gmail and log into your account.
- Step 6: Get into Settings > click See All Settings, select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP card, and check Enable IMAP.
- Step 7: Log into your Outlook account using your Gmail account, and all of your emails will be imported into your Gmail inbox.
Conclusion
These are all the options to backup Outlook emails to Gmail. Go through all the steps carefully and follow instructions to ensure you haven't overlooked anything. Good luck!