How to Import EML Files to IMAP Server Account Directly?
Summary: You can bulk import EML files to IMAP server using professional EML to IMAP migration utilities for quick, direct and seamless upload along with all crucial details like – attachments, folder hierarchy and other emails properties. Or you can upload local EML into IMAP for free using email clients like Mozilla Thunderbird or Outlook.
The best way to add local EML emails to an IMAP server depends upon the number of EML files you are dealing with – limited (10-20), hundreds or thousand and the IMAP service you use (Gmail, Microsoft 365, Yahoo Mail, Roundcube, Bluehost, or other IMAP servers). Here we have covered step-by-step instructions for both methods.
IMAP is an email protocol that stands for Internet Message Access protocol. It allows users to access and manage their emails on the remote mail server. Unlike POP3, IMAP syncs emails, folders, and actions across multiple devices. IMAP is particularly useful for users who need to access their emails from various locations and devices while providing flexibility and efficient email management. In the following article you will learn the reasons to import EML files to IMAP server account along with the best solution to accomplish this task.
Reasons to Import EML Files to IMAP Server Account
There can be multiple reasons to migrate EML to IMAP server account. Such as:
- Synchronization: IMAP allows email synchronization across all devices while ensuring consistent email status and organization. Moreover, it also reflects the changes made on one device across all others.
- Remote Access: If you import EML files to IMAP server account, you can easily access them remotely from anywhere you want.
- Backup and Recovery: If you store EML files on IMAP server account you can keep a reliable backup that will protect you against data loss and facilitate recovery.
- Centralized Access: Migrating EML files into an IMAP account allows to access all emails from any device just by having an internet connection.
Which Method Should You Choose to Import EML Files to IMAP Server?
Although both automated migration utility and manual solution lets you transfer EML messages into an IMAP account. Here is how you can choose the best methods based on your requirement:
| User Requirement | Best Method | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Import 10–20 EML files | Email Client – Thunderbird or Outlook | Limited data does not generally require paid solutions |
| Fully Free Solution | Thunderbird | Open source email client – unlike Outlook (which is a proprietary email client) |
| Import thousands/hundreds of files | Professional EML to IMAP migration tool | Helps reduce manual effort, preserves folder hierarchy and especially designed for larger mailboxes |
Here is a quick feature comparison between the manual and professional solution:
| Key Factor | Dedicated Solution | Manual Email Client Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Large Mailbox Handling | Possible | Can lead to unorganized output, data loss, or may fail due to email client limitation |
| Folder Structure Preservation | Yes – both folder and subfolders are preserved | Manual recreation is required – which can be time taking |
| Time Taken for Import | Quick import with concurrency modification settings | Can be time taking – as the manual process involve multiple steps and sync time may be higher |
| Attachments Preservation | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Installation | Yes | Depends on whether you already have an email client |
| Technical Expertise | Low | High |
| Cost | Paid | Free or Paid based on email client |
Before You Start to Import EML to IMAP Server: Requirements
Ensure you complete the following prerequisites before initiating either manual or automated EML file to IMAP upload:
- Collect and verify correct credentials of your IMAP account – you will need exact hostname and port number, your IMAP account password.
- Your IMAP server account must have required mailbox storage to add all your EML files.
- Stable internet connection as the process involves connecting to your live IMAP mailbox all the time.
- If you are dealing with bulk EML files make sure they are stored in a dedicated folder separately.
- You should backup your IMAP mailbox before starting the import.
- An email client – Thunderbird or Outlook installed on your Mac or Windows.
Know Your IMAP Settings For EML to IMAP Import
Importing EML files into an IMAP server requires you to have an exact hostname and port number for both automated tool and manual solution to configure the account in case your ISP Database does not have data associated with your account. Here are server configurations of popular email services.
| Provider | IMAP Hostname | Port | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gmail | imap.gmail.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| Microsoft 365 | outlook.office365.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| Outlook.com | outlook.office365.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| Yahoo Mail | imap.mail.yahoo.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| Zoho Mail | imap.zoho.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| AOL Mail | imap.aol.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
| iCloud Mail | imap.mail.me.com | 993 | SSL/TLS |
In case you are unable to find IMAP settings – you can search them on https://imapsettings.com/ or Email Provider’s Help Center, Account Settings or get it from IT Administrator – generally for domain based email accounts.
Method 1: Using Thunderbird (Free/Manual Method)
To migrate EML to IMAP server manually, you can use the Thunderbird email client. Below are the steps to complete this task.
First of all, install Mozilla Thunderbird.
- Go to the Tools then Account Settings and then click on Add Mail Account.
- Now enter your IMAP email credentials.
- Install ImportExportTools NG add-on.
- Now, right click on the desired IMAP folder.
- Click on ImportExportTools NG then Import all messages from a directory.
- Now, browse and select your EML files and upload your data to Thunderbird to automatically sync with the IMAP server.
Method 2: Using Apple Mail
If you are a Mac user, you can use the built-in Apple Mail application to move EML files directly to your IMAP server without extra tools.
- Open Apple Mail on your Mac system.
- Ensure your IMAP Account is configured. Right-click on the account name in the left sidebar and select New Mailbox.
- Enter a name for the new mailbox (e.g., “Imported Emails“) and click OK.
- Open Finder and locate the folder containing the EML files you wish to import.
- Select all the EML files (Press CMD + A) inside the folder.
- Drag and drop the selected EML files into the newly created mailbox in the Apple Mail interface.
- Apple Mail will now automatically sync these emails to your IMAP server.
3. Using Microsoft Outlook (Connected with IMAP)
- First of all, open Microsoft Outlook.
- Make sure your IMAP account is configured in the Outlook application.
- Now, open the folder and drag and drop your EML files from your storage to the email client.
- Lastly, Outlook will sync all the emails with your IMAP server automatically.
Why Manual Methods Fail?
- Cannot handle bulk uploads.
- High risk of inline image loss.
- Time consuming drag and drop process.
Best Solution to Migrate Multiple EML Files to IMAP Account
BitRecover EML Converter Software is the best solution to migrate EML files directly to any IMAP account within a few seconds. This multipurpose utility is a convenient way to import EML files to IMAP server without losing any data. The software has several benefits. It offers EML to IMAP server batch folder conversion. Any user can move EML files and all of their attachments to different IMAP server accounts. The user interface and layout of the utility are intuitive. This tool makes EML to IMAP migration more convenient and faster.
How to Convert EML Files to IMAP Account Directly?
1. Firstly, Download and Run the tool on your system to import EML files to IMAP server.
2. The tool will give a dual option to select multiple EML files. Choose select files or Select folders here.
3. Once you choose the desired files to convert, click on NEXT migrate EML to IMAP server.
4. Now, the tool will display details of all selected files. Check the desired folder, and click on NEXT.
5. There are many saving options available. Choose IMAP option to Import EML files from the drop-down menu.
6. Enter the credentials of the IMAP account, and click on Next to import EML files to IMAP server.
7. Also, you can STOP the migration any time you want. A message will be displayed saying the conversion has been completed at the end.
Advantages You Get Post Importing Your EML Data to IMAP Mailbox
- A distant server will store the data. You may access it at any time and from any location, which is advantageous.
- Since the data is stored on the server, there is no need to worry about losing it in the event of a system failure.
- IMAP server is used to conserve local storage space.
- If the server is kept up to date, all of the emails are automatically backed up.
Key Features of EML to IMAP Migration Tool
- Can be Installed in Different Languages: The EML to IMAP migration tool has a unique feature that lets you install it in many different languages as per the requirement.
- Batch Conversion Mode: The utility lets you migrate EML to IMAP server in bulk. Multiple .eml files of any size can be easily converted.
- EML Message Folder Structure Maintained: The tool maintains the folder hierarchy during the EML conversion and is managed on a separate disk. After the migration, the folder structure will be intact.
- Creates SavingLog.txt File: When the process to import EML files to IMAP account is complete, the utility creates a SavingLog.txt file.
- Maintains Formatting: The software is developed with some advanced algorithms that maintain the metadata attributes like Subject, Date, Time, CC, etc.
- Dual Mode to Load EML Files: The software has a dual selection mode to import multiple EML files to IMAP. Also, selective migration is possible here.
- All EML Properties Preserved: The tool will maintain email properties, attachments and formatting are preserved exactly as they were during the direct upload to the IMAP Server.
- Supports All Major IMAP Email Services: BitRecover EML to IMAP Migration tool supports import in all major IMAP destinations like Roundcube, Fastmail, cPanel email accounts, etc.
- Compatible with EML Files from All Sources: You can import archived EML files from Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail, eM Client, or downloaded from another email service or backup tool to IMAP account without failure (often happens with manual solution due to architecture difference).
Troubleshoot Common Issues With EML to IMAP Server Import
The whole process of moving EML messages into an IMAP account can seem tedious to many users due to technical complexity and common issues they face during the process. Here are quick fixes to resolve the issue:
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication Failure | Incorrect account credentials | Check if IMAP host name or your password & account ID is correct |
| Import stopped midway | Unstable internet connection or storage full | Connect to a more stable internet connection or free up space in your mailbox |
| Duplicate Messages After Import | Multiple import before sync being completed | Wait for IMAP sync to be completed before attempting to re-import |
| Missing EML Emails (especially with Outlook method) | In New Outlook only EML files under the parent folder are imported to IMAP and subfolders are missed | Use Thunderbird or pro EML to IMAP migration tool |
FAQs: Import EML to IMAP Server
Q: What is EML to IMAP migration?
The EML to IMAP migration or import is the process of uploading locally stored EML files – storing email messages in MIME encoding to a cloud based live IMAP account for easier access and to avoid data loss risk due to corruption.
Q: Can I upload EML files directly to an IMAP server without an email client like Mozilla Thunderbird?
Yes, you can directly upload EML data to the IMAP mailbox either using an automated EML to IMAP migration tool. There are also certain IMAP providers eg: Zoho, Fastmail etc. that provide direct options to add EML files in their webmail.
Q: Is it possible to import multiple EML files from an old IMAP account that I don’t use anymore to a new one?
Yes, in fact many users who are moving EML messages into an IMAP account – do it for such migration purposes. You can do it using Thunderbird, Outlook or any email client that supports both EML files and your new IMAP account or you can get a dedicated tool.
Q: Will my attachments and folder hierarchy be preserved when I add archived EML emails to IMAP?
Attachments: Yes, whether you use manual or automated tools your attachments would be preserved.
However with the email client methods – you will have to manually re-create the folder structure but the BitRecover EML to IMAP importer auto maps the folder structure.
Q: How many EML files can I import into my IMAP account at once?
There is no set limit based on the number of EML files. With the tool you can import thousands of .eml data into an IMAP server account at once. But the practical limit may vary based on your IMAP provider’s data throttling limit, bandwidth, and message size restrictions and your IMAP mailbox size.
Q: Can I upload EML files to a business IMAP server?
Yes, you can import your EML message data to an IMAP mailbox associated with any business or custom domain professional account – whether from Hostinger, Microsoft 365, Yahoo or Zoho small business using any of the free-manual method or paid solution mentioned above.
Q: Is it safe to upload EML files to an IMAP server?
Yes, saving EML files on an IMAP server can be secure and helps users avoid the risk of data loss due to corruption or accidental deletion. However with a third-party migration solution you need to ensure your IMAP details are not being stored on external server. BitRecover EML to IMAP Import Tool is compliant with HIPAA and GDPR and none of your data is uploaded to an external server.
The Verdict
This guide provided you with how to import EML files to IMAP along with other useful information. This conversion tool ensures complete data security during migration without loss. The software is compatible with all the latest editions of Windows Operating System. Use the DEMO version to better understand the layout and functioning of the tool before investing in it and migrate EML to IMAP server easily.
