How to Import OST to iCloud Mail? Complete Solution

User Query: “I have some important OST files on my PC, but they are orphaned. Due to my organizational shift, I need all .ost data in the iCloud account. But I don’t know the right method to upload OST to iCloud. I need to do this urgently since my work is hampered and some crucial clients are waiting for the responses. Is there any solution to make this conversion quick and secure without any data loss?”

An Outlook OST file is bound to its native environment, making it almost impossible to access from somewhere else. Yet, as more and more users are shifting towards Apple’s ecosystem, the need to import OST to iCloud Mail is increasing tremendously. This is for the smooth data access across devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. But the challenge is that OST files cannot be directly uploaded to iCloud. Hence, this guide elaborates on the OST to PST Converter and other manual methods available for this OST to iCloud migration. 

Why Users Tend to Import Outlook OST to iCloud?

The OST is the Outlook Cache Exchange Mode data copy file that stores the entire content and can be accessed offline. But they are hard to move or transfer outside Outlook. On the other hand, iCloud is an Apple Mail service that works across devices and platforms, is easy to use, and is best for Mac users. Moreover, it has no ads and is beneficial in numerous ways:

  • Streamlines the data in one place, providing global access.
  • Provide continuity to the data even after switching from the Windows OS.
  • Better sync of emails, contacts, calendars, notes, etc. with Mac services.
  • Create a backup of the OST data to ensure data security from threats and more.

Which Techniques Import OST to iCloud?

There is a manual solution and an ultimate expert tool that can help you to perform import without troubles. These remarkable ways are suited for small and batch conversions and have several advantages and limits. You can understand all of it in the following part of this section. 

But before that, take a look at this hidden challenge that users generally face during import:

Fact: Unlike PST which can be directly exported, OST is the offline cache file strictly attached to Outlook. 

Challenge: Users can’t directly migrate OST to iCloud account and manual import can naturally result in incomplete imports, missing data, and altered attachments. 

Solution: The correct way of import involves a two-step process, i.e., 

  • Converting OST to PST
  • Importing PST file to iCloud

Note: But you won’t have to go through this two-step process with the professional tool. 

Pro Tip: Before the import, ensure to check iCloud storage. By default, only 5GB is free, which isn’t enough for large OST mailboxes. So, upgrade your iCloud storage plans at the start.

Now, learning this, proceed to the solutions for resuming the tasks as earlier as possible. 

How do I Automatically Import OST to iCloud?

OST to PST Converter Tool is a smart and direct utility to perform the import of OST files in bulk. Whether you are an individual, an enterprise user, or an IT admin, this excellent tool is the fastest and safest way to import. Additionally, it gives support to maintain folder hierarchy, data, and attachments. Moreover, the tool offers some special features for duplicates, selective conversion, and so on. 

Besides this, those who need a customized import can download the OST Converter Tool demo or full versions. The demo version will allow you to convert up to 50 emails per folder for free. 

Quick Steps to Import Outlook OST to iCloud

  1. Initially, start with the download and launch of the OST to PST Import Tool.Start the OST to PST Import Tool
  2. Then, click Next, browse your .ost files, and click Open to load them. Tap Next.Click Next
  3. Further, from the tree view, preview folders and choose for the import. Hit Next.Hit Next
  4. Now, tap on the Email Clients radio option. After that, from the options, select iCloud.
  5. Later, login to your iCloud account by entering the email and password. Login to your iCloud account
  6. At last, with the filters opted and applied, click Convert to finish.Click Convert to finish

Which Manual Method Help Import OST to iCloud?

The two-step process is as follows that you need to perform very carefully to avoid major losses:

1) Convert OST to PST Format

  1. Start within your Outlook application by ensuring your OST files are present. 
  2. Then, through the File→Open and Export options, opt for Import/Export.
  3. Further, as the wizard opens, choose for Export to a file and continue by Next.
  4. After that, selecting Outlook data file(.pst)–> Next, choose the OST data file from the tree menu.
  5. Again, press Next and with Browse pick a location for the OST to be converted into PST.
  6. Finally, press Finish to change OST file to PST in a simplified way.

2) Upload OST to iCloud (On Mac)

Hoping, you would’ve already transferred the PST file to Mac OS with an external drive or Gmail via IMAP. Now, the steps are:

  1. Open iCloud and click Mail icon.
  2. Then, go to the Settings and select Import Mailboxes.
  3. Further, click Choose File, and browse and opt for PST. Lastly, tap Upload.

Note: If you wish to import OST to iCloud Mail on Windows only: 

  • Then, ensure to install iCloud Control Panel for Windows
  • Later, sync it with your Outlook profile and use drag/drop or Import/Export wizard to transfer data.

What are the Shortfalls of Manual Method?

Though free, this method:

  • Lacks support for bulk migrations with attachments, unlike the tool.
  • Needs many applications and is a long and complex process, clearly for new users.
  • Chances of data loss, alterations, and corruption is problem occurs during sync or transfer.
  • Technical knowledge is essential and also, you may get no customization options here.

A Success Case:

“An IT manager uploaded 500 GB OST to iCloud in a weekend using the OST File Conversion Tool, something that was impossible manually.”

 

Conclusion

Businesses always look for a method thats more swift, efficient, and minimzes loss in less time. We discussed two different solutions in this blog to import OST to iCloud. The manual method may work fine but for speed, accuracy, and security, and large enterprise level imports, use the expert tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I import Outlook OST to iCloud?

Ans- You cannot directly upload OST files into iCloud because OST is a restricted Outlook cache file. The safest and fastest way is to use a professional OST Converter Tool, which directly imports OST data into your iCloud account without going through complex steps.

Q. Which tool is best to import OST to iCloud?

Ans- The SysInfo OST Converter Tool is the best solution as it directly migrates OST to iCloud in bulk with full data integrity. Its features, like selective migration, duplicate removal, and secure login, make it the most reliable choice.

Q. Can I directly upload OST to iCloud?

Ans- No, OST files cannot be directly uploaded to iCloud. They first need to be converted into a supported format like PST.

Rate this post

About The Author:

As a content writer, I specialize in Email Migration, Data Recovery, Email Backup, and File Management. I have been writing professionally for two years now. There is so much information available in this field that I am intrigued by the newer technologies and techniques.

Related Post

© Copyrights 2014-2025 Recovery & Management is an Affiliate Partner of SysinfoTools Software Pvt. Ltd.