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Written By Lovely Baghel
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Published on: September 23rd, 2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Import OST files to IMAP Account
User Query: “How can I import my OST files to an IMAP account safely? I’m not very tech-friendly and want an easy way to transfer my Outlook emails without losing any data.”
This guide will walk you through simple, effective ways to import OST files to IMAP account. If you’re new to Outlook or a non-tech user, this tutorial will make the process easy. OST files are used to store your Outlook mailbox data for offline access. These files are linked to a specific Outlook profile and cannot be directly imported into an IMAP account. In this blog, we will see the manual method and the advanced SysInfo OST to PST Converter.
Why Import Outlook OST to IMAP?
Users may need to transfer OST emails to an IMAP account for several reasons:
- Transferring OST emails to an IMAP account allows you to access your messages in the new program.
- IMAP keeps emails synced across all devices. Moving OST emails to an IMAP account lets you read, reply, and manage emails from phones, tablets, or other computers.
- OST files are stored locally, which can risk data loss. Therefore, export OST files to IMAP account to create a secure cloud backup that can be accessed anytime.
- Moving the data to an IMAP account can help you recover and access your important emails.
How to Import OST files to IMAP Server for Free?
You can’t import directly; that’s why, firstly, convert the OST to PST and then import it to an IMAP account. If you have access to a connected Outlook profile to the OST file, then you can manually transfer the data.
Steps to Open OST File in IMAP Account Manually:
- Firstly, open Outlook and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Then, select Export to a file and click Next.
- After that, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
- Thereafter, select the folders you want to export (Inbox, Sent Items, Calendar, etc.).
- Furthermore, choose a location to save the PST file and complete the export.
- Now, go to File > Add Account and configure your IMAP account credentials.
- Then, once the IMAP account is added, go to File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File, and select the exported PST.
- Finally, drag and drop the data from PST to the corresponding folders in your IMAP account.
Limitations:
- It requires access to the original Outlook profile.
- This process is time-consuming for large mailboxes.
- You cannot use this method to transfer emails from corrupted OST files.
How to Import OST files to IMAP Account Automatically?
OST File Converter is a reliable tool to export OST files into any IMAP server. This tool ensures zero data loss during migration, supports thousands of files, and maintains folder hierarchy. It’s also user-friendly and requires no technical expertise.
Steps to Import OST to IMAP Server Using OST Converter:
- To begin with, launch the OST to PST Converter Software and add OST files or folders.
- Then, preview the files and select the folders you want to migrate > Next.
- After that, choose IMAP as the saving option.
- Next, enter your IMAP account details and click Sign In.
- Finally, apply filters and click Convert.
- Then, the tool will transfer emails from OST to your IMAP account.
Conclusion
To conclude, this guide covers both manual and automated methods to make the process simple and effective. The manual approach to import OST files to IMAP only works if you have access to the original Outlook profile. But this approach can be time-consuming and is not suitable for corrupted OST files. Using the OST to PST File Converter is highly recommended by experts because it simplifies the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I import an OST file to an IMAP account?
Ans. You can either manually export your OST file to PST and then import it into your IMAP account, or make it easier by using an automated OST to IMAP migration tool.
Q2. What is the best tool to migrate OST files to an IMAP account?
Ans. We recommend using the SysInfo OST to PST Converter Tool. It safely and quickly transfers your OST files to any IMAP account while keeping your folder structure intact and avoiding any data loss.
Q3. Is it possible to open an OST file directly in an IMAP account?
Ans. No, you can’t open an OST file directly in IMAP. You first need to convert it to PST or use a migration tool to safely import your emails.
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.
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