Import OST File to Apple Mail Account: Best Possible Way

“I left my old company and can’t access my work email anymore. They also deleted my account, so I can’t get in even if I wanted to. Unfortunately, I backed up my work emails as an OST file by mistake, which isn’t compatible with Apple Mail on my Mac. I’ve heard converting OST to PST manually might be risky, and I’m worried about losing the necessary contacts stored in those emails. Is there any way to import OST to Apple Mail without accomplishing it manually? My contacts are essential, and I’m hoping someone has a reliable solution!”

This is not a single-user query. Many users are asking to perform the importing procedure. Here, in this blog, we are to help you. The following article will elaborate on various ways to accomplish the process with ease. Moreover, users can directly opt for the Cigati OST to PST Converter to move OST files to Apple Mail.

Why You Should Import OST Files into Mac Mail

Have you switched to a Mac but stuck with old work emails on an OST file? OST files are incredible for Windows offline emailing. But they don’t work with Apple Mail on your Mac. No worries! Here’s why moving your OST emails to Apple Mail is beneficial.

• Apple Mail works perfectly with your other Apple devices. As a result, it makes email easy.
• Importing your OST directly into Apple Mail means no risky programs or confusing file formats.
• While OST might be familiar, using a format that works with your Mac.
• Apple Mail has advanced phone and tablet apps. However, you can check your email anywhere, anytime. You just need to stay connected and productive wherever you are.

Importing your OST emails into Apple Mail lets you take full advantage of your Mac and makes managing your emails easy.

How to Import Outlook OST to Apple Mail: Top 2 Methods Explained

Here, we will define two solutions, the manual and the automated approach. First, we will discuss the manual technique and then elaborate on the reliable procedure.

#1. Import Outlook OST to Apple Mail Manually

This method involves converting your OST file (from Outlook on Windows) to a PST file and then importing it into Thunderbird to get MBOX. Now, you need to import the MBOX to Mac Mail.

Step 1: Convert Outlook OST to PST

This method requires a Windows computer with Outlook installed.

• First, open Microsoft Outlook on your Windows machine.
• After that, click on “File” in the top menu.
• Then, Look for “Open & Export” and click on it.
• You’ll see an “Import/Export” option. Choose that.
• Next, select “Export to a file” and click “Next.”
• Then, pick “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next” again.
• Now you can choose which folders you want to convert. Click “Next” once you’ve selected them.
• Pick a location to save your new PST file and make sure the “Include subfolders” box is checked. Click “Finish.”

Step 2: Set Thunderbird as Default

Make sure Thunderbird is your main email app on your Mac.

• Open Thunderbird on your Mac.
• Further, look for “Import” (under “Tools”) and click it.
• Subsequently, choose “Mail” from the import options.
• Moving further, select “Outlook” to start importing your PST file.
• Once the import is done, you’ll find your emails in “Outlook Import” within Thunderbird.

Here, you’ve got the MBOX files and then you need to import it into Apple Mail.

Step 3: Import MBOX Files to Apple Mail

• Afterwards, open the Mail app on your Mac.
• Then, click on “File” in the top menu bar.
• Next, select “Import Mailboxes” from the dropdown menu.
• You’ll see a list of options for where your emails are coming from.
• Now, choose “Apple Mail” if your emails are from another Mac using Mail.
• Here, pick “Files in .mbox format” if your emails are from a Windows or UNIX computer.
• After selecting “Files in mbox format,” find the folder containing your mbox files on your Mac.
• Click “Continue” once you’ve chosen your import source.
• (Optional) You can rearrange the imported emails after they’re brought into Mail.
  • Your imported emails will be placed in a new mailbox named “Import” on the left sidebar of Mail.
  • Just drag emails and folders from the “Import” mailbox to other mailboxes you’ve created or already have.
  • Once you’re done organizing, you can delete the “Import” mailbox.

Here, we accomplished the manual solution to import MBOX to Apple Mail. Moreover, you have seen that the above technique is too lengthy and complicated. In addition, this solution requires a lot of time. If you want to perform the procedure directly, follow the next section. 

#2. OST to Apple Mail Converter: Automated Tool for Bulk Conversion

Cigati OST to PST Converter is one of the best and most versatile software. It allows users to convert OST files to Mac Mail or iCloud without facing challenges. Moreover, this wizard maintains the data integrity and hierarchy folders while performing the importing procedure. In addition, every beginner and non-technical user can effortlessly perform the process. As a result, this wizard offers an easy to understand and self-intuitive GUI. Now, we will discuss the steps to make a better understanding in your mind.

Steps to Import Outlook OST to Apple Mail

• First, download and install the Cigati OST to PST Converter tool on your Mac.
• Here, click “Select Files” or “Select Folder” to find the OST files you want to convert. Then, click “Next.”
• After that, preview your files in a list. Select the ones you want to convert and click “Next.”
• Now, choose “iCloud” from the “Save As” options.
• Then, enter your iCloud email address and app password. Click “Sign In.”
• At last, click “Convert” to start moving your emails to iCloud.

Conclusion

While OST files work well with Microsoft Outlook on Windows, they can’t be directly imported into Apple Mail on your Mac. There are two main approaches: using a third-party converter tool or (if applicable) performing the three-step manual approach for your email service. Consider your comfort level and technical expertise when choosing the best method to import OST to Apple Mail.

You May Also Read: Import OST File to Gmail

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