How to Migrate IMAP Email to New Server: A Detailed Guide

A business has been using an on-premises IMAP server for years and no longer receives security updates. Additionally, employees face performance issues and repeated system crashes. Therefore, the company moved to a new IMAP server for better performance. To do this, they need to migrate IMAP email to new server. It can be done either manually or with the help of a dedicated Cigati IMAP Backup Tool, which simplifies the process and is an ideal choice among experts. Read this blog till the end to find out why and how this migration can be done. 

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is an email protocol that allows users to access and manage emails. It does not download the emails but rather keeps a copy on the server for synchronization. 

Why Transfer IMAP Email to New Server

Companies choose to switch servers to improve security and meet compliance regulations that offer better features and customer support. Here are the reasons why one needs to do it: 

1. An upgraded IMAP server offers advanced security features such as stronger encryption, MFA, etc. It also reduces the risk of email hacking.
2. A new IMAP server with more storage space and improved performance will guarantee efficient email management.
3. With advanced hardware and better efficiency, the new server will ensure quicker email retrieval with minimum delays. 
4. The new server with improved integration will ensure smooth connectivity with collaboration and productivity software. 

Therefore, due to these above-mentioned reasons, it is advised to migrate IMAP emails to a new server.

How to Migrate IMAP Email to New Server? – Top 3 Solutions

There are two methods for migrating IMAP emails to a new server. One is a manual method using an email client and also using cPanel’s built-in Email Migration Tool. Another is by using a professional and reliable tool – IMAP Backup Tool. Users can choose either of them depending on the complexity and specific needs.

Migrate IMAP to Another Server Using an Email Client (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.)

Use this method when the mailbox size is not too large. This is a free method and requires no other software or tool.

Below is the step-by-step process to migrate email from IMAP to new server:

Step 1: Add both the email accounts

1. Open an email client such as Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc.
2. Configure your old IMAP account and allow it to sync first.
3. After that, add a new IMAP account.

Step 2: Move IMAP Email to New Host 

1. Choose all the emails from your old IMAP account inbox.
2. Drag and drop the old emails to the new IMAP account inbox. 
3. Repeat the same process to transfer emails from Sent, Drafts, etc.

Step 3: Verify Migration

1. Sign in to your new IMAP account on another device.
2. Check if all the emails and folders have transferred or not.
3. Also, if required, update the DNS & MX Records.

Limitations: There is no option for bulk migration, and therefore, it is not ideal for migrating the emails of multiple users. It does not retain folder structure and posses a risk of data loss. 

Transfer IMAP Email to New Server Using cPanel 

This migrates faster as compared to the above manual method. It also preserves folder structure and transfers multiple accounts at once. 

 These are the steps to migrate an IMAP email to new server:

1. Sign in to cPanel accounts on the old and new servers.
2. Go to Email Accounts and create the same email addresses as there on the old server. The username and password should be the same.
3. Use cPanel’s built-in Email Migration Tool to transfer emails automatically.
4. Log in to Webmail and check if all the emails and folders are there.
5. Lastly, update DNS/MX records to switch to the new email server. 

Limitations: The user should have some technical knowledge about cPanel and DNS configurations. This method is not ideal for very large mailboxes, as the process might become slow or incomplete. 

A Dedicated Tool to Migrate IMAP Email to New Server

The Cigati IMAP Backup Tool supports IMAP email backup and migration. It allows users to back up emails in various file formats and export them in bulk. In addition to this, it allows direct migration to Webmail clients. It ensures that attachments are also backed up, filters emails, and prevents duplicate transfers. Hence, it provides a smooth and efficient backup process.

These are the steps to transfer IMAP Email to new server:

1. Download and run the software.
2. Click on Continue and then choose between Single Mode or Batch Mode.
3. Enter the login credentials of the source IMAP account. 
4. Now, select the mailbox folder that you want to migrate and then click Next.
5. Choose Email Clients and select IMAP. Click Next to proceed.
6. Enter your destination IMAP account login credentials. 
7. Pick any additional features if you want.
8. Finally, click on the Next button to start the migration process.

Conclusion

Moving IMAP emails to a new server is necessary for maintaining efficient communication and avoiding data loss. This guide walks you through two manual approaches and one professional way to migrate IMAP email to new server. While manual approaches can work, they are slow, error-prone, and involve technical complexities. Unlike manual methods, a professional Cigati IMAP Backup Tool offers a more secure and reliable experience. This tool ensures accurate email transfers, making it ideal for businesses handling large amounts of emails. 

You May Also Read: Migrate IMAP Email to Office 365

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q- How to migrate emails to a new server?

Ans- Sign into cPanel on both servers and recreate email accounts on the new server. Then, migrate emails using cPanel’s built-in Email Migration Tool and check them in Webmail. If required, update the DNS/MX records. 

Q- What is the main function of IMAP?

Ans- IMAP stores emails on the server, enabling users to access, manage, and sync emails across multiple devices.

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