Migrate Apple Mail to Gmail – Step by Step Guide [2025 Updated]

If you’re running out of iCloud storage, switching devices, or are tired of managing multiple accounts, moving your Apple Mail data to Gmail is the quickest and simplest solution to deal with this. I’ve migrated Apple Mail data to Google Workspace multiple times, so I know the challenges like missing attachments, sync delays, and data loss. 

In this updated 2025 guide, I’ll share my experiences with the most appropriate methods to migrate Apple Mail to Gmail simultaneously without losing data. But before, if you’re not aware of the benefits of this transition, then first we’ll cover them, so that you can easily make a wise decision. 

Why Import Apple Mail to Gmail?

I started with Apple Mail because it came pre-installed on my Mac, but I eventually shifted to Gmail because:

• I needed my emails accessible across all devices without relying on a Mac.
• Gmail integrates simply with Google Drive, Calendar, and Docs.
• I no longer wanted to deal with local storage consumption from years of emails.
• Gmail’s spam filtering and security features are more advanced than Apple Mail’s.
• With Gmail, I can access emails even if my Mac crashes.
• Gmail offers better storage plans at reasonable pricing compared to expanding iCloud storage.
• It’s easier to manage multiple accounts in Gmail compared to Apple Mail’s limited environment.

These reasons pushed me to switch from Apple Mail to Google Workspace. 

Challenges in Migrating Apple Mail to Gmail – Critical Update for 2025

Google announces some big changes in 2025 regarding migration, that Gmailify and POP “Check mail from other accounts” will be discontinued starting January 2026. This means you should not rely on POP imports or Gmailify for migration. In this case, we have only two options, which are IMAP-based sync or using migration tools.

Both techniques, I’ll explain next with step-by-step instructions. 

#Method 1. Add Gmail to Apple Mail and Copy Emails Via IMAP

This is the most straightforward method to migrate Apple Mail to Gmail directly. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Open Gmail. 
2. Click the Gear icon > See all settings.
3. Now, a new window opens, from there select Forwarding and the POP/IMAP option.
4. Scroll down, and Enable IMAP in Google Workspace.
5. Afterwards, on your Mac, open Mail.
6. Then, click on the Add Account > Google. Sign in with your Gmail account.
7. Select the Apple Mail folder to move, then drag and drop it into the Gmail mailbox.
8. Wait for the sync to complete.

One important thing: move folders in small batches (2,000-5,000 emails) to avoid syncing issues.

#Method 2. Export Apple Mail Mailboxes to MBOX and Import via Thunderbird

In this process, we’ll export Apple Mail to the MBOX file format, then import MBOX to Thunderbird. Afterwards, we’ll configure both Gmail and Thunderbird to access data. Sounds lengthy!

Still, I recommend this, as when you export your Apple Mail data, it will serve as a local backup. Additionally, in future, if you need to switch to another email client that supports MBOX, then you can easily import your data to that service efficiently. So, here are the steps to migrate Apple Mail to Gmail via export/import:

1. In Apple Mail, right-click a folder > Export Mailbox. Then Save it as .mbox.
2. Install Mozilla Thunderbird on your Mac.
3. Add the Thunderbird add-on ImportExportTools NG.
4. Import the exported .mbox into Thunderbird.
5. Add your Gmail account to Thunderbird, i.e. IMAP with OAuth.
6. Drag the imported emails from Local Folders into the Gmail folders.

With this way, you can import data not only in G Suite, but you convert mbox to PST, and then upload PST to Office 365 if needed.

#Method 3. Import Apple Mail to Gmail Via GYB (Got-Your-Back)

For large archives, I prefer using GYB, a command-line tool that restores .mbox files directly into Gmail.

Basic flow:

1. Export mailboxes from Apple Mail as .mbox as mentioned in the previous method.

2. Install GYB and authenticate with your Gmail account.

Run:

gyb –email useraddress@gmail.com –action restore-mbox –local-folder “/path/to/mbox”

3. GYB will upload all emails to Gmail.

If you know the command line or are currently working with PowerShell, you can easily perform the migration via this. Otherwise, don’t waste time on this if you’re not well aware of technical know-how. Instead, opt for any direct import tool, which I’ll explain further. 

#Method 4. Professional Tool to Migrate Apple Mail to Gmail Simultaneously

For non-technical users with large data, I personally suggest considering an automated solution instead of all the mentioned manual methods. Why? With manual methods, you have to monitor the entire process, and if any issue persists, you have to address and resolve them on your own. This takes time and effort. 

That’s why, to make this transition hassle-free, I found SysTools MBOX to Google Workspace Migrator will be helpful. I tried its free version, and I’m genuinely impressed with its results. 

The best thing I like, it comes with a self-explanatory UI, which will be easily understandable even by a naive user. Additionally, this cost-effective solution provides me with numerous features to migrate Apple Mail to Gmail efficiently, including:

• Migrate Apple Mail MBOX files directly into Gmail or Google Workspace.
• Options to apply filters to transfer only selective emails instead of the entire mailbox.
• Preservation of folder hierarchy ensures inbox, sent items, and custom folders remain intact.
• Import EML to Google Workspace, Office 365, and Exchange Server.
• Zero data loss guarantee during migration. This means emails, attachments, and metadata stay exactly as they were.
• Support for bulk migration, which saves hours compared to manual methods.
• A pause-and-resume feature, to complete the transition without any interruptions or internet fluctuations.
• A free demo version that lets you test the tool before investing in the full license.

So, it is recommended to try this once to get the expected results from this migration.

Learn How to Import MBOX to Gmail

After downloading the specified tool, follow the steps to directly import MBOX to Google Workspace:

• Step 1. Open the utility, and mark MBOX & G Suite as the source and target platforms. 
• Step 2. Check the Email box, and leverage the Date Filter to import only desired data.
• Step 3. Now, browse .mbox files in the solution via the Import Folder path.
• Step 4. In the target window, provide your Google Workspace admin credentials to proceed.
• Step 5. Afterwards, add the source users via Fetch Users, Import Users, or Download Template options.
• Step 6. After the validation of permissions, hit Start Import.

See, this is the most direct method to migrate Apple Mail to Gmail or Google Workspace.  

Things You Should Keep in Mind

Below is the list of important points to remember:

• Always export .mbox files before migration to ensure data continuity, if anything goes wrong.
• Avoid POP/Gmailify, as they’ll be gone by early 2026.
• Gmail imposes IMAP/API bandwidth limits, so migrate in batches.
• IMAP and proper tools preserve attachments and dates, but test a small batch first.
• Sometimes migrated emails land in Spam; always double-check.
• iCloud mail users: You’ll need an app-specific password for Apple Mail or Thunderbird to connect.

Author’s Verdict

After testing multiple methods to migrate Apple Mail to Gmail, I’ve found that the best approach depends on your mailbox size and technical knowledge. For small to medium mailboxes, manual IMAP migration via Apple Mail or Thunderbird works well. 

However, for large mailboxes or non-technical users, SysTools Importer is more efficient for saving time and handling bulk data without errors. 

People Also Ask

Q1. Can I import Apple Mail to Gmail directly?

No, Gmail doesn’t allow uploading .mbox files directly in the web UI. You’ll need Thunderbird, GYB, or a migration tool.

Q2. Will email dates and read/unread status be preserved?

Yes, if you use IMAP or GYB. But not all methods preserve every flag.

Q3. Is Gmailify a good option to migrate Apple Mail to Gmail?

No. Gmailify and POP imports are being discontinued in January 2026. Don’t rely on them.