Migrate IMAP to iCloud: Move Your Emails Easily & Securely

Written By Eva Shirley
Approved By Mithilesh Tata
Publish on August 29th, 2025
Reading Time: 0 minutes

User Query: I am working on transferring my domain to iCloud+ and was wondering if there is a clear best path for transferring old email from Gmail to iCloud? Does anybody have a suggestion on the best way to go about this?

Summary: Users can migrate IMAP to iCloud, and they can keep their data secure within Apple’s ecosystem. Some email clients, like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook, can also face problems in syncing properly across devices, which can cause issues for users. In this technical blog, we will provide a reliable solution: the manual methods, which can be effective for a few data files. Using the Aryson IMAP Backup Tool offers a safe way for migrating IMAP to iCloud, making sure all folders, attachments, and structure remain intact without complications.

Download Now Purchase Now

Why Transfer Emails from IMAP to iCloud?

There are several scenarios where users can shift emails from an IMAP account to iCloud:

iCloud Mail	IMAP
It can be designed to work smoothly within the Apple ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac.	IMAP works across all devices and email services, offering flexibility without being tied to a single brand.
iCloud Mail gives users 5 GB of free storage. Extra space requires a paid plan.	IMAP itself does not provide storage. The actual storage depends on the email provider you are using.
Apple’s cloud servers can store all emails and attachments, which sync automatically across devices.	IMAP can also store emails on the provider’s server, but the experience and sync speed may vary depending on the service.
Works best for personal use and Apple users who want a seamless experience.	IMAP is mostly used by both personal and business users so that it can keep emails synced across multiple devices and accounts.

How to Migrate IMAP to iCloud with Easy Solutions

There are two reliable ways to move your emails from IMAP to iCloud. You can either go with the manual setup or choose an automated tool for a faster process.

Solution 1: Manual Way to Migrate IMAP to iCloud

Apple can allow IMAP accounts to be added manually in its Mail app. If it gets connected, you can simply copy and paste emails from one account into your iCloud mailbox.

Steps to follow for the migration:

Firstly, launch Apple Mail on your Mac.
Navigate to Mail > Add Account.
Select Other Mail Account and provide your IMAP email ID along with the correct password.
Apple Mail will attempt to configure incoming/outgoing settings.
When both IMAP and iCloud accounts are added, and will appear in the sidebar.
Lastly, select emails or folders from the IMAP account and drag them into your iCloud mailbox, and convert IMAP to iCloud

Cons of the Manual Method

This method can only work for small-scale.

Sorting and moving folders one by one takes too much time when thousands of emails are involved.
You cannot transfer more than one account in a single attempt.
Big folders often fail to copy completely, which can result in missing emails.
There’s no option to filter by date or leave out data you don’t need.
Setting up IMAP settings is tricky and usually needs technical know-how.

Solution 2: Easy and Fast Way to Migrate IMAP to iCloud

The Aryson IMAP Backup Tool provides a safe way to transfer emails between IMAP accounts while keeping your data fully intact. It also supports multiple accounts for the IMAP, with folder hierarchy, and makes the process smooth. The advanced features within the tool can be helpful for users who want a quick and hassle-free email transfer. Additionally, this tool can also move IMAP Email to AOL Mail and other email clients.

Simple steps to migrate IMAP to iCloud:

Firstly, download and install the Aryson IMAP Backup Tool on your system.

After that, log in to your IMAP account and press login.

Select the files from the imported mailbox for the transfer.

From the saved email clients, pick IMAP and log in with your iCloud details.

Apply a date filter if you want to move only specific emails.

Hit the Convert button for the migration and save IMAP to iCloud.

Following these simple steps, you can easily migrate IMAP to iCloud within a few clicks.

What Makes Aryson IMAP Backup Tool Stand Out?

Move single or multiple IMAP mailboxes into iCloud at once.
No need to export files first; emails go straight from IMAP to iCloud.
Supports Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Outlook.com, G Suite, Zoho, Yandex, Amazon WorkMail, GoDaddy, and more.
Save IMAP emails locally in PST, MBOX, PDF, CSV, DOC, MSG, EML, and DOCX.
Transfer only what you need using date filters, exclude attachments, or remove duplicates.
Maintains folder hierarchy and keeps attachments intact.
Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Final Thoughts

When a user migrate IMAP to iCloud, it doesn’t have to be stressful. The manual method is fine for small transfers, but when it comes to large mailboxes, bulk accounts, or enterprise-level migration, it quickly becomes inefficient. The Aryson IMAP Backup software can provide a smarter way of doing the process. With its bulk migration support, selective filters, and ability to maintain data integrity, it can make a smooth transfer with no disruption, minimal downtime, and maximum security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 Can I move all my IMAP emails into iCloud at once?

Ans. Yes, the Aryson tool supports bulk migration, so you can move complete mailboxes into iCloud at once:
1. Download and install the Aryson IMAP Backup Tool on your system.
2. Click on Import CSV to quickly add multiple IMAP accounts.
3. Choose the IMAP account(s) you want to migrate and press Next.
4. Select the mailbox folders you want to transfer.
5. From the saving options, pick IMAP and log in with your iCloud details.
6. Apply a date filter if you want to move only specific emails.
7. Hit the Convert button to start the migration.

Q.2 Can I transfer specific folders or labels from IMAP to iCloud Mail?

Ans. Yes, using the Aryson IMAP Backup Tool, users can transfer specific folders or labels from IMAP to iCloud Mail by the advanced filter.

Q.3 Which is the best tool to move IMAP emails into iCloud Mail?

Ans. Aryson IMAP Backup Tool is one of the best because it ensures secure migration, supports multiple platforms, and is beginner-friendly.

Q.4 How do I convert IMAP emails to iCloud format?

Ans. Yes, with the Aryson IMAP tool, you can convert into the MBO, and MBOX is the format for iCloud.

About The Author:

Eva Shirley

Eva Shirley is a skilled technical content writer with expertise in creating engaging and informative content. With over 5 years of experience and a passion for writing, she has solved many users' queries by providing quality content.