Most of the email platforms use SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to send emails. However, these email platforms use POP3 and IMAP to send emails which are also known as pull protocols. But, can we download all emails from IMAP server? Is there any option to save them? Let’s find that out.
What is IMAP?
IMAP is an Internet Messaging Access Protocol which is used by a lot of email platforms to send emails. It is a standard protocol to receive the emails. All the emails are stored on a server and IMAP allows the receiver or recipient to view and change the emails.
Meaning, users can create, rename, or delete these emails as though these were stored on their local device only. It is also possible for users to have multiple email applications syncing with the server.
So, why is it important to save IMAP emails locally if it allows you to do all of that even on a server?
There is no doubt that editing your emails is very easy even on a mail server. But, it is a server after all and can face issues risking your emails. Thus, users prefer keeping their data safe to avoid any loss of emails or important data.
Saving these files locally is just to keep a backup of the data so that nothing is lost and the files are always kept safe. Now, without any further ado, let’s take a look at the methods to save this data.
Is It Possible to Download All Emails from IMAP Server Manually?
Well, it is possible to manually transfer the data but it also requires a lot of technical knowledge and time. If you want a quicker solution, we suggest that you use the IMAP Backup Tool which will download all your data.
We will learn about the tool in detail in the latter section. To perform the manual function, there are two steps to complete the process. First one requires you to configure your emails in an email client. In the second step, you have to save IMAP emails locally.
Starting with the first step.
Section 1 – Configuring Emails With An Email Client
Here, we are going to use Outlook, you can use any other email client that you already have installed in your account. The steps may be different but require the same functioning. We have the steps below:
- Open Outlook and click on the File tab → Add Account.
- Now, mark the checkbox beside Manual setup or additional server types option.
- Mark POP/IMAP radio button and click on Next to download all emails from IMAP server.
- The Add Account window will open. Enter all the details required and hit More Settings.
- In the Outgoing server tab, mark the My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication option.
- Go to the Advanced tab and enter the Server Port Number and other details.
- Click OK. Now, in the Add Account Window, click Next.
This is the first part of your method. Now, you have to wait for the sync to complete and then move further with the second part.
More: If you want to use a tool, you can go with the Email Backup Tool as well and perform the steps as mentioned in the last section of the article.
Section 2 – Save IMAP Email Locally by Moving Them
Start with the steps below:
- In the Outlook application, you will be able to see the emails.
- Go to File → choose Open and Export → click on Import/Export option.
- After that, you will see the Import/Export wizard open up. Click on Export to a file option and press Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) option and hit Next.
- Here, you have to choose the folder that you want to transfer the data from. Hit Next.
- Set the path to save your files in the Browse section and hit Finish.
Manual Method to Download All Emails from IMAP Server Causes Hindrances
Even though this is a cost-free method to save the data, it comes with a lot of negative points. Below are the points:
- It is a very time-consuming process to sync the mailbox.
- We do not have any option to filter our emails.
- There is a chance that the manual methods will not work for all the Outlook versions.
- You will need to perform the transfer of every mailbox you want separately.
- If you do not have any technical expertise, you will face issues while performing this technique to save IMAP emails locally.
- Possibility of data corruption or loss is high.
How about we take a stroll to the suggested solution?
Software Suggestion Works Frantically to Save All the Data Files
The software is built with such a technology that it does not make working with it difficult for any type of user. It overcomes all the drawbacks of the manual method and allows users to download the emails as per their requirement.
With the help of this tool, users can download all emails from IMAP server in their choice of format. Let’s take a quick look at the features of the tool:
- Download emails in formats such as PST, EML, MBOX, etc.
- Users can save selected data by using Advanced Filters
- There is an option to choose a specific Category to save data from
- The tool also allows to download data as per a Date-range
- For downloading large files as well there are no limitations
- All the formatting and the folder structures are maintained
- Save file(s) or folder(s) as per requirement with the Dual Mode
Follow These Steps to Save IMAP Emails Locally
The software works in the following manner:
- Launch it and expand the Open menu.
- From there, click on the Email Accounts option and choose Add Account.
- In the next window, you have to provide your account details and press Add.
- When your mailbox opens, take a preview of it as per requirement.
- Then, choose the Export option to open the menu and select your desired file format.
- Now, set the destination for your results to be saved and hit the Save button.
That Would Be All
It is important to download all emails from IMAP server if you want to keep these emails safe from any risk. IMAP is a safe protocol but keeps the data on a mail server and these servers are not always safe from external attacks.
Thus, users prefer downloading their data so that they have a copy of their files stored in a safe place in case there is any damage done to the mailbox.