This article highlights the easiest ways to import PST to Gmail even if users do not have the Outlook app installed on their devices. We are going to understand the reasons for moving these files and cover up the manual method for the transfer as well. Let’s start!
Gmail is one of the most used email platforms other than Microsoft Outlook and users trust both of these platforms a lot. Outlook is a desktop-based application that many users have but may not be able to access the data at all times.
However, users want to learn to transfer PST to Gmail because they always need access to their data. Since Gmail is available on the cloud, users get the chance to access it from any device, at any time, from anywhere with an internet connection.
On the other hand, Outlook is an email client which is used for managing personal and corporate uses. It has rich functionalities for creating schedules and uses PST to store all of its information.
We will be taking a look at the reasons for moving this data to the Gmail account in the next section.
Key Takeaways
- Importing PST files on Gmail enables users to access their data from anywhere on any device at any time.
- Gmail does not support direct transfer of PST files into Gmail.
- Microsoft Outlook installation is mandatory if you want to migrate PST to Gmail for free.
- A certain level of technical understanding is required to ensure you complete the process without any errors.
- For a hassle-free process, try using Zitta PST to Gmail Migration Tool.
- A free Gmail account only provides 15GB of storage space. Make sure the data stored in the PST file is not more than 15 GB.
Why Do Users Want to Import PST to Gmail? Reasons Explained
Users may find themselves in situations where they are no longer happy with using the PST files and may want to switch. Or they might find Gmail better, let’s check out the reasons:
- Gmail offers a sufficient amount of free storage to its users which they have the option to expand. However, PST has a large size but can get corrupted easily.
- Users have the option to sign-in to a lot of applications with just one click using Gmail.
- There is a chat messenger which can be a reason to transfer PST to Gmail.
- A lot of users find it difficult to use Outlook and access their PST files whereas Gmail has a very user-friendly interface.
- You can use any device or OS and the data will be synced.
- Easy to download contacts.
- Recovery of password is easy by using the phone number or any other method.
Now, let’s quickly jump towards the methods to make the transfer.
Method 1 – Professional Guide to Instantly Migrate the Data to Gmail
The best possible way to transfer the data is by using the PST Converter Tool. This tool provides users with the option to directly import PST to Gmail even in bulk. The software is capable of migrating the data without making any alterations.
It is very easy for a PST file to get corrupted even during the migration process which this software ensures does not happen. Moreover, if you want to transfer the data from an encrypted file, you can use the tool to do that. It supports conversion of ANSI and UNICODE encrypted files.
The working of the software is also very easy. Let’s quickly move towards it.
How Does the Tool Work to Transfer PST to Gmail Without Outlook?
All you need is the PST file in your system, the tool downloaded and you are good to go:
- Click on the Open option and choose Email Data Files. From the menu that appears, choose Outlook PST and hit Choose Files.
- Now, look for the PST file from your device and hit Open to upload it.
- At the top of your screen, there is an Export option. Click on that and open the menu to choose Gmail from the Email Services.
- Enter the password for your account and click Save.
The data will be transferred.
Method 2 – Manually Import PST to Gmail Using the Two Email Platforms
For this method, you will be needing both Outlook and Gmail for the transfer. We will divide this method into two steps for you to understand the working of the process easily.
First, we are going to use Gmail to enable the IMAP settings. Then, we will go to Outlook and add the account to complete the transfer. Read the instructions carefully to not make any mistakes and complete the process easily.
Section 1 – Use Gmail to Enable the Settings for Transfer
To start the process to transfer PST to Gmail, follow these steps:
- Log in to your account and hit Settings gear. Choose See All Settings and a new page will open.
- Go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP section and choose the Enable IMAP option.
- Hit the Save Changes option to move further.
Section 2 – Completing the Process by Adding the IMAP Account
Configure your account in the Outlook application to move the data. These are the steps to follow:
- Open Outlook, go to the File tab and click on the Add Account option.
- Provide your Gmail email address and hit Connect.
- Give the password for your account and press Connect to import PST to Gmail.
- Once your account is configured, you will receive a notification. Click on Done.
- Now, in the Outlook account, choose the Import/Export option.
- The Import/Export wizard will open up. Select Export to a file option.
- Choose the Import from a file or program option and hit Next.
- Click on Outlook data file (.pst) option and press Next.
- Here, you have to select the account that you want to import the file to which is Gmail.
- Hit Finish.
Your data will start migrating.
Few Disadvantages of the Manual Method to Transfer PST to Gmail
The manual method works just fine but there are a few drawbacks of using it:
- The process takes a lot of time to complete as there are too many steps to follow.
- There is no guarantee that the data is transferred safely. It is possible that the files may be corrupted or are not accessible.
- This method can be unresponsive and complex for users who have no knowledge about working technically.
- The formatting of the files may not remain the same even if the data is exported successfully.
Final Verdict
Many users may be looking for methods to import PST to Gmail without Outlook but are not able to find the right methods. We have explained the best techniques possible for all types of users directly. The software that we have mentioned is a great tool to work with and fulfills all the needs of a user.
The manual method is useful to and migrates the data but is a bit too lengthy. Moreover, you need to have Outlook installed if you want to transfer the data. For those users who do not have access to the Outlook application will not be able to transfer their data manually.
Frequently Asked Queries
Q. What is the step-by-step procedure to import PST emails to Gmail without Outlook?
A. A simple guide for importing PST emails to Gmail without Outlook is:
- Step 1: Download the application for free.
- Step 2: Load PST file in the software.
- Step 3: Preview data stored in PST file.
- Step 4: Choose Gmail as your export option.
- Step 5: Start PST email to Gmail migration.
Q. Why can’t I import PST emails to Gmail without Outlook?
A. As PST file is a native file format of Microsoft Outlook, Google cannot directly import the mailbox items stored in it. In order to transfer emails, you need to either use the aforementioned manual procedure or the trusted Zitta Software.
Q. Can I transfer my PST file to Gmail for business?
A. Yes, you can also migrate your PST emails into Gmail for business using the GWMMO tool or the above-mentioned software.
Q. Is there any file size limit while importing PST files into Gmail?
A. Yes, a free Gmail account has a storage limit of 15GB. If you have a PST file with a size of more than 15 GB, then you won’t be able to import complete data into your Gmail account.