Convert POP3 account to IMAP in Outlook: Know Complete Steps!
Have you ever lost an important email while switching your devices? That's a common issue with POP3 accounts in Outlook. It downloads emails to a single computer, which limits users from accessing their data.
Therefore, switching your account to IMAP is the most suitable option. Here, we will show you how to convert your POP3 account to IMAP in Outlook efficiently.
All the steps are designed to preserve your data and enhance your email experience across devices.
POP3 Vs IMAP: The Difference You Need to Understand!
Go through the following table to understand the basic differences between IMAP and POP accounts:
|
Feature |
POP3 |
IMAP |
| Emails’ location | Downloaded locally and often deleted server-side. | Stored on the server and synced everywhere. |
| Multi-device sync6 | No, one device sees the email only. | Yes, all changes are reflected across all devices. |
| Backup type | Manual export needed. | Server-side backup covers all synced data. |
| Suitable for | One-device access with minimal sync required. | Modern workflows involving multiple devices. |
Verdict: POP3 is outdated and doesn’t work well with multiple devices, but IMAP is designed for this.
Check These Boxes First: Before You Switch to IMAP!
Here is the list of essential steps that you must complete before converting your POP3 account.
- Backup emails from your existing POP3 mailbox into a PST file.
- Make sure you have the correct email address and password ready.
- Gather server settings like IMAP and SMTP details from your email provider.
- Plan the conversion during non-peak usage to avoid missing emails during the switch.
How to Convert POP3 to IMAP in Outlook?
We have broken down the process into smaller segments for more clarity. So, use the detailed steps to change the POP3 account to the IMAP account easily.
Export POP3 Emails in PST Format
Here is the step-by-step process to export POP3 emails into PST format:
Open Outlook and navigate to File tab.
Go to the Open & Export section and click Import/Export.
Choose Export to a file and proceed to Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
Choose the mailbox folder that you wish to export and check the Include subfolders option. Then, Filter data if needed and click Next.
Browse to select the file saving location and choose appropriate Options. Then, tap on Finish.
Remove the POP3 Account from Outlook
Follow the given steps to remove the POP3 account from Outlook:
Go to File> Account Settings> Account Settings.
Select the POP3 account and click on the Remove option.
Tap on Yes in the confirmation message to proceed.
Add the Same Email as an IMAP Account
Now, set up your email account via IMAP configuration using the following steps:
Navigate to File tab and click Add Account option.
Type your Email address and enable Let me set up my account manually. Then, tap on Connect.
Click on IMAP option to continue further.
Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Import the PST Backup File
Go to the File menu and use the given steps to import the PST backup file in Outlook:
Navigate to the Open & Export section and click on Import/Export.
Choose Import from another program or file and click Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) as file type and proceed to Next.
Browse to select the PST file location and choose appropriate Options. Then, click Next.
Include subfolders and Filter out data if needed. Then, use the Import items into the same folder in option to select location and click Finish.
It will start importing the PST file data to Outlook.
Post-Conversion Insights: Your New IMAP Experience!
Explore the benefits that you get after the conversion and how it improves your workflow:
- Folders like Sent, Drafts, and Deleted appear exactly as they do on the server.
- Any changes to emails, like deleting, moving, or reading, will sync across all devices.
- Your old emails are stored in your IMAP account and are easily accessible from the left pane of Outlook.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you can now easily convert POP3 account to IMAP in Outlook. The step-by-step guide will assist you in every step to complete this conversion successfully.
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FAQs: Your Doubts, Gone in Seconds!
Q1- Can I switch without losing emails?
Yes, if you export your data in PST file before conversion. After that, import these files to Outlook again once IMAP account set up is completed.
Q2- Do I need a new email address?
No, you can configure the IMAP settings for the same email address. The POP3 to IMAP transition only changes the access methods for your emails.
Q3- What happens to my sent emails?
The IMAP configuration allows your sent items, drafts, and deleted items to sync across all devices.
Q4- Is it possible to perform the POP3 to IMAP transition on Outlook for Mac?
Yes, use the Open Outlook Data File feature of the Outlook application to load your PST file in read-only mode.