Universal Email Migration Toolkit

Migration Decision Tree

Use this matrix to determine the best migration path:

Universal IMAP Migration Process

For most provider-to-provider migrations:

Step 1: Source Preparation

1. Enable IMAP on source account (if not enabled by default)
2. Create app password (Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud require this)
3. Test connectivity using the IMAP test script
4. Estimate data size using the mailbox size script
5. Document folder structure for mapping reference

Step 2: Destination Setup

1. Create target account with sufficient storage
2. Enable IMAP access (for intermediary tools)
3. Configure mail client (Outlook, Thunderbird, or web import)
4. Set up folder structure matching source (if needed)
5. Test inbound mail to verify account is working

Step 3: Migration Execution

Choose based on destination platform:

To Gmail (any source with IMAP)

1. Gmail → Settings → Accounts → Import mail and contacts
2. Enter source IMAP details from provider matrix
3. Choose import options (last 30 days vs. all mail)
4. Start import — Gmail handles the rest automatically

To Outlook/Microsoft 365

1. Outlook Desktop → Add Account → IMAP source
2. Set up both accounts in same Outlook profile
3. Drag and drop folders from source to destination
4. Alternative: Use Microsoft's import tools for bulk

IMAP-to-IMAP (Universal)

1. Use desktop client (Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail)
2. Configure both accounts as IMAP
3. Copy folders between accounts via client
4. Monitor for errors and retry failed items

Step 4: Validation

1. Compare email counts between source and destination
2. Test key functionality (send, receive, search)
3. Verify contacts and calendar if migrated
4. Check folder structure matches expectations
5. Validate largest messages and attachments

Email Backup and Export

Before any migration, create backups:

Source-Specific Export Methods