How to Transfer Hotmail to iCloud on Desktop Step by Step?

Hotmail is now part of Outlook.com, and to transfer your emails to iCloud, specialized software like SysTools IMAP Migrator is right for you. But if you want to migrate manually, then you have to use an IMAP desktop email client where you have to sync both your Hotmail and iCloud accounts and move your emails. Alternatively, use an iPhone or iPad to pull your emails. Here, I will explain the proper steps of these methods with their limitations to know which one is best for you.

Why Migrate Hotmail Emails to iCloud?

Before migrating your emails, let’s find out the reason for moving emails from Hotmail to iCloud account.

• One of the main reasons why they are switching to iCloud is to integrate with Apple devices.
• If the Apple Mail account is primary, moving your old Hotmail emails to iCloud helps you to manage your mailbox easily.
• Hotmail is an outdated account, whereas Apple provides strong privacy protections like Mail Privacy Protection and two-factor authentication that can keep your emails safe.
• If you no longer need a Hotmail account and switch to an Apple account, then it will be beneficial for you to transfer your mailbox.

Users have their own reasons to move their emails, but to properly transfer them, you need to keep certain points.

Important Points Before Hotmail to iCloud Migration

• First of all, enable the IMAP server in Hotmail and properly download the email client for transferring your account.
• Make sure you have a stable internet connection for syncing and migrating the email account.
• Review your Hotmail mailbox and remove any duplicated or unnecessary emails to make the process much easier.
• You must have enough storage space in iCloud to store all your emails from Hotmail.
• Properly note down the IMAP server settings and create an app password for authorization.
• Make sure you create a Hotmail backup to protect your emails from any unforeseen incidents.

How to Transfer Hotmail Emails to iCloud? Manual Method

The manual way to migrate your emails is to use an email client. Apple Mail, Thunderbird, or Outlook, etc. you can use it to sync your account and move your emails.

1. Run Apple Mail or your desktop client on your PC.
2. Go to System Settings >> [Your Name] >> iCloud >> Mail.
3. Enable the Sync this Mac option. Then, add your Hotmail account.
4. Click the Mail option at the top of the menu bar. Select the Add Account button.
5. Choose Microsoft Exchange. Type your Hotmail email address and follow the sign-in prompt.
6. Once your Hotmail emails are linked, create a new folder in the iCloud account folder pane.
7. Go to the Hotmail folder, select your email, hold it, and move it to the new folder. You can copy the folder as well.

Migrate Hotmail to iCloud Using iPhone or iPad

Instead of on a desktop, you can transfer your mailbox on an iPhone or iPad. For this, you have to enable iCloud and then import the messages.

1. Go to iPhone Settings>> [Your name] >> iCloud >> Mail >> iCloud Mail.
2. Scroll down and click Import Messages. Then, choose Import from another address. Press Continue.
3. Choose Outlook.com and sign in to the account with Hotmail credentials. Hit Accept to allow Apple to pull your messages to iCloud.

Transfer Hotmail to iCloud with Specialized Software

The reason this method is better than manual method is because of how easily you can move your files without any issues. You don’t need an email client to transfer your files. The tool itself is capable of moving your mailbox by simply providing the email address and server settings. Users can easily transfer multiple emails at once, and if they need to, find specific emails and move them. The tool comes with a free demo and can be downloaded for Windows and macOS.

Instructions to Use Software

1. Download, install, and launch the software on your Windows computer. Select Source and Destination as IMAP.
2. Select Email and apply the built-in date filter, and click Next.
3. From the Source tab, select the IMAP Server type from which data will arrive. Some of the popular IMAP servers are listed in the drop-down, including Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud Mail, Zoho Mail, etc.
4. The software will automatically fetch the IMAP Server URL in the case of named options (Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud Mail, Zoho Mail). For others, you have to enter the IMAP Server URL and Port ID yourself.
5. From the Destination tab, similar to the source tab, select the IMAP Server type where data will be migrated.
6. Fill in and verify the server details and press Validate. Add users using either of these two options, such as Import Users or Download CSV.
7. Select the user’s account that you want to transfer from Hotmail to iCloud. Click on the Validate button and then click on Start.

Final Words

After reading this blog, you will now know how to transfer Hotmail emails to iCloud. Here, I have first explained the manual methods that are free to use and helpful. However, the specialized software is much easier and better. Users can securely transfer their emails without needing a desktop client. But before following the methods, make sure you properly follow the important points for a smooth migration.