How to Save Gmail Emails to Synology NAS

  Mohit Kumar Jha
Written By Mohit Kumar Jha
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On September 17th, 2025
Reading Time 6 Min Read

It is not possible to directly access your Gmail account in a Synology NAS and backup your data. You need the MailPlus Server package to connect your Gmail account with Synology. However, this process is quite difficult for many users. But don’t worry, I am going to tell you two different ways to backup Gmail to Synology. But first, let’s understand the Synology NAS.

Know About Synology NAS

Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a specialized computer that is small in size. It is used as a central and private hard drive where you install multiple hard drives in it and connect them to your network. The main purpose of Synology is to store, share, and backup all your data on the network.

Synology is like a personal, customizable cloud storage, where, by simply buying the device once you have full control and ownership of your data. Synology NAS runs on the Linux operating system called DiskStation Manager. It has its own email host and service, MailPlus server, and MailPlus. To add additional features, you have to install packages (applications).

On the other hand, Gmail is a popular webmail service provided by Google. It is a free email program where users can easily access their data across different platforms. Users can also integrate their Gmail with the Google Workspace to improve communication, productivity, and collaboration. But why do you want to backup your Gmail data to the Synology NAS? Below are the possible reasons to move your data.

Why Save Gmail to the Synology Device?

Synology is a device that is used to save your data. So, backing up your data on this machine can benefit you, which I will explain to you later.

  • There is always a risk of losing your important emails due to accidental deletions, account hack, or loss due to account suspensions. But, in Synology, your data will be stored under supervision.
  • By using Synology, your Gmail emails are stored on your own computer rather than being them on your Google server. This way, you have full control and ownership of your data.
  • Synology will act as a centralized, organized hub where all your important Gmail emails and attachments are stored. Therefore, businesses can use this opportunity for compliance and archiving needs.
  • After storing the data in the device, you can easily access your Gmail from multiple devices within your network.
  • To save your Gmail emails for a long period of time. Synology NAS will be very helpful. Also, if you lose your data, it helps you recover your data.

So, it is very beneficial for you to download your Gmail emails into Synology devices. However, it is not an easy job to do. But don’t worry, I am going to explain the methods very easily. So, properly follow them.

Backup Gmail to Synology with Google Takeout

Unfortunately, Gmail cannot be directly accessed on a Synology device. Because it runs its own Linux operating system. However, it allows you to access multiple file formats, like PDF, MBOX, etc. So, to backup your file, export your emails from Gmail and move the exported file to the Synology NAS. When it comes to exporting Gmail data, you can use Google Takeout.

  1. To get your Gmail emails in a single MBOX file, go to the Google Takeout site.
  2. Sign in to the same account where your Gmail is connected.
  3. Click on the Deselect all option, then scroll down to the Mail option.
  4. Select the Mail check box. Then, hit the Next step button.
  5. Choose the delivery method, frequency, and file type.
  6. Lastly, click on the Create Export option.
  7. The tool starts extracting emails from Google Takeout, and once it is done. You will receive an email containing a download link to your exported file.
  8. Initially, the exported file is in ZIP format, and you can extract the files to get your MBOX file.
  9. Now, it is time to move your exported file to the Synology NAS. I am going to use File Station.
  10. First, log in to Synology DiskStation Manager from the web browser.
  11. Open the File Station application. Choose a destination location where you want your shared file stored.
  12. Now, simply drag the ZIP file from your Windows computer into the File Station window.

With the help of these steps, you can smoothly save your Gmail emails in the Synology NAS. But there are issues in using Google Takeout, which I have explained below.

Limitations of Using the Above Method

While the Takeout is a free way to get your Gmail emails, and also helps you move to Synology. But it is not suitable every time. Here’s why.

  • If you are saving a large Gmail mailbox. Then, Takeout needs days, hours, or even days to export your data. So, backing up your data will take a long time.
  • Your data is downloaded in MBOX format, which means you need Thunderbird to view your data. Which makes it difficult in Synology
  • Google Takeout skips large attachments and only downloads emails.

So, for one time, you can use the Takeout option to save your Gmail emails in Synology NAS. But, for multiple backups, a professional tool will be a great option.

Download Gmail Emails to Synology NAS with Professional Option

The tool I am going to use runs on Windows OS. But it will definitely help you to save your Gmail emails into a common file format, which you can move to your Synology device. SysTools Gmail Backup Tool is an expert solution. The software offers you several formats like PST, PDF, MBOX, etc., which make it easier to access from any device. By using this tool, you can effortlessly export multiple Gmail emails in a few minutes. Below are the steps of the software.

Download Now Purchase Now

Steps to Save Gmail Emails

  1. Download and install the tool on your Windows computer.
    download the software
  2. Select Gmail from the source tab and click any format you want.
    choose gmail and any file format
  3. From the Workload, choose emails, and if you want, you can apply the date filter.
    select email from workload
  4. Enter your Gmail email address and click on the sign-in button.
    enter gmail email address
  5. Press the move to the permission grant page. Then, log in using your Gmail account.
    move to the permission page
  6. Now, browse a location and set a file size. Click on Validate button.
    set a location and the file size
  7. Click on Fetch Workload folders to get all your Gmail folders.
    fetch your gmail folders
  8. Select those folders that you want to save. Then, click on the Backup button.
    click the start backup button

After downloading the Gmail emails, you can now move them to the Synology device using the file station method, which I mentioned above.

To Be Conclude

Synology NAS is a device that uses its own Linux OS. So, it is difficult to directly save your Gmail emails. But if you save your data in a common file format. Then, you can easily move the file to the device. For this, I have explained two methods to save your Gmail data and a way to bring the exported file to Synology.

  author

By Mohit Kumar Jha

Mohit is a Microsoft Certified expert for all things Microsoft. He brings a unique perspective gained from nearly a decade of active participation in various IT forums, blogs, and social media. Known in admin circles as the go-to guru for solving user queries in the domain of cloud migration, data backup, and digital forensics. The secret to his core expertise lies in solving problems practically. Through this hands-on experience, he has acquired knowledge in diverse domains like Microsoft 365 Cloud, On-Premise Exchange Server, AD, and Entra ID.