Can you import PST file to iCloud? iCloud does not have a native option to directly open PST file. So, if you want to upload the file, you need Outlook to act as a translator between the local PST file and the live iCloud server. Here, I am going to explain how you can manually upload your PST file to iCloud and suggest a professional solution for direct import.

Table of Contents
  1. Why Need to Import PST Files to iCloud?
  2. Prerequisites Before Moving PST File to iCloud
  3. How to Import PST Files in iCloud Manually?
  4. Import Files in Classic Outlook and Move to iCloud Mail
  5. Drawbacks of Following Manual Method
  6. Import PST File in iCloud Professionally
  7. Working Steps of Software
  8. Concluding Words

Why Need to Import PST Files to iCloud?

Although the PST file has its own email client, Outlook. Some users still need to upload their Outlook emails to the iCloud server. The reasons behind this are mentioned below.

  • The PST file is an exclusive MS Outlook file. Sometimes users do not have the program installed and want to access the file on their iCloud.
  • Having your emails in iCloud allows you to access your data from other Apple devices. Whereas, if you want to view the PST file on other devices is to share it every time.
  • Having your important data in your local drive is very risky, such as PST file corruption due to a system crash. That’s why syncing to iCloud allows you to save your data in cloud storage.
  • PST file is a Windows file, so moving it to iCloud allows you to make the file available on your Mac computer.

These are some of the common reasons why some users want to move their PST file to iCloud Mail.

Prerequisites Before Moving PST File to iCloud

Before you go through the process straightaway. You must prepare yourself to make sure the process runs smoothly. Follow the steps below.

  • Generate an app password for your Apple account for security purposes. Make sure that you turn on Two-Factor Authentication to create the app password.
  • Check your iCloud storage capacity so that you have enough space to save a large PST file.
  • Choose a stable internet connection when you are importing your PST file into iCloud Mail.
  • Create a copy of your PST file as a backup if you lose some of the data during the process. You can recover your data.
  • Properly enable IMAP for the configuration.
  • The manual method can be applicable in your classic Outlook when you have to import the file.

How to Import PST Files in iCloud Manually?

You will need MS Outlook to move your files to iCloud Mail. So, the process will be a little lengthy. But you can move your emails for free.

  1. Start by configuring your Outlook account to iCloud Mail. Log in to your classic Outlook account.
  2. Click File and then select the Add Account button.
  3. Enter your iCloud email address and app password. Choose the Advanced option.
  4. Press Let me set up my account manually. Select IMAP.
  5. Provide the IMAP settings and complete the configuration.

Import Files in Classic Outlook and Move to iCloud Mail

Now, you have to open the PST file in Outlook that it is already includes your iCloud.

  1. Click on the File button, then click the Open & Export option.
  2. Select IMAP/Export. Choose Import from another program or file.
  3. Hit Outlook Data File (.pst). Browse your local PST file. Open the file.
  4. Once you have uploaded your PST file, drag and drop the emails one by one to the connected iCloud folder.

Here are the manual ways to add PST file to iCloud. They are free but can cause you issues such as.

Drawbacks of Following Manual Method

  • As you can see, the manual solution has multiple steps. That can take a lot of time, and users may be confused while importing the files.
  • Manually uploading the files and moving them to different locations is a risky job. You may lose your data.
  • You need Outlook, even a classic version. So, it is not a direct option.

With the above method, you can import a PST file in iCloud using the classic Outlook version, which is a lot more difficult when you have to move bulk files. However, there is a way to directly transfer files to iCloud with professional software.

Import PST File in iCloud Professionally

In this, you can use dedicated software like SysTools IMAP Import Tool, a specialized software that you can use to move your file. It is a brilliant utility where, instead of using Outlook, you can move your file to iCloud or any other email application with the help of an IMAP server. The tool can easily move bulk files and selective data using a data filter. To know how the software works, follow the steps below.

Working Steps of Software

  1. Start by installing the software and then choose the PST file and IMAP option.
    install the software
  2. Adjacent to the Email option, use the date filter to sort out your emails in a specific email range.
    apply date filter
  3. Open your PST file in your source dashboard. Press the Validate button.
    submit pst file
  4. Choose iCloud and provide your account settings. Hit Validate.
    choose icloud mail
  5. Add your users’ accounts to correctly move your files in the account. Then, hit Start Import.
    hit start import button

Concluding Words

If you have a local PST file on your Mac and want to see the file and access it. You can import it to iCloud. Here, I have properly explained the manual way to import a PST file to iCloud and a professional software. Make sure you first follow the prerequisites to run a smooth process.