How to Import MSG Files in Gmail Account?

MSG File is a single message file only for Outlook. However, if you want to import it into a Gmail account. This blog will help you. Here, I am going to explain all the methods, manual and professional, to easily open MSG file in Gmail. Before going through the procedure, let’s understand the reasons for moving an MSG file to a Gmail account.

Why Upload MSG Files in Gmail Mailbox?

Gmail does not support MSG files; still, some users want to open them. The reasons behind this are mentioned below.

• An MSG file is located on your computer’s hard drive, whereas Gmail is webmail that you can access from any device. To make the MSG file available on different devices, you need to import it to Gmail.
• There are many users who are switching from Microsoft to Gmail platforms. However, some old MSG files are left behind, which they need.
• If Gmail is your primary account, many want all their data in one place for easy management. That’s why they want to import MSG into Gmail so that they can organize all important data in one place.
• Having your MSG file on a local drive is risky due to corruption and loss from a system crash. For this reason, some move it to Gmail so that they can secure the important data.
• Gmail integrates easily with Google Workspace, so the reason for uploading the MSG file is to take advantage of Google’s real-time collaboration and other advanced features.

There are many other reasons for uploading MSG file in Gmail. Now, if you want to know how you can import, follow the steps properly.

How to Open MSG File in Gmail? Outlook Client Method

Because you cannot directly import an MSG file in Gmail, you must use the Outlook client to add your Gmail account and then move it.

1. Make sure IMAP is enabled in Gmail, and then run the Microsoft Outlook desktop app.
2. Click the File option from the menu bar. Then, select Info and Add Account.
3. Enter your Gmail email address and sign in to the account using the password.
4. Complete the process to sync your account perfectly.
5. After that, create a destination Gmail folder in the client sidebar. Right-click on the Gmail account.
6. Choose the New Folder option, provide the name, and hit Enter.
7. Go to the location where your MSG file is saved. Right-click it and open it in Outlook.
8. After that, drag the imported file to the Gmail folder.

Forward MSG File to Gmail Email Address

Users can forward their MSG files to a Gmail account. In this case, you don’t need to configure IMAP settings and can import files individually.

1. Go to the location where your MSG file is stored on your hard drive.
2. Double-click the file or right-click the file and select Microsoft Outlook.
3. After opening it, open the message file. Click the Forward button.
4. Enter your Gmail email address, then click the Send button.
5. Now, you will find your MSG file in your main inbox with the original text and attachments.

Limitations of Manual Methods for Importing MSG Files in Gmail

The methods that I have explained above are free to follow, but they can also cause you some limitations.

• The only possible way that you can manually import MSG files is through Outlook. If you didn’t install the client. Then, you are not able to manually open the files.
• These methods allow you to upload one file at a time. So, opening hundreds of files canl be time-consuming.
• Additionally, you are opening an MSG file by hand and then importing it to Gmail. There is a big chance of human error during the procedure.
• You may lose some of your files, metadata, and original content when you are forwarding it to Gmail.
• IMAP sync has strict upload and timeout limits, so large attachments in your MSG file can cause issues when uploading them.

Hence, you may face problems. However, you can avoid them by using the direct method.

Import MSG File in Gmail with Direct Method

Without needing the help of an email client, you can directly import your MSG file using SysTools IMAP Import Tool. It is professional software that allows you to directly upload your local file to Gmail or any other IMAP-supported account. It is much easier to use here. You just need to upload your MSG folder, provide your Gmail account, and import the file with one click. The software comes with a free demo, which you can download for Windows and macOS. Then, follow the steps below.

Steps to Use the Software to Import a File

1. Start by downloading and installing the tool on your desktop.
   
2. Choose the MSG file from the source section and IMAP as the destination.
   
3. Then, create an MSG folder on your local drive. Upload the folder in the software.
   
4. In the destination, select the Gmail option and click the Validate button.
   
5. Add your source and destination user email IDs. Then, click the Start Import option.
   

Practices for Smoothly Opening MSG Files in Gmail

I am going to share some important tips that can make the process much easier and faster.

• Make sure you properly enable IMAP when you have to sync your Gmail account for uploading.
  • Log in to your Gmail account. Click the gear icon, then go to See all Settings.
  • Select the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab. Enable IMAP and save the changes.
• Instead of using your primary Gmail password, use an app password if two-factor authentication is enabled for the secure configuration.
• Check your email account mailbox storage to ensure it has enough space to import the MSG file.
• Backup the MSG file is important, as there is no guarantee that you can completely import the file.
• Check your MSG folder and remove any unnecessary and duplicate files to make the process easier.

Summary

Gmail does not support MSG files, so to import them, I have explained three manual ways to open the files. All are simple to follow but also have drawbacks that can interrupt your work. Instead, try professional software, which is a much easier and quicker way to import an MSG file into Gmail.