How to transfer emails over IMAP between servers?

Switching hosting providers can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re doing it on your own. You not only need to transfer all the files and databases from the old server to the new one; you also have to ensure everything works. It’s not just the website, either.

Recreating every single email inbox and moving the old communication to the new server is often instrumental to ensuring a smooth transition between hosts.

Luckily, many modern email clients give you the option of moving emails between accounts, meaning transferring your messages to your new inbox shouldn’t be a problem. Here’s how you can do it.

Moving emails between servers with the help of IMAP

You first need to choose an email client. Bear in mind that not all clients are suitable for this particular task. For example, Windows 10’s built-in Mail app does support multiple accounts, but it won’t allow moving messages between them. However, many other popular clients like Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird have this functionality built into them. Once you’ve picked your email client, you can follow the steps below.

  1. Set up your old email account in your client application

You’ll transfer the messages using your local email client, so it will need to access your old server. The previous hosting provider should tell you how to configure your email client to work with your old email account.

  1. Recreate your email inbox at your new provider

You need to create an inbox to transfer the messages to. If you want to continue using your old address, you can use it to create a new account. Depending on their plan, ScalaHosting customers create new inboxes via either cPanel or SPanel’s User Interface.

  1. Set up your new account in your client application

The two accounts need to be connected to the same email client if the transfer is to work. You also have to make sure your new account is connected via IMAP. If it’s not, the messages won’t be transferred to the new server.

ScalaHosting customers can find their account’s IMAP settings in the Welcome Email they receive upon signing up. It’s also available in the My Details > Email History section of their Client Area.

  1. Copy the messages from the old inbox to the new one

The exact mechanism differs from client to client. Some apps have a drag-and-drop functionality, while others let you copy-paste emails. Whatever the case, all you need to do to move the emails to your new account is to make sure they’re in its inbox. Thanks to IMAP, they will appear on the new server as well.

Was this helpful?

What’s your goal today?

1. Find the right Managed VPS solution

If you’re looking for industry-leading speed, ease of use and reliability Try ScalaHosting with an unconditional money-back guarantee.

2. Make your website lighting fast

We guarantee to make your WordPress site load in less than 2 seconds on a managed VPS with ScalaHosting or give your money back. Fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch.

Please enter a valid name
Please enter a valid website
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

3. Streamline your clients’ hosting experience

If you’re a web studio or development agency hosting more than 30 websites, schedule a call with Vlad, our co-founder and CTO, and see how we can deliver unmatched value to both your business and your clients.

Photo

Need a custom cluster or professional advice?

Book a meeting and get a free 30-minute consultation with Vlad, co-founder & CTO of Scala Hosting, who will help you select, design and build the right solution - from a single data center cluster to a multi-region & multi-datacenter high availability cluster with hundreds of servers.

Book a free consultation

4. Learn how to grow your website in 2024

An all-star team of SEO and web influencers are sharing their secret knowledge for the first time in years. Learn about the future of SEO, Web Design best practices and the secrets to getting the foundation for your website to thrive. Watch the exclusive webinar.

An Exclusive Insiders Look Behind The SEO and Web Development Curtain

Rado
Author

Working in the web hosting industry for over 13 years, Rado has inevitably got some insight into the industry. A digital marketer by education, Rado is always putting himself in the client's shoes, trying to see what's best for THEM first. A man of the fine detail, you can often find him spending 10+ minutes wondering over a missing comma or slightly skewed design.