Switching to a new Gmail address but worried about losing your old emails?
Whether you're moving from Yahoo, Outlook, Hotmail, or any other email provider, Gmail’s import tool makes the process easy.
This detailed guide will show you how to import emails into Gmail, including contacts and folders, using the import feature from your Gmail address.
Why Import Emails into Gmail?
There are several benefits to importing emails from an old email account into Gmail. Here are some of the main benefits:
- One inbox for all emails – Manage multiple accounts from a single place without switching between different email providers.
- Better organization – Use Gmail folders and Gmail labels to keep your emails structured and easy to find.
- Powerful search features – Gmail’s advanced search makes it faster and easier to locate specific emails.
- Security and storage – Gmail offers a secure connection and 15GB of free storage, ensuring your emails are safe and accessible.
Now, let’s go through the steps to import your emails into Gmail.
How to Import Other Accounts into Gmail
The easiest way to transfer emails and contacts from another account into Gmail is by using the Import Mail and Contacts feature.
This built-in tool allows you to pull in emails from most email service providers, including Yahoo, Outlook, and other non-Gmail accounts.
Step 1: Log Into Your Gmail Account
To start, log into the Gmail account via the desktop email client or Gmail App where you want to import emails. If you don’t have one yet, you can create a new Gmail account at mail.google.com.
Once you’re logged in, open your Gmail inbox and get ready to adjust the settings.
Step 2: Open Gmail Settings
1. In the top right corner of the Gmail page, click the gear icon.
2. From the dropdown menu, select "See all settings." This will open the full settings page, where you can manage your Gmail preferences.
Step 3: Go to the "Accounts and Import" Tab
1. In the settings menu, click the "Accounts and Import" tab.
2. Scroll down until you find the section titled "Import mail and contacts."
3. Click "Import mail and contacts." At this point, Gmail will open a new window where you can enter your old email details.
Step 4: Enter Your Old Email Address
1. Type the email address of your old account (Yahoo, Outlook, or any other provider).
2. Click "Continue." Gmail will now ask for access to your old account so that it can import your emails.
Step 5: Provide Login Credentials
If your previous email account has extra security settings, you might need to generate an app password instead of using your regular password.
For most email providers, you can simply enter your existing email password and proceed. Once you’ve entered the correct credentials, click "Continue."
Step 6: Select What to Import
Gmail will now ask you what you want to import. You will see several options:
- Import mail – Transfers all your old messages into your Gmail inbox.
- Import contacts – Moves all your saved contacts to Gmail.
- Auto-forwarding – For 30 days, any new messages received in your old email account will automatically be forwarded to Gmail.
Select the options that best suit your needs, then click "Start Import."
Step 7: Wait for the Import to Complete
Once you start the import, Gmail will begin retrieving all your emails and contacts from your old account.
This process can take a few minutes to several hours, depending on how many messages you have.
You can check the import progress by going back to the "Accounts and Import" tab in Gmail settings.
Take Email Management to the Next Level with MailTracker
Now that you have successfully imported your emails into Gmail, wouldn’t it be helpful to track when your email messages are opened?
With MailTracker, you can:
- See when recipients open your emails in real time.
- Track emails directly in Gmail without needing any additional software.
- Improve productivity by knowing the best time to follow-up.
- Track up to 20 emails per month for free.
Try MailTracker now and gain better control over your email communication.
