How to Import PST to Gmail? Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Want to know if you can import PST to Gmail? The answer is Yes, but not directly using the Gmail interface. PST files are Outlook-specific files to store emails, contacts, notes, journals, etc. However, having the right knowledge of the manual, freeways, and professional solutions working can make your PST to Gmail migration task simpler.

Therefore, within this expert guide, we are going to cover a detailed step-by-step guide to transfer PST to Gmail. Using the three free methods, including the Outlook email client, the free Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Outlook (GWMMO) tool, and a professional PST to Gmail migration tool.

Alongside, we will also include quick fixes for a DIY approach, like PST file size limitations, folder structure, and metadata preservation. Irrespective of the fact that you are importing single or multiple PST files to Gmail. This guide will delve deep into best practices, data integrity tips, etc.

How to Open PST Files in Gmail Account? Brief Outline

One can easily import PST to Gmail via the correct approach. In this guide we will discuss the following free and professional techniques to overcome the problem.

• Migrate PST File to Gmail Via Outlook Client.
• Upload PST to Gmail Using GWMMO Free Utility.
• Professional Solution to Import PST to Gmail.

Important Steps Before PST to Gmail Migration

Before importing PST file to Gmail, please ensure you have checked that your PST file is in a healthy format. Secondly, gather your Gmail account credentials and set up the environment for the migration process. These pre-migration steps will help in a hassle-free import of the PST file to Gmail.

Save a Copy of the Original PST File: Following this precautionary step to save a copy of the PST file before starting the migration process. Helps users roll back to the initial condition in case of partial migration, tool crashes, etc. If you have a copy of PST file stored, you may retry the PST to Gmail import task.

Verify PST Files are in a Healthy Format: Another pre-import step is that you must verify that your Outlook data file is in healthy format. You may use the Outlook scanPST.exe free tool to fix your PST file damage if it is not in a healthy format, or you may use the dedicated PST repair tool.

Check PST File Size is Below 20 GB: Please verify that the size of your Outlook data file is below 20 GB. Since larger files often result in slow migration of PST to Gmail, or can even cause complete importing failure.

Temporarily Turn Off Antivirus or Firewall: Some security applications or firewalls might block the connection between your desktop and Gmail. To ensure a smoother PST to Gmail import process. It is suggested to temporarily turn off such applications and the firewall until the migration process ends.

2 Free Methods to Migrate PST Files to Gmail

If you are opting for the free methods to import PST to Gmail, you may use the Outlook and GWMMO free utility to overcome your problem. Remember, these methods require Outlook to be installed on your system to complete the PST to Gmail migration process. If you have Outlook already installed on your system. Then, you might follow the steps to use the free methods to overcome your problem.

#1 How to Upload PST File to Gmail Via Outlook Client for Free?

Step 1: Configure Gmail Account in Outlook Email Client

1. Open Outlook Email Client.
2. Now, go to Files > Info > Add Account.
3. Next, enter the email address in legacy Outlook.
4. After that, enter the password of your Gmail account.
5. Now, Outlook will auto-configure your Gmail account in Outlook.

Step 2: Upload PST to File Gmail Profile Configured in Outlook

1. Now, go to the File tab > Open & Export > Import/Export.
2. After that, click on import from another file.
3. Next, choose Outlook data files (.pst) > click the Browse button.
4. Then, choose the PST file required to import into Gmail.
5. Thereafter, click on Next > select destination as Gmail profile.
6. Finally, click on Finish and wait for Outlook to sync with Gmail.

#2 How to Migrate PST to Gmail Using GWMMO Free Utility?

1. Download and install G Suite Migration for Microsoft Outlook (GSMMO).
2. After that, log in with your Gmail email address and the Continue icon.
   
3. Click on the Allow button to grant required permissions.
   
4. Upload your Outlook data File using the Browse option.
   
5. Check the needed data, including Mail, Contacts, Calendar, etc.
   
6. Lastly, click on the Migrate button to import PST files to Gmail without Outlook.
   

Limitations of the Free Techniques

Outlook Installation is Mandatory: Most of the free solutions work only when you have already installed Outlook on your system. If you do not have Outlook installed on your system, the free techniques to import PST to Gmail will not work.

Not Suitable for Free Gmail Accounts (GWMMO): The GWMMO free tool does not allow free (@gmail.com) accounts for the import process. Users must have a Google Workspace account to use this technique.

File Size Restrictions: The free techniques work well for the PST file size of 20 GB; above this, your migration process may slow down or completely fail in the middle.

Folder Structure May Not Be Retained: The free tool and DIY technique do not guarantee that the folder structure of the data will be preserved after importing PST to Gmail.

Limited Support & Recovery Options: If anything goes wrong happens the free solution does not provide any dedicated support to overcome the query.

Pro Approach to Import PST to Gmail without Losing Folder Structure

If you are looking for a professional solution to import Outlook data file to Gmail without Outlook, PST file size limitation, and keeping the folder hierarchy intact. Then, you may use the RecoveryTools PST Migration Tool. This advanced PST to Gmail Migration Tool has the expertise to upload Outlook data files to Gmail without Outlook installation as a standalone solution. Moreover, users can apply the utility email-level filters for selective PST to Gmail import. Now, let us have a working guide for this expert solution.

#3 How to Import PST File to Gmail Account without Outlook?

1. At the start, install and run the PST to Gmail Migration tool on your PC.
   
2. Next, click on the Select Files or Select Folders button to add PST files for import.
   
3. After that, enable the folders you need to migrate from PST to Gmail account.
   
4. Then, choose the saving option as Gmail from the drop-down menu.
   
5. Thereafter, enable filter options to selectively import PST to Gmail.
   
6. Lastly, enter the Gmail account credentials and click on Convert to start the PST to Gmail conversion process.
   

Concluding Words

In conclusion, to import PST to Gmail, it is difficult until you have the right path. With the correct solutions and steps, anyone can easily migrate PST to Gmail account. However, it is completely your choice which method you need to choose. But if you go with the freeways, there are lots of limitations, and the GWMMO free tool does not work for free Gmail accounts.

If you require a secure upload PST file in Gmail, you may choose the professional PST to Gmail migration tool to keep your folder structure, metadata, attachments, etc. preserve after the migration process.