The easiest way to move your emails from Google to iCloud

Switching from Gmail to Apple Mail: A Comprehensive Guide

The differences between email apps are more significant than you might think. Sticking with a familiar app isn't always the best option. Switching from Google's Gmail to Apple Mail (via iCloud) is a popular choice, especially for new Apple device owners. This transition is seamless and doesn't require losing any emails. You'll need an Apple ID (which includes an iCloud email address) – easily created on any Apple device or online.

Adding Gmail to Apple Mail and iCloud

First, configure Gmail for external access. On the Gmail web interface, click the settings cog (top right), select "See all settings," then "Forwarding and POP/IMAP." Ensure "Enable IMAP" is checked, leaving other settings at their defaults.

Next, add your Gmail account to Apple Mail. On macOS, go to Mail > Add Account, choose Google, and follow the prompts. On iOS/iPadOS, navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Google and sign in. Remember, this is device-specific; adding to your Mac doesn't automatically add to your iPhone, and vice versa. Be patient; syncing a large Gmail inbox takes time, though recent emails appear quickly. Direct iCloud web import isn't currently supported.

Copying Messages to Apple Mail and iCloud

Your next steps depend on your Gmail account's future. You can keep Gmail alongside iCloud in Apple Mail, managing both inboxes from one app.

If deleting your Gmail account, copy desired messages to iCloud. On a Mac, select and drag emails from your Google mailbox to an iCloud folder. On iOS/iPadOS, select emails, tap "Edit" and "Move," then choose the iCloud destination. This moves emails from Google's to Apple's servers. Unfortunately, there's no automated bulk transfer; selective copying is necessary.

Apple Mail preserves Gmail labels, starred items, and important flags (visible in the macOS Mail sidebar and iOS/iPadOS Mailboxes list), aiding in prioritizing email transfers.

Managing Your Gmail Account

Several options exist for your Gmail account. Set up an auto-reply announcing your iCloud address. In Gmail's web settings (cog icon > See all settings > General), enable "Out of Office AutoReply" and compose your message.

Alternatively, after transferring emails, remove Gmail from Apple Mail (macOS: Mail > Accounts; iOS/iPadOS: Settings > Mail > Accounts) and delete your Gmail account (or entire Google account) via Google's account deletion page. You can also remove Gmail from Apple Mail without deleting it, potentially setting up forwarding to your iCloud address (Gmail web settings: cog icon > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP > Forward a copy of incoming mail).

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