Import Outlook OLM to Gmail Easily – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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  • Updated on June 2nd, 2026

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VALERIE SCHMIED Query: How can I import an .olm file into my Gmail account?

I have tried to connect my account to Gmail, but by doing so, I lost all folders. So I created an .olm file from Outlook, hoping I could import it into Gmail, so I kept all folders and orders. Looking on Google, it seems to be no straightforward import solution…

Summary: Outlook for Mac stores mailbox data in OLM files, which contain emails, contacts, and other mailbox items. Most of the users choose to migrate their Outlook data to Gmail to access better Google services. If you are looking for a way to import Outlook OLM to Gmail account, this guide explains the manual method and the professional MSOutlookHelp OLM Converter Tool to import your data. 

Let’s start the blog with the benefits we offer when converting OLM files to Gmail.

Key Reasons to Import OLM to Gmail

Some of the unique reasons that encourage users to import Outlook OLM files to Gmail. These are as follows:-

  1. Gmail allows users to send and receive emails quickly, which include attachments.
  2. It offers advanced search features that help users to quickly access the required emails.
  3. Also, it offers about 15GB of storage, which is shared across Drive, Photos, etc.
  4. This Gmail ID application allows you to manage your contacts, calendars, tasks, and others.
  5. You can secure your data more efficiently once you add it to your Gmail account.

What data can be imported from OLM to Gmail?


Data Type

Manual Method

Professional Tool

Emails

Yes

Yes

Attachments

Yes

Yes

Folder Structure

Limited

Yes

Contacts

No/Partial

Yes

Calendars

No/Partial

Yes

Tasks

No

Yes

Notes

No

Yes


Proven Methods to Import Outlook OLM to Gmail

There are multiple approaches available to accomplish the import process. Here, we will discuss the most appropriate approaches to complete the process.

  • Manual Method 
  • Advanced Solution

Things to do: Before you perform OLM to Gmail Migration

  • You need to keep a copy of your OLM file before you start.
  • Check if you have enough free space in your Google account.
  • Double-check the Gmail account into which you want to import the data.
  • If you have a lot of emails, be prepared to wait a bit.
  • Close any unnecessary apps to keep the process smooth.
  • It is better to check a few emails after the import to make sure everything moved correctly. 

Method 01: Manual Procedure to Convert OLM to Gmail

Users can manually convert data from Outlook for Mac and OLM files into a Gmail account. It comprises a three-stage process: first, users need to configure their Gmail account for IMAP, then add a Gmail account in Outlook, and lastly, import Outlook OLM to Gmail.

Stage 01: Sync your Gmail Account for an IMAP

  1. Run Gmail as the default browser and sign in.
  2. Navigate to the Settings gear icon >> See All Settings option.
  3. Further, in the settings window, you will find a tab named Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
  4. Go to the IMAP Access section and select the Enable IMAP option.
  5. Hit the Save Changes button.

Stage 02: Add Gmail Account to Outlook

Adding a Gmail account to Outlook on Mac depends on the version you choose. Follow the procedure below to sync Gmail to Mac Outlook 2019/2016:-

  1. Initiate the Mac Outlook application.
  2. Thereafter, navigate to Outlook >> Preferences >> Accounts.
  3. On the Account Addition Page, click on the plus (+) sign to choose the new account.
  4. Then, provide your Gmail email address and password >> hit the Continue button.
  5. Further, review your access to your Gmail account and tap on Allow.
  6. Next, open the Outlook application again and check whether your Gmail account is configured or not.

Stage 03: Import the OLM File into Outlook for Mac

  • Open Outlook for Mac on your computer.
  • Click File and then choose Import.
  • Select Outlook for Mac Archive File (.olm) >> continue.
  • Browse to your OLM file, select it,>> click Import.

Stage 04: Import Outlook OLM to Gmail

  • Once the import is finished, find the imported OLM folders in Outlook.
  • After that, right-click the folder you want to move >> choose Move or Copy to Folder.
  • Select your Gmail folder from the list >> confirm the action.
  • Give Outlook some time to sync the data with your Gmail account through IMAP.

Once the import process is complete, the OLM folders will appear in Outlook and can be copied or moved to the configured Gmail account.

Downside of the Manual Method

  • You need Outlook for Mac to use this method.
  • It can take quite a while if you have a lot of emails.
  • Some items like contacts and calendars may not transfer properly.
  • Large mailboxes can take hours to finish syncing.
  • If the internet connection drops, some emails might not sync.
  • You have to keep checking the process yourself.
  • Folder organization may not stay the same after the move.
  • Moving emails one folder at a time can be tiring.

Method 02: Advanced Solution to Import Outlook OLM to Gmail

OLM Converter Software is the most reliable software for exporting Outlook OLM mailbox items to different file formats. Also, it allows the import of OLM to multiple other email clients, such as import OLM to Office 365, Google Workspace, and more. This utility can perform conversions on OLM of any size, so there is no limitation on file size for exporting the Mac Outlook mailbox. This software convert OLM to MBOX, PST, PDF, and other formats.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Upload OLM File to Gmail

  1. Download, install, and run the OLM Converter software on your device.

    Download, install, and run the OLM Converter software

  2. Choose the Select files or folder option, browse for OLM files >> hit Next.

    Select files or folder option, browse for OLM files

  3. Checkmark to select the data files of an OLM, and hit the Next button.

    Checkmark to select the data files of an OLM,

  4. Select Gmail and provide the username of your Gmail ID to sign in.

    Select Gmail and provide the username of your Gmail ID to sign in.

  5. Apply for additional built-in features per the requirements.

    Apply for additional built-in features

  6. In the end, tap on the Start Process to initiate the process.

    Tap on the Start Process to initiate the process

Conclusion

In this guide, we discussed both manual and professional methods to import Outlook OLM to Gmail account. The manual approach is useful for users who have a small mailbox. However, the process may take a longer time for large files. For users who transfer multiple files, it is recommended to use professional software to accomplish the importation. You can choose the method that best suits your mailbox goals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.1. Can I import OLM file directly into Gmail?

Ans. No, Gmail does not support direct OLM file imports. To access OLM data in Gmail, you need to use Outlook for Mac with IMAP synchronization or a professional OLM migration tool that can transfer the mailbox data to your Gmail account.

Q.2. How do I import OLM files into Gmail account?

Ans. You can import OLM files into Gmail by first enabling IMAP in Gmail, adding your Gmail account to Outlook for Mac, importing the OLM file into Outlook, and then moving the emails to your Gmail folders. Alternatively, you can use an OLM migration tool to transfer the data directly to Gmail.

Q.3. Can I import OLM to Gmail without Outlook?

Ans. Yes, but not through a manual method. Since Gmail cannot read OLM files directly, you will need a professional OLM converter tool that supports direct migration from OLM files to Gmail without requiring Outlook for Mac.

Q.4. Is it possible to import multiple OLM files into Gmail at once?

Ans. The manual method is not practical for importing multiple OLM files simultaneously. However, the professional method supports bulk conversion, allowing you to import multiple OLM files into Gmail in a single process.

About The Author:

Evren Cole is an expert in Email and Data Management. She has a strong passion for technology and entrepreneurship. In her free time, she enjoys football, music, and reading books.

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