How to Export AOL Email to PST File?

If you want to export AOL email to PST, AOL Mail does not provide a direct “Export to PST” option. The practical manual method is to connect your AOL account to Classic Outlook using IMAP and an AOL app password, allow the messages to synchronize, and then export the mailbox as a PST file. For large mailboxes or direct bulk export, dedicated AOL backup software can be used instead.

Quick Answer: To export AOL email to PST manually, configure AOL Mail in Classic Outlook, use AOL’s IMAP server imap.aol.com with port 993 and SSL, authenticate with an AOL app password when required, synchronize your folders, and use File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export >> Export to a file >> Outlook Data File (.pst). Microsoft documents PST export for both Classic Outlook and New Outlook, but the available workflow differs by version.

Can You Export AOL Email to PST?

Yes, you can export AOL emails to a PST file, but AOL Mail does not offer a native PST export button. One option is to connect AOL Mail to a desktop email client such as Classic Outlook through IMAP, synchronize the messages, and then export the Outlook mailbox to PST.

If you need to export a large AOL mailbox without manually configuring Outlook and waiting for synchronization, an AOL-to-PST backup application can provide a more direct workflow.

Why Export AOL Emails to PST?

There are several practical reasons to save AOL mail in PST format.

• Create a Local Backup: A PST gives you a local copy of the Outlook-compatible email data, which can be useful as an additional backup.
• Move AOL Emails to Microsoft 365 or Outlook: PST is commonly used when moving email data into an Outlook-based environment.
• Preserve Important Attachments: If messages are successfully synchronized and exported, their attachments can be included in the PST. Microsoft confirms that attachments are included when Outlook exports emails to PST.
• Keep Access to Old Emails: A local PST can provide access to archived messages without relying exclusively on the AOL web interface.
• Prepare for Account Changes: If you are planning to stop using an AOL account, creating a backup beforehand can help preserve important correspondence.

What You Need Before Exporting AOL Email to PST

Before starting, make sure you have:

• Access to your AOL Mail account.
• Your full AOL email address.
• An AOL app password if AOL requires one for the mail application you’re configuring.
• Classic Outlook for Windows if you plan to use the traditional Outlook Import/Export wizard.
• Enough free disk space for the PST file.
• A stable internet connection, especially if your AOL mailbox contains many years of email.

New Outlook vs. Classic Outlook

This distinction is important because Outlook for Windows now has both New Outlook and Classic Outlook.

The traditional instructions using:

File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export

apply to Classic Outlook.

Microsoft now also provides PST export capabilities in New Outlook, but its interface and workflow are different. Therefore, if your article screenshots or instructions show File → Open & Export → Import/Export, explicitly tell readers that those screenshots are for Classic Outlook.

If you cannot find the Import/Export option described below, first check which version of Outlook you are using.

How to Generate an AOL App Password

If Outlook or another mail application does not accept your normal AOL password, an app password may be required.

The exact wording and location of AOL account-security controls can change, so use the Account Security area of your AOL account and look for the option to generate or manage an app password.

The general process is:

• Sign in to your AOL account.
• Open Account Security.
• Look for the Generate and manage app passwords option.
• Select the option to generate a new app password.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and copy the generated password.
• Enter that app password in Outlook when it asks for the AOL account password.

Do not confuse an AOL app password with your normal AOL account password. An app password is intended for compatible third-party applications that cannot use the normal AOL sign-in flow. AOL specifically notes that some third-party mail applications require an app password.

Method 1: Export AOL Email to PST Using Classic Outlook

If you have Outlook installed and the AOL Mail configured, then you can manually convert emails into PST format.

1. Open the MS Outlook application on your computer.

2. Click Add Account from File menu.

3. Enter AOL Mail login credentials with IMAP/POP3 details to configure it.

4. After configuration, go to File >>Open/Export >> Import/Export.

5. Click Export to a File and press Next.

6. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) click Next.

7. Select AOL mailbox folder and click Next.

8. Now choose the destination path where you want to save the resultant .pst file and click the Finish button.

By following these steps, you can export AOL email to PST format.

Limitations of Manual Approach

• No email filter option
• MS Outlook installation is required
• It does not work if the Outlook import export option greyed out
• Lengthy and time-consuming process for large mailboxes
• Require technical assistance

Method 2: Export AOL Email to PST Using Advik Software

If the manual Outlook approach is too time-consuming or you need to process a large AOL mailbox, you can use Advik AOL Mail Backup Tool to export AOL emails to PST.

This approach is designed for users who want a more direct mailbox-backup workflow instead of first synchronizing AOL with Outlook and then creating a PST.

Note: Generate One Time Password from AOL Mail Security Settings to Sign into the Software.

Steps to Export AOL Email to PST with Advik

Step 1. Run the software and enter AOL email credentials to Sign in.

Step 2. Select mailbox folders and click Next.

Step 3. Choose PST as saving option from the list.

Step 4. Browse target location and click on the Backup Button.

The software will start exporting AOL mail to PST format. Once the process is complete, it will automatically be redirected to the destination folder. 

Watch How to Export AOL Mail Folders to Outlook PST File

Final Words

In this post, we have discussed how to export AOL email to PST file. Here, we have mentioned both manual and automated solutions. You can manually export AOL Mail to PST using Outlook, but if you want an easier, faster, and safer approach, then use the professional tool. Try it free demo version to test how well it works for you.