How to Export cPanel Emails to PST File?
Unfortunately, in cPanel email accounts there is no direct way to export emails to PST format. You might be converting cPanel emails to PST to read their emails in MS Outlook, take local backup, or to keep important mailbox data for future use. In this article, we will look at how you can export cPanel emails to PST using both manual and third-party solutions.
There are two methods by which users can export cPanel emails to PST. The first method is to set up the cPanel mailbox in Microsoft Outlook using IMAP, and then use the export wizard in Outlook to create a PST file. The second way is to use the dedicated tool which exports cPanel emails directly to PST without Outlook. The manual method is free but supports only one mailbox at a time while the automated method supports bulk mailbox export and advanced filter options.
This guide explains both methods, their advantages and usage in different circumstances and when each is best used.
Table of Contents
- What is cPanel Email?
- Real-World Scenario: Migrating cPanel Emails to Outlook
- Why Do Users Export cPanel Emails to PST?
- Export cPanel Emails to PST Using Outlook (Manual Method)
- Export cPanel Mailbox to PST Without Outlook (Professional Method)
- Watch Video Tutorial to Send Gmail Messages to WhatsApp
- Manual vs Automated Method – Feature Comparison
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is cPanel Email?
It is an email service provided by the cPanel and you can access it through hosting control panel. It provides website owners and businesses to set up professional email addresses using their domain name such as that; info@yourdomain.com or support@yourdomain.com.
The emails stored on the cPanel hosting server and are usually accessed through webmail applications such as Roundcube or desktop email clients using IMAP or POP3 settings.
cPanel doesn’t have any built-in feature to create PST files. So the users have to use Outlook or a special export option to convert it’s mailbox data into PST file format.
Real-World Scenario
We have received queries related to cPanel mailbox export to PST, where a small business website owner explained that he uses cPanel emails to communicate with his customers. Over the years, his inbox fills up with thousands of important emails, invoices and support requests.
Now, he is saying that he wants to switch to Microsoft Outlook due to change in his hosting provider. He find that exporting mailbox to a PST is a reliable way to do that and it can open it any time within Outlook. However, due to having multiple account in it’s cPanel server he was unable to do it manually and thus looking for a professional way.
Here, we suggested him to use any third-party tool that can export emails from multiple cPanel email account into a PST file without modifying anything and also in easy way.
Why Export cPanel Emails to PST?
Multiple reasons insist users to export their cPanel email data to PST file. Understand the cause before your learn how to save your cPanel emails in PST file format. So, let’s start;
- To copy important emails to your local machine.
- To access cPanel emails on Microsoft Outlook
- Read emails when you’re not connected to the Internet.
- Keep old emails for future reference.
- Copy mailbox data to another computer.
- Reduce reliance on access to webmail.
- Keep Business Communication Records.
- To reduce the size of your mailbox.
- To restore emails if they get accidentally deleted.
Method 1. How to Export Emails from cPanel Webmail to PST using Outlook?
If you are using a hosting provider that supports IMAP access then you can connect your cPanel email account to Microsoft Outlook. After that use Outlook’s Import/Export Wizard to create a PST file.
Step 1. Configure cPanel Email Account in Outlook
1. Open Outlook on your system and go to the “File”.
2. Now, Click on the ”Add Account”.
4. Enter your full email address of cPanel and click on let me set up my account manually.
5. Select IMAP from the various options.
6. Enter your password you are using for this email address and click “Connect”.
7. Now enter the following details:
Incoming mail server: mail.domain.com (or) hostname
Incoming mail port: 993
Encryption method: SSL/TLS
Require logon using Secure Password Authentication (SPA): should be unchecked
Outgoing mail server: mail.domain.com (or) hostname
Outgoing mail port: 465
Encryption method: SSL/TLS
Require logon using Secure Password Authentication (SPA): should be unchecked
Click “Next” when you fill in all the details.
8. Now, Outlook will check all entered details. Once done, you will receive confirmation of “Account successfully added”, then click Done.
Step 2. Export cPanel Mailbox to PST
1. Go to File >> Open & Export >> Import & Export.
2. Choose “Export to a file” and click “Next”.
3. Now, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and tap “Next”.
3. Select the folders to export from to choose the folders that you want to take backup and click “Next”.
4. Browse the location to save your exported files in your desired location and click 
.
5. Now, you can see the newly exported cPanel email data file in .pst format.
Outlook does have a free option to export emails but you may face the following issues. So, keep these points in your mind before using this method;
- Microsoft Outlook (version 2003 or higher) must be installed.
- For exporting emails, your mailbox should be synced completely.
- Processing large mailboxes can take hours or more
- You can only export one account at a time.
- Limited options to export emails selectively.
- Risk of configuration issues: Use the correct IMAP settings for cPanel.
References:
- cPanel Mail Client Configuration Guide: https://docs.cpanel.net/cpanel/email/set-up-mail-client/
- Microsoft IMAP Account Setup Guide: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Outlook/how-do-i-set-up-an-imap-account
Method 2. How to Download cPanel emails to Computer as PST Professionally?
If you don’t have Outlook installed, or you want to export multiple accounts, an automated solution can make the task easier. Advik Email Backup Wizard provides an option to connect directly with cPanel email account and export mailbox data to PST format. The software also maintains the folder hierarchy, email properties, attachments and mailbox structure while exporting.
So, let’s give this solution a try.
Steps to Export cPanel Mailbox to PST Without Outlook
1. Launch the software and choose IMAP as the email source.
2. Now enter your cPanel email credentials and click login.
3. Choose the mailbox folders to export.
4. Choose PST as the saving format.
5. Choose your desired location to locate your files.
6. You can also apply filters to export selected emails. (Optional)
7. Lastly, tap on the Backup button to begin the process.
The software will start exporting cPanel emails to PST while maintaining mailbox integrity and folder hierarchy.
Watch How to Export cPanel Email to PST
Manual Outlook Method vs Automated Tool – Which Option is Better?
| Feature | Manual Outlook Method | Automated Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Outlook Installation | Required to export emails | Not required |
| Number of Mailboxes | One mailbox at a time | Multiple mailboxes at once |
| Bulk Email Export | Not supported | Supported |
| Selective Email Export | Limited options | Advanced filters available |
| Large Mailbox Handling | Can be slow due to synchronization | Process Fast |
| Technical Knowledge | Requires account configuration and Outlook setup | Simple and user-friendly |
| Email Attachments | Supported | Supported |
Conclusion
Users constantly search for how to export cPanel emails to PST file format. Hence in this article i have discussed various methods after performing and analyzing it by myself. I have described the manual method in Outlook and an automation solution, with their advantages and disadvantages.
So, I will suggest you to go with both the methods first and then check out comparison table of both the methods and choose the one that suits best to your needs and requirements. You can also download the free trial version of the automated solution to evaluate it’s working and decide before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What happens if the export is interrupted? Do I have to start over?
Ans. No, Most professional tools have incremental export feature that can resume the process and prevent. So, check this point before using any application.
Q2. What if my mailbox is really large?
Ans. Syncing and exporting large mailboxes in Outlook may take longer. Automation works best when you have large mailboxes.
Q3. Is it possible to try the software before buying it?
Ans. Yes. Try the software for free to see how it works, its features, interface and how you export files before you decide to make it yours.
Q4. What if I face problems during the export?
Ans. You can get help with configuration and export issues by contacting the software’s customer or technical support team by email, live chat through their contact page.
Q5. Is there any limit on mailbox sizes?
Ans. The automated solution generally allows exporting large mailboxes without any restrictions as far as system resources are available.
Q6. What is the best way for business users?
Ans. If you are a business user, Method 2. using a professional is the best solution for large business mailboxes, multiple accounts and selective exports.