How to Import PST to Apple Mail (Mac Mail): Complete Guide
If you want to import PST to Apple Mail on Mac, you can’t directly open Outlook PST file in Apple Mail. It’s so because, Apple Mail can import mailboxes in formats such as MBOX, so you need to convert or transfer PST file into a file format that Apple Mail can import. If you don’t have Outlook, you can either use an alternate migration tool or convert PST to MBOX on a Windows computer or use Outlook for Mac as an intermediate as per your need.
This guide explains all the available methods, what each method requires, what each method is suitable for and how to choose the best approach for your PST to Mac Mail migration.
Quick Comparison: Ways to Import PST to Apple Mail
Here, we have discussed the overview of different methods available to import PST file to Mac Mail. Before going through the explanation of each method, must follow this comparison table to understand the requirement of each method, it’s difficulty and it’s suitability for different circumstances.
Note: The best method depends on whether you have Mac Outlook, Windows PC or neither. So, first analyze what you have and which method is comfortable for you then choose wisely.
Can Apple Mail Import .pst Files Directly?
No. You cannot import an Outlook .pst file directly into Apple Mail.
It’s so, because PST is a data file format of Outlook. Whereas Apple Mail’s native mailbox import supports mailbox data in formats such as MBOX, rather than PST. Specifically, Apple explains Mac users importing messages from a Windows or UNIX computer to choose Files in mbox format from the File >> Import Mailboxes menu.
This is what this migration looks like:
The practical intermediate format for many migrations is MBOX as it is supported by many open-source based email clients, including Apple Mail.
What is the Difference Between PST, OLM, MBOX and EML?
Let’s understand the following file formats that will help you to understand it’s meaning so you can proceed with the methods without any confusion.
| Format | Commonly Associated With | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PST | Outlook for Windows | Contains Outlook email and other Outlook data |
| OLM | Outlook for Mac | Outlook for Mac archive format |
| MBOX | Apple Mail and other email applications | Mailbox format that Apple Mail can import |
| EML | Individual email messages | Stores individual messages rather than a complete mailbox |
Outlook for Windows uses PST files, while Outlook for Mac uses OLM archives for its own archive workflow. Meanwhile, Apple Mail has an import option for MBOX files meanwhile.
So just copy a .pst file to your Mac and you will not be able to read it in Apple Mail.
A Real User Concern When Importing PST to Apple Mail
Before we dive into the various methods available, it’s worth considering a real problem faced by users trying to move Outlook data to Apple Mail. A screenshot posted by a user asking for a solution for importing a PST file into Apple Mail in the Apple Support Community.
This is a common problem. Apple Mail is not able to directly open or import PST files. PST is an Outlook data format. To access emails in Apple Mail, users need an intermediate way to get the emails to Apple Mail. They can either import the PST into a compatible version of Outlook, convert the Outlook data file into Apple Mail supported file format or use other appropriate migration methods.
Why Move PST Emails to Apple Mail (Mac Mail)?
People often require to import PST file data into Apple Mail, especially when moving from a Windows computer or PC to Mac system. Your PST file may contain crucial emails, folders, attachments and many other data that users want to access in their Mac system.
Some common scenarios other than the ones mentioned above explained below;
- Transition from Windows to Mac: To access old Outlook emails after switching to macOS.
- Leaving Outlook: To opt using Apple Mail after leaving Outlook.
- Providing access to old emails: Access stored business or personal messages without using Windows computer.
- Organise Emails: Combine imported mail with existing Apple Mail accounts in one app.
- Secure important data: Backing up important records, save old emails and attachments into Apple Mail before retiring a computer or Outlook.
Next, you’ll need to select the right way to migrate. Your best choice depends on your personal requirements. So, go through each method carefully to understand it’s complete procedure.
Method 1: Import PST to Apple Mail Using Outlook for Mac
This method can be useful for you if you have compatible version of Outlook for Mac. Here, we will use Outlook for Mac as an intermediary to transfer PST file as it is only supported by Outlook and not any other email client. So, make sure to have these on your computer and sufficient storage space if you have large PST file.
Step 1. Launch Outlook for Mac on your Mac system.
Note: Make sure that you are using Legacy Outlook for Mac as importing PST file is currently supported by this version only.
Step 2. Click on the File tab and choose the Import option.
Step 3. Choose the Outlook for Windows archive file (.pst) option and click Continue.
Step 4. Locate the PST file that you want to import and click Import.
Step 5. Once the import is complete, you will see PST data in Outlook for Mac. Click Finish to close the import window.
Step 6. Save the exported MBOX file to a location that is easy to find, such as your Desktop or Documents folder.
Step 7. It will save it as an MBOX file.
Step 8. Open Apple Mail and select File >> Import Mailboxes from the menu bar.
Step 9. Choose the files in MBOX format and click Continue.
Step 10. In the import window, browse to the location where you saved the MBOX file, select it, and continue.
Step 11. Click Import to begin the process.
Important Note: Microsoft says support for legacy Outlook for Mac will end in October 2026. So, this should not be considered as a permanent migration method without a current version check.
And don’t confuse OLM with MBOX either. An OLM archive is an archive format of Outlook for Mac. The documented mailbox import workflow of Apple Mail is based on formats like MBOX.
Method 2: Convert PST to MBOX on Windows and Import It to Apple Mail
If you still have Windows computer, then you can also use this method to access your PST file data into Apple Mail. The basic workflow of this method is that you need to use both windows and Mac OS. First, convert your PST file data into MBOX file format using this tool, then import the same into your Apple Mail using the import mailboxes option.
Now, you can try Advik PST File Converter for free. The software works with Windows and helps to convert PST files into a format compatible with Apple Mail import.
Download the free version and test with your PST files before you start the full migration.
Steps to Import PST File to Apple Mail
Step 1. Install and launch the current Windows version of Advik PST File Converter on your Windows computer.
Step 2. Add the PST file you want to transfer into Apple Mail, using the Select Files or Select Folders option.
Step 3. Choose the mailbox folders you need to migrate. If your PST file contains several folders, review them and select them before starting the conversion.
Step 4. Next, select MBOX as the output format.
Step 5. Choose an output location and start the conversion.
Step 6. Wait until the conversion has completed before moving to another location.
Step 7. Copy the converted MBOX data from the Windows computer to your Mac.
Step 8. After that, launch Apple Mail on your Mac system.
Step 9. From the macOS menu bar, choose; File >> Import Mailboxes.
Step 10. In the import window, select files in MBOX format, then click Continue.
Step 11. Apple specifically recommends this option when importing messages from a Windows or UNIX computer.
Step 12. Now, browse to the location where you transferred the converted MBOX data.
Step 13. Select the appropriate file or folder and continue.
Now select the MBOX file and import it. This is how you can copy PST emails in Apple Mail. For importing contacts & calendar data choose the file format accordingly.
Watch How to Import Outlook PST File to Apple Mail
Method 3: Transfer PST Mail Through Gmail or IMAP
Another possibility is to use an online mailbox as an intermediary.
The general workflow is:
PST >> Outlook or PST migration tool >> Gmail/IMAP Mailbox >> Apple Mail
This can be useful if you want to not only create an offline MBOX file, but also get the messages into an account that can sync with Apple Mail.
But there are other things to think about with this approach.
Limitations of the Gmail/IMAP Method
- Uploading large PSTs can take some time.
- Migration is affected by internet speed.
- The destination mailbox must have enough storage.
- Folder and label behavior may vary from system to system.
- Large attachments may take longer to upload and sync.
- Limitations on the server end can impact migration.
What data can be transferred from PST to Apple Mail?
Your PST file can contain more than an email, such as contacts, calendar items, tasks and notes. Whereas Apple Mail is primarily an email application that manages multiple email accounts together. So, you should understand that every item from your PST file will become Apple Mail mailbox item.
- Email Messages: Email is the primary data that includes in PST to Apple Mail migration.
- Attachments: Attachments transferred from PST file to Apple Mail along with the mailboxes.
- Folder Structure: It’s not guaranteed that your folder structure will be maintained.
- Contacts: Contacts are separate from Apple Mail data. If your PST file contains contacts, then transfer it through contact migration process.
- Calendar: These items are also not compatible with Apple Mail environment, so you need to look for another way to transfer the Calendar items too.
- Tasks and Notes: Similarly, treat Outlook tasks and notes as separate data types. As, PST file data will be transfer into an MBOX file which will further transfer into Apple applications.
Conclusion
Thus, if you want to import PST to Apple Mail, the main problem is the file format. It’s so because, Apple Mail does not open Outlook PST files directly. The practical option will be to use an intermediate migration or conversion and import the resulting mailbox data into Apple Mail.
If you use Outlook for Mac that is compatible, you can use it as a middle step, but Microsoft officially stated that the legacy Outlook for Mac support will end in October 2026.
Another practical workflow if you still have a Windows computer, then you can perform PST to MBOX conversion and then transfer MBOX to Apple Mail via the Import Mailboxes option.
Genuine Problem-Based FAQs
Q1. I only have a Mac, so how can I open PST file without Windows?
Ans. If you have only a Mac, you cannot directly use Windows-only PST converter on macOS. You can accomplish this by using either a compatible version of Outlook for Mac that supports PST import, or a PST application specifically designed to run on macOS.
Q2. My converted file is not recognized by Apple Mail. What do I do now?
Ans. First, look at the output format of the converted file. Apple Mail supports MBOX and similar formats for importing mailboxes, but a file with a different extension, such as PST, OLM or EML, may require a different process. Just be sure to select File >> Import Mailboxes and choose the right import option.
Q3. I have large PST file, can I import everything at once?
Ans. For a large PST file, it is suggested to try with a small folder first, it is best for large PST. This helps you to see that all the emails, attachments and folder hierarchy are properly migrated in the PST file before you extract the entire PST file.
Q4. Is it right to delete my PST file after importing it into Apple Mail?
Ans. Don’t delete the original PST immediately. First of all, make sure that your critical emails, folders, attachments and other necessary data have been successfully migrated. Keep a backup of the original PST until you are completely happy with the results.
Q5. Can I try importing the same PST file again if the import fails?
Ans. Yes. When you import the original PST file is generally not modified to keep the file unchanged.