How to Migrate IMAP Email to New Server – 8 Verified Tips

The enterprise’s IMAP server is facing issues with storage constraints and aging security protocols. At the same time, the outdated infrastructure put the organization at risk of potential security threats. By switching to a new server, the company derives benefits from more storage, enhanced encryption, and advanced security features. All of this will improve performance and compliance. To migrate IMAP Email to new server, one can either do it manually by using an email client or through cPanel. Another option is with the help of an automated IMAP Backup Tool. Make sure to read the blog till the end to know the reason behind this migration and the best way to perform it.

Need to Transfer Email Between New Servers?

Businesses choose to migrate to a new server to ensure compliance, enhance security, and access the best functions. Below are the key motivations for making this transition:

• An existing IMAP server may have storage constraints. Whereas a new and upgraded server has more storage capacity, improving both efficiency and performance.
• The older IMAP servers may not have advanced security features such as MFA or advanced threat detection. Therefore, migrating to a new server will strengthen security and protect critical data.  
• Businesses are required to follow regulations like GDPR, HIPPA, and SOX to ensure data handling and retention. An aging IMAP server may cause compliance violations, making migration essential.
• Migrating to a modern new server offers better compatibility with collaborative tools, enhancing productivity.
• A newer server ensures quicker email access, better uptime, and improved sync issues. 

How to Migrate IMAP Email to New Server?

There are two techniques for migrating IMAP emails to a new server. The first one is a manual method using an email client and using cPanel’s built-in Email Migration Tool. Another one is by using a professional and instant tool. Users can choose either of them depending on the complexity and specific needs.

Move IMAP Email to New Host Using an Email Client (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc)

This approach is suitable for small-sized mailboxes. In addition to this, it is a free method and requires no other software or tool.

These are the steps for IMAP migration server to server:

Step 1: Add both the email accounts

1. First, open any email client such as Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc.
2. Then, configure your old IMAP account and allow it to sync.
3. Once it gets synced, add a new IMAP account.

Step 2: Transfer IMAP Email to a New Host 

1. Choose all the desired emails from the inbox of your old IMAP account.
2. Drag and drop the old emails to the new IMAP account inbox. 
3. Follow the same procedure to transfer emails from Sent, Drafts, etc.

Step 3: Confirm the Migration

1. Log in to the new IMAP account on another device.
2. Now, check and verify if all the emails and folders have successfully transferred or not.
3. Also, if necessary, update the DNS & MX Records.

Limitations: The user cannot use this for multiple users because it does not support bulk migrations. Also, there’s a risk of data loss during the migration process. 

Transfer Email Between New Servers Using cPanel

This method supports bulk migration and retains the folder hierarchy. This is faster than the other manual methods. 

Below is the step-by-step process to migrate email from IMAP to new server:

1. Log in to your cPanel accounts on both the old and new servers.
2. Now, navigate to Email Accounts and create the same email addresses as on the old server. Make sure the username and password are the same.
3. Then, use cPanel’s built-in Email Migration Tool to transfer the emails between the servers automatically.
4. After that, sign in to Webmail and check if all the emails and folders have been transferred or not.
5. At last, update DNS/MX records to switch to the new email server. 

A Professional Tool to Migrate IMAP Email to New Server

The IMAP Backup Tool is a comprehensive and versatile solution to securely back up and migrate emails. It enables users to bulk export in multiple file formats and supports direct migration to Webmail clients. In addition to this, it preserves attachments, filters messages, and prevents duplicate transfers. Therefore, ensures a quick and reliable backup process.

These are the steps to transfer Email between new servers:

1. Download and install the tool.
2. Tap on Continue and then select between Single Mode or Batch Mode.
3. Fill in the login credentials of the source IMAP account. 
4. After that, select the mailbox folder and then click Next to continue.
5. Pick Email Clients and select IMAP. Click on Next to proceed.
6. Now, enter your destination IMAP account login credentials. 
7. Apply any additional features if you want.
8. Lastly, click on the Next button to start the migration process.

Conclusion

Transferring IMAP emails to a new server is essential in maintaining smooth communication and preventing data loss. This blog walks you through two manual techniques and one professional approach to migrate IMAP email to new server. While manual methods are possible, they are error-prone and may have technical difficulties. A dedicated professional IMAP Backup Tool provides a more secure, accurate, and faster option. It is the first choice among businesses that handle large amounts of email traffic.

Related Post: Migrate IMAP Email to Google Workspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is the IMAP email migration tool?

Ans- An IMAP Email Migration Tool is a powerful solution that allows users to move emails from one IMAP server to another. It automatically migrates emails and attachments and preserves the folder structure.

Q- Do IMAP emails stay on the server?

Ans- Yes, IMAP emails remain on the server by default. One cannot locally download it on the computer. It also synchronizes emails across multiple devices. The emails and attachments remain on the server until it is manually deleted or archived.