Open MSG Files in Gmail: Convert & Read Outlook Email Easily

Why Can’t Gmail Open MSG Files?

Gmail only supports common formats like .eml, .pdf, .doc, .jpg, etc.

Since .msg is a Microsoft-only format, it’s not compatible with Gmail by default. That’s why you need to transfer from MSG  to Gmail before opening or reading it.

Best Ways to Open MSG Files in Gmail

Here are the most effective ways to view MSG files in Gmail. If you want a free, manual solution. For a fast tool, use the professional method. The options below will help you open and read MSG files. Choose the best method that fulfills all your needs and according to your technical comfort level.

Manual Method to Import MSG Files to Gmail

If you have Microsoft Outlook installed, you can manually upload MSG files to your Gmail account. This is done by configuring your Gmail in Outlook using IMAP. Then use the drag-and-drop method to move MSG files into your Gmail mailbox. However, this process is effective, but it involves multiple steps and requires basic configuration knowledge.

Step 1: Enable IMAP in Your Gmail Account

Before you can connect Gmail to Outlook, you need to turn on IMAP in Gmail:

1. Firstly, log in to your Gmail account.
2. Then, click the gear icon in the top-right and choose See all settings.
3. After that, go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
4. Under the IMAP section, select Enable IMAP.
5. Lastly, scroll down and click Save Changes.

Note: This step allows your Gmail to sync with email clients like Outlook.

Step 2: Set Up Gmail in Outlook to Open MSG Files in Gmail

Now, set up your Gmail account in MS Outlook manually:

1. Primary, open Outlook and go to File, choose Add Account.
2. Now, select Manual setup or additional server types. Click Next.
3. Further, choose POP or IMAP and click Next.
4. Next, give the user, server, and login information.
5. Then, check the required logon using Secure Password Authentication (SPA).
6. Click More Settings and go to the Outgoing Server tab.
   • Check My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication.
7. Afterward, go to the Advanced tab:
   • Incoming server (IMAP): 993, encryption: SSL
   • Outgoing server (SMTP): 587, encryption: TLS
8. Lastly, click OK, then Next to complete the setup.

Outlook will now connect to your Gmail account and display all your Gmail folders.

Step 3: Import MSG to Gmail Mailbox

Now that your Gmail is linked with Outlook, you can easily import MSG files:

1. Again, open the Outlook folder that shows your Gmail inbox.
2. Then, locate the .msg files on your computer.
3. Select the files (use Ctrl+A for multiple) and drag them into the desired Gmail folder in Outlook.
4. Finally, Outlook will sync these emails with your Gmail account.

Limitations of the Manual Method

While this process works, it has a few downsides:

• Time-consuming for large numbers of MSG files.
• It requires Outlook to be installed and properly configured.
• Involves technical steps that may be confusing for non-technical users.

However, you can easily avoid these limitations with the alternative professional method.

Dedicated Software to Open MSG Files in Gmail

For a quick and reliable way, you can use the DRS MSG Converter Tool. This professional software allows you to directly import MSG files into your Gmail account without needing Microsoft Outlook. It supports batch conversion, maintains the original formatting, and includes attachments. Moreover, designed with a simple and intuitive interface, it’s perfect for both technical and non-technical users. 

Simple Steps to Open .msg File in Gmail:

1. 1. Primary, launch the DRS MSG Converter Tool.
      
      

 

1. 1. Now, add the MSG files to your system. Click Next.
      
      

 

1. 1. Preview & select the added MSG file to open in Gmail.
      
      

 

1. 1. Then, select Gmail as the Saving option from the list.
      
      

 

1. 1. Enter Gmail credentials, including ID & Password, to Sign In.
      
      

 

1. Lastly, apply advanced features & filters. Click Next.
   
   

 

Why Choose DRS Solution MSG Converter Tool?

This tool not only helps to open MSG files in Gmail. But also helps to import MSG to Yahoo Mail and other formats.

• Gives a 100% guarantee of accurate migration with zero data loss. 
• It’s a time-saving and effective solution for individuals and businesses alike.
• Fast processing speed and is highly compatible with all Windows versions.
• Also, a free (Demo) version of this tool is available to explore its features.

Understand the Purpose:

Problem: Gmail does not support .msg files. Manual workarounds like Outlook import or online converters slow down operations and risk data integrity.

Solution: DRS MSG Converter directly imports .msg files into Gmail—no Outlook required, no manual drag-and-drop, and no format loss.

Impact: Saves time, reduces dependency on multiple tools, and offers data consistency across platforms.

Perfect For:

This tool is ideal for IT admins transferring old email archives, legal teams reviewing Outlook messages, and data managers who need consistent formats across systems. It’s also best for consultants working with multiple client mail platforms.

Note: To import MSG to GoDaddy Mail safely, you can use a professional MSG to GoDaddy Mail migration tool that ensures all your emails are transferred without data loss. This is ideal for managing your MSG files directly in GoDaddy Mail.

Conclusion

In this blog, we’ve shown you two trusted methods to open MSG files in Gmail, including a manual and an automated approach. While the manual method works for small-scale needs, it can be slow and technical. Besides that, the professional tool offers a smart, time-saving solution for individuals, IT teams, and enterprise users. Furthermore, it helps you import MSG files directly into Gmail, without losing data or formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions