Transfer Emails from Gmail to iCloud Mail – Ultimate Guide 2025

If you’re planning to shift your emails from Gmail to iCloud Mail, you’re not alone. With more users joining the Apple ecosystem, iCloud Mail has become a preferred choice for its clean interface. Also, it has flawless integration with Apple devices and strong privacy features. Still, you should have awareness of the right solution to migrate Gmail to iCloud.

The DRS Softech Gmail Backup Tool makes the entire process simple and hassle-free. You can move all your important Gmail messages to your iCloud account with ease. This blog walks you through both manual and automated methods so you can pick the one that fits your needs best in 2025.

Why Do We Need to Migrate from Gmail to iCloud?

There are several reasons users choose to switch from Gmail to iCloud Mail as Apple continues to enhance its email services. Here’s why the shift makes sense for many users;

  • iCloud Mail is deeply integrated with iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. It offers a more unified experience across Mail, Calendar, Contacts, and Notes.
  • Unlike Gmail, iCloud Mail offers a clutter-free environment with no ads. It creates a more focused and distraction-free inbox.
  • With features like Mail Privacy Protection and two-factor authentication, iCloud offers stronger protection for personal data compared to free alternatives.
  • Using a single Apple ID to manage email, iCloud Drive, and device backups keeps things simple. 

How to Migrate Gmail to iCloud?

To ensure a smooth shift between platforms, it’s important to understand the right methods to migrate Gmail to iCloud without losing important emails or attachments. Further, we will some of the most recommended methods to migrate email from Gmail to iCloud.

Method 01: Manual Method to Migrate from Gmail to iCloud

To perform the manual migration, you have to go through a lengthy process which is quite time-consuming. So, just set up email forwarding and IMAP access to move messages directly from your Gmail account to your iCloud inbox. 

  • Firstly, make sure that your IMAP is enabled in your Gmail account.
  • Then, log in to your Gmail account >> Settings >> See all settings.
  • Still in Gmail settings, go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
  • Click Add a forwarding address.
  • Enter your iCloud Mail address (e.g., username@icloud.com).
  • Gmail will send a verification code to your iCloud inbox—check it and confirm.
  • Once verified, select the option to Forward a copy of incoming mail to your iCloud email.
  • Choose whether Gmail should keep, archive, or delete the original copy.
  • Save the changes to migrate Gmail to iCloud account. 

Keep in Mind: The manual method works, but it can be time-consuming and require technical effort. 

Drawbacks Associated With the Manual Method

This approach has several limitations that can affect the efficiency and completeness of the migration process. Here are some pointers that need to be considered:

  • Time-consuming when migrating a large volume of emails.
  • Gmail folder/label structure doesn’t carry over to iCloud.
  • Attachments may not transfer properly with forwarded emails.
  • Risk of missing or accidentally deleting important emails.
  • Older emails must be forwarded manually one by one.
  • No automation or filtering options during migration.

Exploring the best alternative method is highly recommended for a faster, more efficient, and error-free migration.

Method 02:  Automated Method to Migrate Gmail to iCloud

To overcome the limitations of manual methods and ensure a secure migration, the DRS Softech Gmail Backup Tool offers a reliable and user-friendly solution. It is designed to back up and export Gmail emails with complete accuracy. This advanced utility allows you to save your mailbox data in multiple formats, including PST, MBOX, EML, PDF, and more. It supports selective backup, maintains folder hierarchy, and comes with smart filters like date range and duplicate mail removal. With its intuitive interface, even non-technical users can migrate Gmail to iCloud-supported formats effortlessly.

Simple Steps to Migrate Email from Gmail to iCloud

  • Launch the DRS Softech Gmail Backup Tool and open it on your system. 
  • Now, log in your Gmail to migrate Gmail to iCloud.
  • Then, preview mailbox items and pick the specific folders to migrate. 
  • Next, pick iCloud and enter the user ID, password of iCloud to Sign In
  • Choose from advanced filters to customize and simplify the process.
  • Lastly, hit the Download button to migrate email from Gmail to iCloud.

Additional Pointers of the Software

Here are the key features of the DRS Softech Gmail Backup Tool:

  • Migrate to Various Email Clients: Transfer Gmail emails to platforms like Office 365, Hotmail, IMAP-supported servers, iCloud, Zoho Mail, Yandex Mail, and more.
  • Multiple Export Formats: Save Gmail emails in PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, PDF, HTML, and other popular formats.
  • Selective Backup Option: Choose specific folders or apply filters like date range to back up only what you need.
  • Preserves Email Properties: Maintains original folder hierarchy, email formatting, metadata, and attachments.
  • Free Up Server Space: Option to delete emails from the Gmail server after a successful backup.
  • Smart Mail Filter: Filter out duplicate emails and skip previously downloaded items.
  • Supports Google Apps: Works seamlessly with both individual Gmail and G Suite (Google Workspace) accounts.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive dashboard suitable for both technical and non-technical users.
  • High Compatibility: Supports all versions of Windows OS and works smoothly on both old and new systems.
  • Secure Login: Uses OAuth 2.0 authentication for a secure and encrypted sign-in process.
  • Pause & Resume Option: Allows you to pause the backup process and resume it anytime without starting over.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to forward emails manually, use Apple Mail, or go with a professional backup tool like the DRS Softech Gmail Backup Tool, the goal remains the same: to migrate Gmail to iCloud safely and efficiently. Each method has its own pros and cons, so pick the one that best fits your needs, technical comfort, and volume of data. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and stress-free email migration.

Related Post: Update Gmail to a new look.

FAQ’s

Q 1. How do I transfer emails from Gmail to iCloud Mail?

Ans: To transfer emails from Gmail to iCloud Mail using the DRS Gmail Backup Tool, follow these steps:
Download & Install DRS Softech Gmail Backup Tool, download it for Windows/Mac.
Sign In to Gmail > enter your Gmail credentials, and use an app-specific password if 2FA is enabled.
Choose the folders or specific emails you want to move.
In the “Save/Backup/Migrate As” option, select IMAP as the format.
Enter iCloud IMAP Settings, IMAP Host: imap.mail.me.com, Port: 993, Username: your iCloud email, Password: iCloud app-specific password
Apply optional filters, then click Convert to begin transferring your emails.

Q 2. Can I forward Gmail emails automatically to iCloud Mail?

Ans: You can automatically forward Gmail emails to iCloud Mail. Go to your Gmail settings, click on “Forwarding and POP/IMAP”, then add your iCloud email address under the Forwarding section. Confirm the verification email sent to your iCloud account, and once verified, Gmail will forward incoming messages to your iCloud Mail automatically.

Related Blog: Migrate iCloud Email to Office 365 Account?

About The Author:

Shital Jha is a skilled technical content writer with a strong academic foundation, holding a master's degree. For 2+ years, she has been specializing in the field of email migration and file conversion. Her content is known for explaining technical steps in a simple, step-by-step instructions so that users can easily manage their data and move between email platforms. Her deep understanding of the technical landscape, paired with a passion for simplifying information, makes her a trusted voice in the world of email migration solutions.

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