How to Import Mail Messages into Plesk

How to Import Mail Messages into Plesk

Plesk doesn't have a built-in one-click email import tool for individual accounts, but you can import messages using standard IMAP sync or third-party migration tools.

Below are the best options for importing mail data into your Plesk-hosted mail accounts.

✅ Method 1: Use IMAP Sync (Recommended for Admins or Advanced Users)

You can use a command-line tool called imapsync to migrate emails from another mail server to your Plesk mail server.

Step 1: Prepare Mailboxes

• Ensure the destination email account is already created in Plesk
  (Go to Mail > Create Email Address)

• Collect login credentials for both:

  • Source account (old server)

  • Destination account (Plesk)

Step 2: Install imapsync (on your local PC or a VPS)

sudo apt install imapsync

Or use a paid web version: https://imapsync.lamiral.info/X/

Step 3: Run the Sync Command

Example:

imapsync \
--host1 oldmail.example.com --user1 [email protected] --password1 oldpassword \
--host2 mail.yourdomain.com --user2 [email protected] --password2 newpassword

This will transfer all mail folders and messages from the old server to the new Plesk mailbox.

✅ Method 2: Use an Email Client (Manual Method)

Step 1: Add Both Accounts in Thunderbird or Outlook

• Add the old email account (source)

• Add the new Plesk email account

Use IMAP for both, not POP.

Step 2: Drag-and-Drop Folders

• In your email client, manually copy or drag folders (Inbox, Sent, etc.) from the old account into the new one

• This will upload all mail content to the Plesk server

✅ Good for small migrations
❌ Not ideal for hundreds of accounts or GBs of mail

✅ Method 3: Use Plesk Migration Tool (For Whole Server Migrations)

If you’re migrating from another hosting control panel (like cPanel), Plesk has a built-in Migration Tool.

How:

• Go to Tools & Settings > Migration & Transfer Manager

• Enter source server info

• Select Mail accounts to migrate

This works best for full migrations — not for one-by-one imports.

Summary of Options