Imagine you are needed to open OST file on Mac, only to find Mac Mail can't read it. This is a common hurdle for anyone switching from a Windows PC or trying to access past Outlook emails on their Apple device. Since OST files are designed for Windows Outlook, they simply won't open directly in Mac Mail. Let's explore how to overcome this using manual as well as experts verified professional way.
Why Open OST file in Apple Mail?
Opening an OST file in Apple Mail is beneficial for several reasons:
OST files are designed for Windows Outlook, so direct access on a Mac isn't possible without conversion. Opening them in Apple Mail integrates your old emails into your native Mac environment.
If you've switched from a Windows PC to a Mac, or if your Windows Outlook is inaccessible, this allows you to retrieve and use your valuable historical email data, contacts, and calendar entries on your new system.
Consolidating your old Outlook data into Apple Mail means all your communications are in one place, simplifying email management and searching across your entire history.
Once imported, these emails become part of your Apple Mail archive, allowing you to access them even without an internet connection, much like OST files do on Windows.
To help you access your Outlook data on a Mac, let’s start with the manual method for opening an OST file in Apple Mail.
#1. View OST file in Mac Mail- Manual Method
Open the Apple Mail app and go to the Mail menu, then select Accounts or Add Account.
Click the Add (+) button to start adding a new account.
Choose Microsoft Exchange as the account type and click Continue.
Enter your name, full email address, and password, then click Continue.
If your Exchange server supports Autodiscover, the settings will fill in automatically; otherwise, you may need to enter the server address manually—contact your Exchange administrator if needed.
Select which items to sync, such as mail, contacts, and calendars, during the setup process.
Choose only the folders you want to add, then click Continue to proceed.
Once setup is complete, your Exchange account and selected data will appear in Apple Mail
Drawbacks of Manual Method
This method isn’t suitable for importing multiple OST files into Apple Mail at once.
It may not retain the original folder structure during the import process.
There’s a significant risk of data loss or corruption using this approach.
Users often need extra help or technical guidance to complete the steps successfully.
#2. Prime Solution to Bulk Migrate OST to Mac Mail with All Attributes
You can once try RecoveryTools OST Migrator is a reliable solution for transferring OST files to Apple Mail and other platforms. It supports conversion of OST files into formats like MBOX, PST, CSV, PDF, HTML, and more, making it easy to access your emails across different email clients and services. You can also use it to directly import OST to PST, Office 365, Yahoo, Gmail, etc. The tool handles the entire migration process quickly and efficiently, preserving folder hierarchy, attachments, and metadata. To get started, simply follow the straightforward step-by-step instructions provided within the application.
Key Steps to View OST file in Apple Mail
Download and launch the software, then click Next after reviewing the instructions.
Use the Select Files or Select Folders option to add your OST files from the source location, then proceed by clicking Next.
View the list of all folders and subfolders, and pick the specific data you want to convert.
Select MBOX as your preferred output format from the saving options.
Open the Filter Options tab to set advanced filters for a more targeted import.
Click Browse to choose where you want to save the converted files.
Finally, press Next to start importing your OST data into your Mac Mail account.
Final Words
Opening OST files in Mac Mail isn’t straightforward, but it’s definitely possible. Manual methods work for simple needs, but they can be tricky and risky for bulk imports. Professional tools like OST Migrator make the process much easier and safer, letting you move all your Outlook data to Apple Mail with just a few clicks. Now you can keep your emails organized and accessible on your Mac, hassle-free.
