- IMAP server
- imap.gmail.com
- Port
- 993 · SSL/TLS
- Username
- full address
- Password
- app password
Gmail → iCloud Mail
Migrating Gmail to iCloud
Gmail to iCloud is two quirks on two sides plus one shared problem with space. Gmail brings labels and app passwords; iCloud always requires an app password and takes the username without the domain — and the default iCloud quota is small enough that a Gmail archive simply will not fit.
- IMAP server
- imap.mail.me.com
- Port
- 993 · SSL/TLS
- Username
- part before @
- Password
- app password
What breaks on this particular pair
- The iCloud username is the part before the @. The full address is refused, and it looks exactly like a wrong password.
- An Apple app password is required in every case; without two-factor authentication Apple will not issue one at all.
- The free 5 GB of iCloud is shared between mail, photos and backups. A 15 GB Gmail archive hits the quota half-way, so measure the size before starting.
- Exclude Gmail's All Mail label, or duplicates arrive and double a volume that iCloud has even less room for.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the iCloud username?
Only the part before the @: for anna@icloud.com it is anna. This is one of the most common places a migration stalls.
Are dates and read state preserved?
Yes, original dates and read flags carry over; nothing arrives as new mail.
What if iCloud runs out of space?
Either move to a larger iCloud+ plan or migrate less: deselect archive folders, and leave Trash and Spam out entirely.
Does the mail stay in Gmail?
Yes. Nothing is deleted; close the old mailbox once you have compared the counts.
Related routes
Other directions
Find out how big your mailbox is. It costs nothing.
Connect two servers, look at the size and decide. Or take the client and keep everything on your side.
Code on GitHub · built on imapsync · no sign-up