OST files are created by Microsoft Outlook to store your mailbox data when you work offline. They hold emails, contacts, calendars, notes, and more. But the main issue is: you cannot open an OST file directly, and you need Outlook + an Exchange Server to access it.
This becomes a problem when users switch devices, lose access to their Outlook account, or simply want to open OST data in Gmail for easy online access.
If you are facing the same issue, this guide explains simple and working methods to import OST to Gmail, along with their pros and cons.
Why Do Users Want to Import OST to Gmail?
People move their OST data to Gmail because:
- Gmail is cloud-based and can be accessed anywhere.
- It doesn’t require Outlook to view emails.
- It works on any device – Mobile, PC, or browser.
- Google provides strong security and backup features.
- All emails stay safe even if your computer crashes.
How to Open OST File in Gmail for Free?
There is no direct manual option to import an OST file into Gmail. So the only possible way is to follow these complex steps.
Step 1. Open Outlook >> File
Step 2. Go to Account Settings >> Account Settings
Step 3. Select Data Files
Step 4. Choose your OST file >> Click Open File Location
Step 5. If you cannot see the folder, enable Hidden Items from the View tab.
Step 6. Because Gmail cannot open OST files directly, you must convert them to PST first.
Step 7. Go to File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export
Step 8. Choose Export to a file >> Next.
Step 9. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) >> Next.
Step 10. Choose the OST folders you want.
Step 11. Select a location and click Finish.
Step 12. Now you have a PST file.
Step 13. Google provides a utility called GSMMO to import PST into Gmail.
Step 14. Download and run the GSMMO application
Step 15. Sign in with your Gmail account.
Step 16. Allow permissions & choose from PST File(s).
Step 17. Select the PST file you exported
Step 18. Choose what to import and click Migrate.
Step 19. The OST to Gmail import process has started; wait for a while.
After the process completes, open Gmail, and you will see your imported Outlook data.
Limitations of the Manual Method
The manual process has several drawbacks:
- You must have Outlook installed
- OST must be in a healthy state
- You cannot import OST directly
- Process is long (3 separate steps)
- GSMMO does NOT support corrupted OST files
- Risk of errors, sync issues, or incomplete import
- Not suitable for large OST files
- Not friendly for non-technical users
Because of these limitations, many users cannot complete the manual method successfully.
How to Import OST File to Gmail Automatically (Simple Way)
If the manual steps are too complicated or your OST file is not opening in Outlook, you can use a dedicated tool like Xtraxtor OST Converter.
This tool can:
- Import OST to Gmail directly
- Work without Outlook or Exchange
- Upload emails with attachments
- Maintain folders and formatting
- Handle large or damaged OST files
Click the FREE Download button to install the tool and check how it works. Once you are satisfied, you can buy the full version to import an unlimited number of OST emails to your Gmail account.
Note: The trial version allows you to import only 10 emails from each OST folder to Gmail.
Steps to Import OST to Gmail Account
- Install and open the Xtraxtor tool.
- Click Open >> Outlook Data File >> OST File >> Select File from Folder.
- Click Export → Select Gmail.
- Enter Gmail login details.
- Click the Save Button and analyze the process of Import.
The tool then imports all OST data to Gmail automatically.
This method is faster and easier for users who cannot use the manual process.
Final Words
Importing OST files to Gmail is not as straightforward as it seems. Since Gmail cannot open OST files directly, the manual process requires finding the OST file, converting it to PST, and then importing it through a Google tool. This can be slow and confusing for many users.
If your OST file is inaccessible, large, or Outlook is not available, using a dedicated OST to Gmail tool is the safest and quickest option. It simplifies the entire process into a few clicks and avoids the common errors of manual methods.