Step-by-step guide · macOS

Export Outlook Email on Mac When Export Is Disabled

Outlook for Mac cannot create a PST file, and your admin may have disabled exports. You can still export your Microsoft 365 or Exchange mailbox using Apple Mail or Thunderbird. Here's how.

Looking for Windows? Windows guide →
Before you start: Outlook for Mac exports to the .olm format, which Evermail does not read. Instead, connect your mailbox in Apple Mail or Thunderbird and export to MBOX, which Evermail accepts directly.

Both methods connect over your account's standard protocol (Exchange or IMAP). If the connection is refused, your admin has blocked external access. Contact your IT department and ask them to enable it for your account, or to run an eDiscovery export for you (see the FAQ).
Method 1 — Easiest

Use Apple Mail (built-in)

Apple Mail is already installed on every Mac and exports folders to MBOX. This is the simplest route if you've never used a third-party email client.

1

Add your work account to Apple Mail

Open the Mail app (search Spotlight for "Mail" if it's not in your dock).

Go to Mail → Add Account… in the menu bar. Choose Microsoft Exchange for a Microsoft 365 mailbox, then sign in with your work credentials.

When prompted, make sure Mail is ticked, then click Done.

If Exchange sign-in is blocked, choose Other Mail Account… and connect over IMAP instead. If that is refused too, see the FAQ for the eDiscovery route.

2

Wait for your mailbox to sync

Apple Mail downloads your email in the background. For large mailboxes this can take several hours.

Check progress in Window → Activity. Keep your Mac plugged in and on Wi-Fi.

3

Export as MBOX

In the Mail sidebar, find your account and right-click the folder you want to export (for a full backup, export the Inbox and any custom folders).

Select Export Mailbox… and choose a save location (for example your Desktop or Downloads folder).

Mail creates a .mbox bundle. This is your exported archive.

4

Upload to Evermail

Go to app.evermail.ai, create a free account, and upload your .mbox file.

Evermail indexes every message so you can search by sender, keyword, date, or attachment.

Upload MBOX free →
Method 2 — Alternative

Use Thunderbird (free, open-source)

Thunderbird gives you more control over folder selection. It also works if Apple Mail has trouble authenticating against your Microsoft 365 account.

1

Download and install Thunderbird

Download Thunderbird from thunderbird.net and install it like any Mac app (drag to Applications).

2

Add your Microsoft 365 account

Open Thunderbird. On the setup screen choose Email, enter your name, work email address, and password.

Thunderbird auto-detects Microsoft 365 settings. A browser window opens for sign-in. Approve any multi-factor prompt and grant the requested permissions.

If the connection is refused, external access is blocked. See the FAQ for the eDiscovery route, or contact IT.

3

Install ImportExportTools NG

Go to Tools → Add-ons and Themes. Search for ImportExportTools NG and click Add to Thunderbird.

This free add-on adds export functionality to Thunderbird's folder menus.

4

Sync and export your folders

Wait for Thunderbird to finish downloading your messages (watch the status bar at the bottom).

Once synced, right-click a folder → ImportExportTools NG → Export folder → MBOX format, then choose a save location.

5

Upload to Evermail

Upload the exported .mbox file to app.evermail.ai.

Ready to search your Outlook archive?

Upload your MBOX file and find any email instantly. Free to start, no credit card needed.

Get started free →
FAQ

Common questions

Can I upload the .olm file Outlook for Mac creates?
No. Evermail reads PST, OST, MBOX, and EML files, not the OLM format Outlook for Mac produces. Use Apple Mail or Thunderbird to export an MBOX file instead, as described above.
What if both export and external access are disabled?
Ask your IT admin. Microsoft 365 admins can run a Content Search in Microsoft Purview (eDiscovery) and export the results as a PST file, which you can then upload to Evermail. Admins can also enable Exchange or IMAP access for your account.
Will exporting include all my email?
It includes the folders that sync to your client. Make sure every folder you care about is set to sync before exporting. Items kept in a separate Online Archive may need to be exported separately.
How big will the MBOX file be?
It depends on how many emails and attachments you have. A typical work mailbox with years of history can produce an MBOX file between 1 GB and 20 GB. Evermail handles files up to 100 GB on Enterprise plans.
Is my exported email data safe with Evermail?
Yes. Evermail is EU-hosted and GDPR compliant. Your emails are stored on Azure EU infrastructure and never leave the EU. You can also choose zero-access encryption so only you can decrypt your archive.
I'm on Windows. Is there a similar guide?