Import OLM to iCloud on Mac & Win OS – Safe and Secure Tips for Migration

Sarabjeet Kaur | olm outlook for mac software technology | 5 minutes read | Modified on: 17-06-2025
import olm to icloud

Looking to import OLM to iCloud? This guide breaks down the best way to transfer tasks, emails, contacts, notes, calendars, tasks, and journals from Outlook for Mac to iCloud account. Since iCloud doesn’t support OLM files directly, we explore effective methods manual and automated for converting and syncing your data. Whether you’re switching platforms or backing up Mac Outlook data to the cloud, this step-by-step solution ensures a smooth, safe migration. Best for Mac users who want their Outlook data accessible across all Apple devices via iCloud.

Before starting the procedure of importing an OLM file to iCloud, it’s important to understand what an OLM file is. OLM is a proprietary file format used by Microsoft Outlook for Mac to store mailbox data such as tasks, notes, emails, contacts, calendars, and journals. These data items can be exported from Outlook and later imported into iCloud to ensure secure cloud-based storage and easy accessibility across Apple devices.

iCloud, developed by Apple, is a cloud storage service that allows users to back up and sync data like files, photos, passwords, notes, and more. Every user gets 5GB of free storage, with the option to upgrade to a higher storage plan. While iCloud flawlessly syncs data across Apple devices, it doesn’t natively support OLM files. Therefore, to import OLM to iCloud, a few additional steps are required. Follow the instructions below to successfully transfer your Outlook for Mac data to iCloud.

Techniques to Import OLM File to iCloud Effortlessly

iCloud is known for its robust security and data protection, offering encryption and two-factor authentication to ensure maximum safety. This makes it an ideal cloud storage option for Mac users who want to safeguard their Mac Outlook data by importing OLM emails to iCloud.

Since Outlook Mac stores all mailbox items including emails, calendars, contacts, journals, and more items in the .olm file format, these files must be converted into a format supported by iCloud before importing. For contacts, this means converting the OLM file into the VCF (vCard) format.

Step 1: Export Contacts from Mac Outlook in VCF Format

To begin, follow these steps to extract your contacts from the OLM file:

  • Open Outlook for Mac on your device.
  • Navigate to the ‘Tools’ menu and select ‘Export’.
  • Pick to export ‘Contacts’ from the list of mailbox data items.
  • When prompted to save the file, select ‘Save As’, choose the VCF format, and click ‘Save’.
  • Once the export is complete, a confirmation pop-up will appear.

At this point, your Outlook contacts are successfully converted into the vCard (VCF) format, which is compatible with iCloud.

Step 2: Import Outlook Contacts (VCF) into iCloud

Now that your contacts are in VCF format, you can import them into iCloud by following these steps:

  • Navigate to the iCloud website and log in with your Apple login details like ID & password.
  • From the iCloud dashboard, click on ‘Contacts’.
  • In the bottom-left corner, press on Settings (gear) icon.
  • Select ‘Import vCard’ from the menu.
  • Browse your system and locate the VCF file exported from Outlook.
  • Click ‘Open’ to begin importing the file.

iCloud will automatically import all contact entries from the VCF file. Once done, the imported contacts will appear in your iCloud contact list.

Limitations of the Manual Method

While the manual process is straightforward, it comes with certain drawbacks:

  • You can only export and import contacts not emails, calendar entries, or other mailbox items.
  • Handling multiple OLM files can be time-consuming and repetitive.
  • No bulk export option for multiple contacts at once.
  • There’s a risk of data loss or formatting issues throughout conversion.

For large-scale migrations or full mailbox transfer, using a professional third-party tool i.e. OLM to iCloud Converter Software is recommended for a smoother and more reliable experience.

Things You Should Do Before Transferring OLM to iCloud

The manual process of importing OLM files to iCloud is often time-consuming and involves multiple steps. It also requires a fair amount of technical expertise to ensure the process is completed successfully. The primary goal of importing an OLM file to iCloud is to secure and back up important Outlook for Mac data, protecting it from potential corruption or loss.

Backup OLM Files Before Importing

Before starting the import process, it’s a good practice to create a secure backup of your OLM file. This ensures that even if anything goes wrong during the conversion or upload process, your original data remains intact.

A perfect way to do this is by using an expert program like BitData Migration OLM Converter for Mac and Windows OS. This software allows you to convert and save your OLM files into various formats PST, DOC, MBOX, HTML, PDF, MHT, EML, RTF, CSV, vCard, ICS, Windows Live Mail, Zimbra, IMAP, Office 365, Thunderbird, Amazon WorkMail, Yahoo Mail, Hosted Exchange Server, etc.), making them accessible across different platforms and email clients. It supports OLM files from Outlook Mac 2021, 2019, and earlier versions ensuring compatibility and flexibility.

By converting OLM files into a backup format before uploading to iCloud, users can avoid data loss, simplify migration, and maintain long-term accessibility of their emails, contacts, and calendars.

Bottom Lines!                              

The OLM file is a proprietary format used by Mac Outlook and it can only be accessed within the Mac ecosystem. Therefore, to move or use this data on other platforms such as iCloud you must first convert the OLM file into a compatible format.

In this segment, we’ve outlined both manual and professional methods to help you transfer your OLM data to iCloud. While the manual approach is possible, it requires technical skills and can be error-prone. On the other hand, using a tool like OLM to iCloud Migration Tool makes the process faster, safer, and more reliable.

FAQs – Importing OLM Files to iCloud

1. Can I directly import an OLM file into iCloud?

No, iCloud doesn’t support direct import of OLM files. You need to convert OLM data such as contacts into VCF format or emails into MBOX/EML formats before importing them manually or utilizing a third-party tool.

2. Does OLM to iCloud Migration Tool support the latest Outlook for Mac versions?

Yes, OLM to iCloud Converter supports OLM files from Outlook for Mac 2021, 2019, 2016, and earlier versions. It ensures smooth migration of calendars, tasks, notes, journals, emails, and contacts.

3. Can I convert only contacts or specific data types with the software?

Yes, this professional OLM to iCloud Conversion Tool allows selective conversion. You can choose to export only contacts, emails, or calendar entries based on your needs, which is helpful when preparing for an iCloud import.

4. Is using OLM to iCloud Tool better than manual methods?

Yes, software-based methods are faster, more trustworthy, and reduce the risk of data loss or formatting problems. They are ideal for users with large Mac OLM files or those who prefer a hassle-free conversion process.