If you use an iiNet, Westnet or TPG email address, you may want to move to another email provider while keeping your existing messages, contacts and important information.
The safest approach is to back up your emails before changing any settings or closing an account. The method you use will depend on your email address, how you access your messages and which provider currently manages your mailbox.
This guide explains how to prepare your mailbox, save a copy of your emails, transfer messages to another provider and reduce the risk of losing important information.
Important: Email services and account arrangements can change. Check the current instructions from your email provider before cancelling a service or assuming your existing address will continue to work.
How to back up your iiNet or Westnet emails before moving
Before changing email providers, save a copy of any messages you want to keep. The best method depends on the email program you use.
Option 1: Use Outlook for Mac or Windows
If your email account is set up in Outlook, check whether your messages are stored on the mail server or only on your computer.
For a local backup, Outlook may support exporting messages to a data file, depending on your Outlook version and account type. Follow Microsoft’s instructions for your specific version and verify that the exported file contains the messages you need.
Option 2: Use Apple Mail on a Mac
If you use Apple Mail:
- Open Mail and select the mailbox you want to save.
- Choose Mailbox → Export Mailbox.
- Select a folder where you want to save the exported mailbox.
- Click Choose and wait for the export to finish.
Apple Mail exports the mailbox as an .mbox package that can be imported into a compatible email application later.
Option 3: Keep a copy on the mail server
If your account uses IMAP, messages may be synchronised between your email program and the mail server. However, synchronisation is not the same as an independent backup.
Before closing an account or changing its settings, make sure you have a separate copy of important messages and attachments.
Important: Test your backup by checking that the exported files exist and, where possible, opening or importing them. Do not cancel your old email service until you have confirmed that your important messages are safely saved and that your new email account works.
How to transfer your old emails to a new email provider
Once your emails are backed up and your new email account is ready, you can start transferring your messages.
The exact steps depend on your new provider and the email application you use.
1. Set up your new email account
Create or configure your new email address and confirm that you can send and receive messages. If you plan to use Outlook or Apple Mail, add the new account using the provider’s current setup instructions.
2. Import your saved messages
If you exported your messages from Apple Mail, you can use File → Import Mailboxes in Mail to import a compatible .mbox archive.
For Outlook, the import process depends on your Outlook version and the type of backup file you created. Follow Microsoft’s instructions for your version rather than assuming every Outlook edition supports the same file formats.
3. Check the transferred emails
After importing, check that your folders, older messages and important attachments are present. Open several messages to make sure their contents are readable.
4. Keep your old account available for now
Do not cancel or abandon your old email service until you have confirmed that your important messages are saved, your new account works and you have updated the email address on important services such as banking, shopping and password recovery.
How to create a FREE Outlook.com email address
Once created and tested, start telling everyone about your new address …
How to forward new emails from iiNet or Westnet
If your existing iiNet or Westnet mailbox supports automatic forwarding, you may be able to forward incoming messages to your new email address.
- Sign in to your existing mailbox through its webmail service.
- Look in the mail settings for Forwarding or Automatic forwarding.
- Enter your new email address and save the settings.
- Send a test message to your old address and confirm that it arrives in your new inbox.
The available settings may vary by account and service. Check The Messaging Company’s current email-forwarding instructions if your mailbox supports this feature.
Important: Forwarding usually applies to new incoming messages. It does not automatically transfer your existing emails, contacts or calendar entries, so keep your backup until you’ve checked everything.https://support.themessaging.co/hc/en-au/articles/21780227383321-Set-up-automatic-email-forwarding-in-Webmail
Keeping your iiNet or Westnet email address?
If you choose to keep your existing email address through The Messaging Company, check its current instructions for setting up your account on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows and Mac. Email settings and sign-in requirements may change, so use the provider’s latest guidance rather than relying on older screenshots.
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