Switch from AOL to Gmail

There are many reasons to switch over to Gmail from AOL. AOL's internet is rather slow and the Instant Messaging feature can be accessed through the free AIM. Also, if you are already using the internet, you don't have to open up a new program to see your email.

Steps

  1. Visit the Gmail page. Gmail is free for everyone, and you do not need another email address to sign up.
  2. Set up your account. Enter the information requested, click Agree to Gmail Terms and Services and create your account.
  3. Notify people who email you at your old AOL account that you're changing to Gmail.

Mail Fetcher

  1. Set up Mail Fetcher in your Gmail account. Mail Fetcher is a free feature that lets you download email messages from 5 different email accounts (that support POP access). You can use Mail Fetcher to move your AOL messages into Gmail.
  2. Click the gear icon in the upper right. Select Settings.
    • Open the Accounts and Import tab. (For Google Apps domains, open the Accounts tab.)
    • In the Check mail using POP3 section, click Add POP3 Email Account.
  3. Enter the full email address of the account you'd like to access. Then click Next Step.
    • Gmail will populate sample settings, but also check with your AOL server to learn the correct server name and port.
  4. Enter your password.
  5. Decide whether to:
    • Leave a copy of retrieved messages on the server
    • Always use a secure connection (SSL) when retrieving mail
    • Label incoming messages
    • Archive incoming messages
  6. Click Add Account.
    • Once your account has been added successfully, you'll have the option of setting it as a custom From address. This allows you to compose messages in Gmail, but have them appear to be sent from your other email account. Click Yes.

Auto Forward

  1. Log in to AOL mail. Setting up an automatic forwarding process in your AOL to your Gmail account will automatically redirect all AOL emails to your Gmail.
    • Click on the Settings icon located at the top right corner of the page. Choose Settings from the menu.
    • Click the Accounts and Import tab.
    • Choose the Add a POP3 mail account you own link. It's located under/next to the Check mail using POP3 section.
  2. Enter your AOL address in the Email address box and select Next Step.
    • Type in your AOL username and type in your password. You can apply a label to all email messages from your AOL address. Click Add Account.
  3. Choose whether you want to be able to reply with your AOL address from within Gmail. Then click Next
    • Decide if you want to treat the AOL account as an alias, and click Next Step.
    • Decide if you want to send the email through Gmail or through AOL's servers. Having it handled through Gmail is easier to set up and is secure. Click Next Step.
  4. Click Send Verification.
    • Go to your AOL Inbox and open the email from Google. Copy the verification code in the email and paste it into the verification code box. Choose Verify. Next time your AOL mail will be received at your new address.

Export

  1. Go to the beta webmail page at AOL.
  2. Click on Contacts. It's located on the left hand side bar.
  3. Click Export. It's located next to the find contacts search bar. Export to a CSV, comma-separated-value file. Import this to your Gmail account.

Copy and Paste

  1. In your AOL account copy-paste your email contacts into one large email. Address the email to your Gmail address. Send it.
  2. Select and copy-paste your contacts from the email into Gmail’s contact address book.

Tips

  • Pick a user name that is similar or identical to your AOL user name so your friends and family will easily make the transition.
  • Read the help information about Gmail on the next page. If you are unfamiliar with Gmail the email you receive from the support team is very helpful.
  • Notify people who email you at your old AOL account that you're changing to Gmail.
  • Personalize your account. You can add a picture that will be viewed by Gmail friends or change any of the preferences.
  • Monitor both Gmail and AOL accounts for about a week or so. This will ensure that you won't miss any emails.

Warnings

  • You may have problems as AOL's ldif is different from Thunderbird's one (e.g. the phone numbers won't be in Thunderbird and after in Gmail). This is avoidable as long as you are using AOL's Beta Mail Service.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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