How to Switch from AOL to Gmail

Easily import your AOL data into a new Gmail account with this user-friendly guide

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: August 23, 2022

This wikiHow teaches you how to switch from your Aol.com email address to Gmail. After creating a new Gmail account, it'll be easy to import your AOL contacts and messages using the import tool. If you'd like to keep receiving mail to your Aol.com address without signing in to AOL, you can set up automatic forwarding indefinitely.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Importing Your AOL Mail and Contacts into Gmail

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1
Sign into your Gmail account at https://mail.google.com. If you're already signed in, you'll see your Gmail inbox. If not, follow the on-screen instructions to log in with your Google account and password.
- If you haven't already created a Gmail account, click the blue Create account link to create one now.
- If you're using a phone or tablet, use your web browser rather than the Gmail mobile app.
It's near the top-right corner of the page. A Quick Settings menu will expand.

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It's at the top of the Settings menu.
It's the fourth tab at the top of the page.
It's the blue link under "Import from Yahoo!, Hotmail, AOL, or other webmail or POP3 accounts." A pop-up window will appear containing a text field.
Once your password is accepted, you'll be asked which items you want to import.
8
Check the boxes for what to import. You'll probably want to import your contacts and all existing mail so you don't lose anything important. If you'd also like any mail that's sent to your Aol.com email address forwarded to your Gmail address for the next 30 days, check the "Import new mail for the next 30 days" box as well.
- If you don't plan to delete your Aol.com email address and want to forward all future incoming message to Gmail for longer than 30 days, you can skip the "30 days" part and instead check out Forwarding Future AOL Mail to Gmail after the import.
9
Click the Start import button. Gmail will now connect to your Aol.com account and copy your mail and/or contacts. Once the process is complete, click OK to close the window.
- If you want to completely stop receiving email sent to your Aol.com account see How to Cancel an AOL Account after switching to Gmail.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Forwarding Future AOL Mail to Gmail

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1
Sign into your Gmail account at https://mail.google.com. If you're already signed in, you'll see your Gmail inbox. If not, follow the on-screen instructions to log in with your Google account and password.
- This method allows you to keep receiving email that's sent to your Aol.com address in Gmail.
It's near the top-right corner of the page. A Quick Settings menu will expand.
It's at the top of the Settings menu.
It's the fourth tab at the top of the page.
It's in the "Check mail from other accounts" section near the middle of the page.
You'll be asked for your AOL password.
This option allows you to send and receive messages from your Aol.com account without leaving Gmail. A new pop-up window will expand.
You can do this by typing your AOL email address into the new pop-up window, clicking Next, and then doing the same with your password. Once logged in, you'll be asked to give Gmail access to your account.
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Review the agreement(s) and click Agree. The three options are required for setting up your AOL mail in Gmail. To get more information about what you're agreeing to, click the OPEN ID and OAUTH terms link above the button first. Once your accounts are linked, you can click Close on the success message.
- Now that you've linked your accounts, any mail sent to your Aol.com email address in the future will appear in your Gmail inbox.
- If you'd like to send an email message through Gmail using your AOL address as the return address, select the option to compose a message, click the current return address (in the "From" field), and then select your Aol.com address.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I transfer my AOL folders to Gmail?

Community Answer

Set up both your AOL and GMail accounts in an email client such as Thunderbird or Outlook using IMAP. Download all mails from both accounts. Simply copy (Or you can also select and drag) the mail from the folders of your AOL account into the folders of your Gmail account for all folders necessary.

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Tips

Notify people who email you at your old AOL account that you're changing to Gmail.

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Pick a username that is similar or identical to your AOL user name so your friends and family will easily make the transition.

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Personalize your account. You can add a picture that will be viewed by Gmail friends or change any of the preferences.

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