Back up a Yahoo Mail mailbox
Download a complete archive of your Yahoo Mail mailbox, no account needed, with the right IMAP settings already set up.
IMAP server and port already filled in for Yahoo Mail — all that's left is to enter your credentials.
IMAP settings for Yahoo Mail
Yahoo Mail
- IMAP server
- imap.mail.yahoo.com
- Port
- 993
- Encryption
- SSL/TLS
- App password
- Required
Yahoo Mail always requires an app password for IMAP access once two-step verification is enabled; the regular account password is rejected in that case.
App password for Yahoo Mail: In your Yahoo account, go to Account Security and generate an app password for IMAP access.
How it works
- Enter the credentials for your Yahoo Mail mailbox — the server (imap.mail.yahoo.com, port 993) is already filled in.
- Start the backup — MailSync connects read-only and goes through all your Yahoo Mail folders.
- A .zip archive is generated — one .eml file per message, same folder structure as your mailbox.
- Download your archive — available for 48 hours after the backup finishes.
What this tool doesn't do
- The operation only works over IMAP: a mailbox reachable only via POP3, or through a closed proprietary connector, can't be used.
- The archive doesn't contain your contacts, your calendar, or the filtering rules configured on the Yahoo Mail server.
- Beyond 5GB, finishing the operation requires a one-off payment or the Premium plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an app password for Yahoo Mail? +
Yes. In your Yahoo account, go to Account Security and generate an app password for IMAP access. Yahoo Mail always requires an app password for IMAP access once two-step verification is enabled; the regular account password is rejected in that case.
Does the backup change my Yahoo Mail mailbox? +
No. The connection to Yahoo Mail is read-only: no message is deleted, moved, or even marked as read. Your mailbox stays exactly as you left it.
What format is my Yahoo Mail mailbox backed up in? +
You get a .zip archive containing one .eml file per message, organized in the same folder structure as your Yahoo Mail mailbox. The .eml format is an open standard, readable by Thunderbird, Outlook, Apple Mail and most email clients.
What Yahoo Mail mailbox size is supported? +
The backup is free up to 5GB. Beyond that, the first 5GB are backed up for free, then you finish the operation for 4,99€ excl. VAT (5,99€ incl. VAT) or by switching to Premium, which removes this limit.
Are my Yahoo Mail credentials stored? +
No. Your IMAP credentials are encrypted with libsodium for the duration of the operation, then erased as soon as it finishes. If you're signed in to your MailSync account and choose to save the mailbox, only that one is kept (encrypted); you can delete it at any time.