How to Migrate Zimbra to cPanel Using 2 Proven Methods?

Mark Regan
Published: December 14th, 2024 • 6 Min Read

If you are someone who needs to migrate Zimbra to cPanel account but worrying about how to do it. Then this digital column has all the answers to overcome your problem. cPanel is widely used by several website hosting providers. Transfer Zimbra to cPanel is convenient for users to manage all the web hosting, database, and email services in one place. In simple terms, cPanel helps the user to manage their email under one control panel. Today, within this blog we will uncover both the automated and gratis techniques to answer your query.

Pre Zimbra to cPanel Migration Steps

Backup Zimbra Data: The very first step in any migration process is to backup you’re existing Zimbra data. This step will help you in the recovery process in case of any disaster. To back up Zimbra data from the admin console, you can run the command. zmmailbox -z -m [email protected] getRestURL ‘//?fmt=tar’ > /backup/user.tgz.
Inspect Storage Availability: The next after the backup of Zimbra data is to check the storage availability in the cPanel control panel. If it is insufficient please increase your storage capacity to avoid hinderance during the process of Zimbra to cPanel migration.
Gather User Account Credentials: You need to add each Zimbra user email account in cPanel. Therefore, you need to gather all the user account credentials to set up each user account in cPanel.
Prepare DNS Records: Prepare DNS records settings to point the email towards cPanel. Check MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for accuracy. Wrong DNS configurations can lead to several issues like email bounce back and email service unavailable.

How to Transfer Zimbra to cPanel Directly Using Expert Utility?

If you are searching for the most trustworthy solution then you can use the all-in-one Zimbra Converter Wizard. This utility is developed with deep research to migrate Zimbra servers to cPanel. Additionally, using this out-of-the-box solution users can selectively migrate Zimbra to cPanel account. This utility provides various advanced filter settings options based on date range, folder, to, from, and exclude folder filters, etc. To have a complete step-by-step approach please read the below blog section.

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How to Migrate Zimbra to cPanel Account? Working Steps

Initially, download and run the recommended solution on your local desktop.
Next, click on the Select Files or Select Folder option to insert Zimbra TGZ into the tool panel.
Then, enable the folder you need to migrate to cPanel and click on the Next button.
After that, choose the saving options as IMAP from the drop-down menu list.
Thereafter, enter the cPanel IMAP credentials to the utility console and select filter options.
Now, use the filter settings according to your requirements from the given options.
Finally, click on the convert button to start the process to migrate Zimbra to cPanel.

Manually Transfer Zimbra to cPanel with Thunderbird

If you are looking for a free technique then you can use the Thunderbird email client to migrate Zimbra to cPanel. You need to add both the Zimbra and cPanel email accounts to Thunderbird using IMAP. Now, simply drag and drop the email folder from Zimbra to cPanel in Thunderbird. Finally, repeat the same methods for each Zimbra user to complete the manual transition from Zimbra to cPanel. Now to have the complete step-by-step guide please follow the below-mentioned steps.

How to Migrate Zimbra to cPanel Using Thunderbird? Step-by-Step Tutorial

At the start, download the latest version of Thunderbird email client on your PC.
Next, follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation process & run the Thunderbird.
After that, go to the Hamburger menu button and select Add account >> Email.
Now, enter the Zimbra user account credentials into Thunderbird and click on Continue.
Thereafter, repeat the same step to add the cPanel email account to Thunderbird.
Now, drag and drop the email folder from the Zimbra account section to the cPanel account section.
Finally, repeat the same set of steps for Zimbra users to completely migrate Zimbra to cPanel accounts.

Drawbacks of Using the DIY Approach for Zimbra to cPanel Migration

Time-Consuming: The above-discussed DIY approach is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive task. You need to manually configure and move each user account from Zimbra to cPanel
Technical Expertise Required: The user who is leading the Zimbra to cPanel migration task needs to have technical expertise. Additionally, the user should have the proper knowledge of IMAP configuration.
Inefficient for Bulk Migration: The manual method to migrate Zimbra to cPanel is inefficient for bulk migration as it may lead to downtime in email services.
Risk of Data Loss: If the Thunderbird gets crashed or is interrupted during the Zimbra to cPanel migration process there is always a risk of crucial email data loss.

Post Zimbra to cPanel Transition Steps

Test Email Functionality: When the transition process is complete you need to test the email functionality so that all the data is integrated and the email service is working smoothly.
Verify Folder Structure: Another important post Zimbra to cPanel migration is that you need to verify the folder structure of migrated Zimbra data. Ensure that all the folders are properly intact.
Inform Users: Update the user that the migration process is completed successfully and inform users about the new email account credentials. Additionally, prepare the training session about the cPanel email interface and its functionality.

What to Choose Manual Vs. Automated Techniques?

Aspects	Automated Approach	DIY Technique
Time Consumption	Low	Very High
Technical Expertise	Minimal	Moderate
Risk of Data Loss	Low	High
Bulk Migration	Supported	Not Supported
Selective Migration	Supported	Not Supported

Final Thoughts

To conclude the above blog is on the topic of how to migrate Zimbra to cPanel account directly. We have discovered two tried and tested techniques. We have started our discussion from the pre-migration steps. Secondly, we discussed the automated solution for the transition process along with its step-by-step guide. Thereafter, we saw the DIY approach to transfer Zimbra to cPanel along with its working tutorial. However, the manual way has its limitations. Additionally, we have seen the post-migration steps. Lastly, we have seen the detailed comparison of automated and manual methods.