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Alibaba Mail:Feature differences after mailbox migration

Last Updated:Jun 03, 2026

After migrating from a third-party email service to Alibaba Mail, you may notice differences in client configuration, email sync, and calendar behavior.

Different email providers have different UI designs and feature settings. Review the following differences to ease your transition to Alibaba Mail.

You can use the web version or the new Alibaba Mail client.

Common differences by email client:

Outlook

Category

Before migration

After migration

Procedure

References

Configuration method

Outlook is configured using Exchange Web Services (EWS).

Outlook is configured using IMAP.

Configuring IMAP

Set up the Outlook client on a Mac

Configure an Alibaba Mail account in Outlook

Email display

Tables in RTF emails display correctly when the Content-Type header includes both ms-tnef and text/plain.

Display as plain text

MS-TNEF is a proprietary format. Ask the sender to switch from RTF to HTML in Outlook settings.

Differences in table display between the web version and Outlook in special scenarios

Email synchronization

No delay in email synchronization.

There may be a delay in email synchronization.

Outlook syncs every 30 minutes by default. Adjust the interval in Outlook options.

Set the email synchronization time in Outlook

Email migration

Email flags, custom folders, and categories such as to-do are available.

Email flags, custom folders, and categories such as to-do are not migrated.

Re-mark important emails in the Alibaba Mail web version or client.

Mark important emails (star)

Manage folders and tags

Email flagging

You can change a flag to Completed (check mark) or clear it.

The Completed (check mark) status is not supported. You can only flag or unflag an email.

Mark emails as completed in the web version or Alibaba Mail client.

Flag emails in Outlook

Email revocation

Sent emails can be revoked from Outlook with a Microsoft mailbox.

Sent emails cannot be revoked from Outlook.

Revoke emails through the Alibaba Mail web version, client, or DingTalk Mail.

Email revocation for employees

How can a mailbox administrator revoke an email?

Auto-forwarding

Auto-forwarding rules execute immediately.

Rules execute only after you open Outlook and sync new emails.

Set up auto-forwarding in the Alibaba Mail web version or client.

Set up auto-forwarding in Alibaba Mail

Email display

The sender name is the display name from the Exchange mailbox.

Outlook uses its own display name instead of the Alibaba Mail nickname, regardless of whether you use the Outlook plugin, LDAP, or manual entry.

Outlook prioritizes its own settings. Use the web version or Alibaba Mail client instead.

Set a mailbox nickname

Foxmail

Category

Before migration

After migration

Solution

References

Sync address book

Address book and calendar sync via ActiveSync.

The address book does not sync via plugin. The calendar syncs automatically.

Export the address book from the web version and import it into Foxmail. The calendar syncs automatically.

Import an address book into Foxmail

Account configuration

A Tencent Mail account is already configured.

Modifying the existing Tencent Mail configuration triggers a WeChat QR code prompt. Validation still targets the Tencent Mail account.

Tencent restricts Foxmail account modifications. Create a new account in Foxmail.

Configure an Alibaba Mail account in Foxmail

iOS Calendar

Category

Before migration

After migration

Resolution

References

iOS Calendar

Events can be edited in the iOS Calendar.

Events cannot be edited in the iOS Calendar.

Edit events in the web version or Alibaba Mail client.

Configure Alibaba Mail on native and third-party calendar apps

Other

Category

Before migration

After migration

Solution

References

Email archiving

Capacity limits require regular local archiving.

Capacity is limited to 2 million emails.

Email archives for active mailboxes are stored for up to 5 years.

Email archiving

Email display

Email content displays correctly.

Email formatting may appear broken.

Support for HTML styles and tags varies by service provider. Test and optimize the content.

Calendar modification

Modifying event attendees notifies only the affected attendees.

Modifying an event notifies all attendees.

How do I create and cancel meeting invitations in Alibaba Mail?

Explore Alibaba Mail features to get the most out of your new mailbox.