Import OPML: how to move feed subscriptions between readers

If you need to import OPML, you are usually doing one of three things:

• moving subscriptions from one reader to another
• restoring a saved backup
• merging multiple feed lists into one place

The core idea is simple: an OPML file contains your feed subscriptions and folders, and the importer recreates them in the target app.

Quick answer

To import OPML successfully:

1. choose the target reader
2. upload the .opml file
3. pick merge or replace if the app asks
4. verify that the feeds and folders appear correctly

If the import fails, the first thing to check is whether the OPML file is valid XML and whether the feed outlines contain real xmlUrl values.

Import OPML into common readers

Most readers place OPML import somewhere in Settings, Backup, or Import/Export.

Common examples:

• Feedly
• Inoreader
• NetNewsWire
• Reeder
• NewsBlur
• Miniflux
• FreshRSS

If you are exporting from Feedly first, use:

• Export OPML from Feedly

If you are exporting from Inoreader first, use:

• Export OPML from Inoreader

If you want the reader-specific Inoreader import page, use:

• How to import OPML into Inoreader

What to check before importing

A healthy OPML file should:

• be valid XML
• include an <opml> root element
• contain <outline> entries for feeds or folders
• use xmlUrl values for actual feed URLs

If the file is broken, use:

• OPML Import Errors — How to Fix Broken Feed Lists

Common import failures

The import fails immediately

Possible causes:

• invalid XML
• encoding problems
• malformed outline structure

The import succeeds but no feeds appear

Possible causes:

• missing xmlUrl
• importer expects a different outline shape
• the reader ignored malformed entries

Duplicates explode

Possible causes:

• merge was chosen instead of replace
• the reader dedupes by title instead of URL
• the same feed list was imported more than once

If you have a large list, dedupe by xmlUrl before importing when possible.

What to do after the import

After the OPML file is imported, check whether:

• feeds appeared in the expected folders
• the folder hierarchy survived the migration
• feeds actually refresh in the new reader

If the import worked but some feeds are broken afterward, move into feed validation.

Useful next steps:

• OPML Workflow Guide: Export, Import, and Move Feed Subscriptions
• What Is an OPML File?
• /fix

When this page should hand off to other pages

This page is for the exact task: import OPML.

If you need a more specific next step, use:

• How to import OPML into Inoreader for the reader-specific guide
• OPML Import Errors — How to Fix Broken Feed Lists if the file will not import
• What Is an OPML File? for the plain-English format explanation

FAQ

What does importing OPML do?

Importing OPML recreates your subscription list and folder structure in a new app so you can migrate readers or restore a backup.

Why did my OPML import but no feeds appeared?

Usually the file is missing xmlUrl values, has malformed outline entries, or the target importer expects a slightly different structure.

How do I avoid duplicates when importing OPML?

Choose replace instead of merge when available, and dedupe by xmlUrl before importing if your list is large.

Fix RSS/Atom feeds and OPML lists

Paste a feed/OPML URL, upload a file, or paste XML — then validate and fix it.

Fix my feed / Import OPML Back to Help