How to Import MBOX to Thunderbird? Top 4 Simple Methods
This post defines the best strategies to import MBOX to Thunderbird step-by-step. It is a vital task for users who are looking to migrate their emails or back up important communication. Whether you are switching from another email client, changing your account, or organising your messages, read this article and follow the steps mentioned here to easily open MBOX file in Thunderbird in a hassle-free manner.
No doubt, Thunderbird is one of the most prominent freeware and open-source email client applications presently popular among people due to its upgraded features and simple interface. Thunderbird was developed by the Mozilla Foundation (formerly Mozilla Messaging) and MZLA Technologies Corporation.
Like different email applications, Apple Mail, Eudora, Entourage, Opera Mail, and SeaMonkey, Thunderbird also supports the MBOX format. This file format is used to store a collection of email messages in a single file. Each email is stored sequentially, which makes it a popular choice among users to archive and transfer emails. You can manually export MBOX files from Thunderbird, which stores a whole folder’s emails with components.
In this informational guide, we will walk you through the different methods and step-by-step procedures to easily import MBOX to Thunderbird, including attachments and all other data. Moreover, we will also understand a few causes behind this process. Let’s begin.
Why Add Open MBOX File in Thunderbird Account?
As such, the reasons could vary as to why the users want to import MBOX to Thunderbird account. But the primary reason to open an MBOX data file without its native email client.
- If you are willing to access file data without its parent email application, then you need an MBOX-compatible email client. Since Thunderbird runs on both Windows and Mac, many of you choose Thunderbird for opening MBOX files.
- Sometimes users export MBOX from Gmail using the Google Takeout utility, and later they prefer to import MBOX to Thunderbird desktop client. They prefer to choose Thunderbird because it is available at no cost.
- There are some situations when MacBook users want to switch to Windows. So, they export MBOX from Apple Mail and later want to open MBOX file in Thunderbird on Windows, as Thunderbird is compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms
How to Import MBOX into Thunderbird in Bulk?
In case you have multiple MBOX files to import into Thunderbird in bulk, then follow these methods to add data.
- Step 1: Download and run the solution.
- Step 2: Add MBOX files and folders here.
- Step 3: Select the needed data folders.
- Step 4: Choose “Thunderbird” as your option.
- Step 5: Locate the location to download the output.
- Step 6: Hit the “Convert” button to import MBOX to Thunderbird.
For better knowledge, you can check out the professional tool directly without jumping into the manual methods.
How to Add MBOX Files into Thunderbird Account Manually?
Here I will share three manual methods to open MBOX file in Thunderbird account using ImportExportToolsNG and import methods. Also, if you have a Gmail MBOX file, then we will have another way as well.
#1: Import MBOX to Thunderbird using Add-ons
- Install and set up Thunderbird on your computer.
- Start Thunderbird, and choose “Tools” >> “Add-Ons and Themes”.
- Search ImportExportTools NG add-ons
- And click on the “Add to Thunderbird” icon.
- Then again, choose the “Tools” menu button.
- After that, select the “ImportExportToolsNG” option.
- Select the “Import MBOX Files” >> “Individual MBOX Files” option.
- After that, browse the MBOX file from your computer and tap the “Open” button.
- See the imported MBOX file under Local Folder in Thunderbird.
Constraints of this Manual Method:
While you try to import MBOX to Thunderbird Windows with this manual technique, you may suffer from the following issues:
- May get some missing email attachments of MBOX files.
- Possibilities to get broken inline images present in the MBOX file.
- You can get misplaced MBOX mailboxes and erroneous header information.
- The manual method does not maintain the actual folder structure.
#2: Use Default Import Option
Note: Before you begin, ZIP the MBOX file.
- Start Thunderbird and go to “Tools”.
- Select the “Import” option and pick the Import from a file option.
- Browse the ZIP file and hit “Next”.
- Click on the “Start Import” option to import MBOX to Thunderbird.
Limitations:
- Not available in older Thunderbird versions.
- ZIP the MBOX file before importing.
- File size must be under 2 GB.
- Doesn’t support all platform MBOX files.
#3: Import Gmail MBOX Files to Thunderbird Account
If you want to upload an MBOX file generated by a Gmail account, then there is no need to follow the lengthy and time-consuming process to export data through Google Takeout. You can follow the given steps to import MBOX to Thunderbird for a Gmail account.
Thunderbird allows you to connect to cloud-based email services just by providing IMAP and account details.
- Start your Thunderbird.
- Hit on the “Tools” >> “Account Settings” option.
- Select the “Account Actions” >> “Add Mail Account” icon.
- Put in the account credentials of the Gmail account.
- After that, provide IMAP details.
- At last, select the “Finish” button to open MBOX file in Thunderbird.
Now, locate the folder of connected Gmail accounts in Thunderbird, right-click on it, and choose the “Move To” option. After that, select the Thunderbird profile.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Large Files: If you are trying to import large MBOX files to Thunderbird, be patient and ensure Thunderbird is not interrupted during the import process.
- Compatibility Issues: Please ensure you are importing MBOX into Thunderbird without having any corruption in files. If you encounter issues, then use free software to repair MBOX files.
How to Import Multiple MBOX Files to Thunderbird Account?
To escape the shortcomings of the above manual process, use BitRecover Thunderbird Import Tool. With the help of this software, you can import MBOX to Thunderbird. All you need to do is download and install the utility on the computer.
This software allows you to open multiple MBOX files in Thunderbird account in bulk without any limitations or restrictions.
Working Steps to Add MBOX to Thunderbird Account
- Firstly, launch the recommended software and choose one option from “Select Files” or “Select Folders” for adding .mbox files.
- You can preview all selected files in the software window, choose the required files, and press the “Next” button.
- Thereafter, the tool will automatically choose the default destination path of the Thunderbird profile.
- After that, tap on the “Next” button to import MBOX to Thunderbird profile.
- Finally, after completing the task, run your Thunderbird to preview the imported emails.
Why Expert Solutions Over Manual Methods?
- Compatible with MBOX files of all desktop and cloud-based email programs such as Apple Mail, Eudora, Opera Mail, Spicebird, Postbox, Claws Mail, Alpine, Netscape, Mail Copa, Earthlink, Pocomail, and all.
- The software is skilled enough to import MBOX to Thunderbird in bulk together with attachments. Also, not only the current MBOX emails, but the users can import old emails to Thunderbird without any hitches.
- This tool can simply add multiple data files and folders in bulk at one time without losing any information or details.
- Also, it maintains the original data and components like email headers and email body details with attachments.
FAQs: Open MBOX in Thunderbird
- Ques: Can Thunderbird open MBOX files?
Ans: Yes, Thunderbird can open MBOX file data with attachments because it supports and exports its data in this file extension.
- Ques: Where are Thunderbird MBOX files located?
Ans: Often, the location of Thunderbird MBOX files is “AppData\Roaming” or “~/.Thunderbird.
- Ques: Does the expert solution import my MBOX files directly into my Thunderbird account?
Ans: Yes, just don’t change the location during the process; it will locate the path and show your MBOX file in Thunderbird account.
- Ques: Does this software support corrupted or inaccessible Thunderbird profiles?
Ans: Yes, it will load the default location and will save your data, whether your profile is working or not. You can even change any other path as per your choice.
Bringing All Together
Finally, the above blog describes four proper solutions to import MBOX to Thunderbird. Hence, if you are willing to perform a bulk open MBOX files in Thunderbird. Then, the above-mentioned solutions are best for you!
These solutions provide 100% precise results and enable you to add MBOX to Thunderbird without losing a single bit of information. For more doubts, feel free to get in touch with our technical support team.
