How to Import MBOX to Thunderbird Free? Complete Solution

  author
Rollins Duke   
Published: June 18th, 2024 • 6 Min Read

Do you have MBOX files and intend to import MBOX to Thunderbird email client? No need to hassle anymore. Here we will explain both manual and professional solutions to open MBOX file in Thunderbird application.

Thunderbird is a freeware and open-source email client application presently popular among people due to its upgrading features and simple interface. Thunderbird was developed by Mozilla Foundation (formerly Mozilla Messaging) MZLA Technologies Corporation.

Like different email applications Apple Mail, Eudora, Entourage, Opera Mail, and SeaMonkey, Thunderbird also supports the MBOX format. You can manually export MBOX files from Thunderbird which stores a whole folder’s emails with components.

What Are Possible Logics to Open MBOX File in Thunderbird?

As such the reasons could vary, as to why the users want to open MBOX in Thunderbird. But the primary reason is to open the MBOX data file without its native email client.

  • #1 Logic: If you are willing to open MBOX 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.
  • #2 Logic: Sometimes users export MBOX from Gmail using the Google Takeout utility, and later they prefer to import MBOX into Thunderbird desktop client. They prefer to choose Thunderbird because it is available free of cost.
  • #3 Logic: There are some situations when MacBook users want to switch to Windows. So they export MBOX from Apple Mail and later want to add MBOX file to Thunderbird on Windows as Thunderbird is compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms.

How to Import MBOX to Thunderbird Client?

Now, coming to the solution to import MBOX into Thunderbird desktop client, there are two different approaches to achieve this requirement.

  • Using ImportExport Tools – Free Add-ons
  • Using Automated Approach – Recommended Software

How to Add MBOX File to Thunderbird Using ImportExportTools?

  1. Download, install, and setup Thunderbird on your computer.
  2. Start Thunderbird, choose Tools >> Add-ons and Themes.
  3. Search ImportExportTools NG add-ons and click Add to Thunderbird.
    ImportExportTools add-ons
  4. Then, right-click Local Folders and choose ImportExportTools NG plugin.
  5. Select Import MBOX Files >> Individual MBOX Files option.
    Import MBOX into Thunderbird
  6. After that, browse the MBOX file from your computer and tap Open button.
    Select MBOX file
  7. See the imported MBOX file under Local Folder in Thunderbird.
    Open MBOX in Thunderbird

Constraints of Manual Method and Troubleshooting Tips

Constraints of Manual Method:

While you try to import MBOX files 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 MBOX file.
  • You can get misplaced MBOX mailboxes and erroneous header information.
  • Manual method does not maintain the actual folder structure.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Large Files: If you are trying to import large MBOX files to Thunderbird, keep 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 Open MBOX in Thunderbird Using Software

To escape the shortcomings of the above manual process, use BitRecover Thunderbird Import Tool. With the help of this software, you can open MBOX file in Thunderbird. All you need to do is Download and Install the utility on the computer.

Download Now Purchase Now

Working Steps Video and Screenshots

  1. Firstly, launch the recommended software and choose one option from Select Files or Select Folders for adding .mbox files.
    Run software
  2. You can preview all selected files in the software window, choose required files, and press the Next button.
    All folders
  3. Thereafter, the tool will automatically choose the default destination path of the Thunderbird profile.
    Open MBOX file in Thunderbird
  4. After that, tap on the Next button to start importing MBOX into Thunderbird profile.
    Import MBOX to Thunderbird
  5. Finally, after completing the task, run your Thunderbird for previewing the imported emails.
    Add MBOX file to Thunderbird

Top Benefits of Using This Software

  • 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, Gmail, and all.
  • The software is skilled enough to import MBOX to Mozilla 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.

Frequently Asked Queries with Answers

Q 1: How to import MBOX file to Thunderbird

To import MBOX into Thunderbird just right-click on the Local Folders >> go to ImportExportTools NG >> Import MBOX >> Individual MBOX file you want to import. Lastly, click on Open to complete the process of importing.

Q 2: Can I import MBOX to Thunderbird without installing any supported program?

Yes, you can open MBOX files in Mozilla Thunderbird without any external program installation.

Q 3: Does the software allow to bulk add MBOX files to Thunderbird at once?

Yes, in the preview panel of the software, you can choose some selective MBOX email files or folders for conversion.

Q 4: How can I add ImportExportTools NG add-ons in Thunderbird?

  1. Launch Thunderbird on your machine.
  2. Choose Tools and then select Add-ons and Themes.
  3. Search for ImportExportTools add-ons under Add-ons Manager.
  4. Choose ImportExportTools NG add-ons and click the Add to Thunderbird button.
  5. Click the Add button to give the required permissions and press OK.

Bringing All Together

Finally, the above blog describes two proper solutions to import MBOX to Thunderbird. Hence, if you are willing to perform bulk open MBOX files in Mozilla Thunderbird. Then, the above-mentioned solutions are best for you!

These solutions provide 100% precise results and enable you to open MBOX file with Thunderbird without losing a single bit of information. For more doubts, feel free to get in touch with our technical support team.