Fix Thunderbird Not Downloading New Messages Problem

  author
Rollins Duke   
Published: July 15th, 2024 • 5 Min Read

Various home users, non-profit organizations, and small businesses prefer to use Thunderbird as their default email client because this is an open-source client. But sometimes Thunderbird not downloading new messages due to various reasons then users start searching for tips and tricks to resolve this problem.

If your Thunderbird has stopped downloading messages and you are seeking for a solution to resolve this problem. Then you can continue to learn from this blog post and get several suggestions to resolve this issue including manual and professional.

Why Thunderbird Stop Downloading Messages?

If Thunderbird has stopped downloading messages, there could be several potential reasons as mentioned below:

Server Down Problems:

Sometimes email account that you have configured with Thunderbird, may have server-down problems. Hence, if the configured account’s server down then Thunderbird disable downloading messages.

Incorrect Account Settings:

If users want to change account configuration settings for various reasons and use the wrong server/ account settings by mistake, they can’t receive emails on Thunderbird.

Thunderbird Corruption:

Various times Thunderbird email clients may be crashed for multiple reasons. Hence, if your Thunderbird crashed and stopped retrieving emails then you need to repair corrupt Thunderbird profiles immediately.

Storage Limit:

Sometimes Thunderbird says inbox is full and cannot receive email because of maximum quota limits. Then, you need to empty some unnecessary data from Thunderbird client.

Recommended: Know Why Is Thunderbird So Slow

Manual Ways to Fix Thunderbird Not Downloading New Messages

Several manual tips and tricks are available to fix problems if Thunderbird stops downloading messages. You can check Thunderbird’s internal and external settings for troubleshooting this problem.

#1 Method: Check Account Settings to Fix Thunderbird Not Getting New Messages

  1. Launch the Thunderbird client on your computer.
  2. Choose Tools and then select Account Settings.
  3. Check and edit server details, port number, and security settings.
  4. Check your settings match your email provider’s instructions.
  5. Save Thunderbird settings and check if start getting new emails.

#2 Method: Basic Instructions to Fix Thunderbird Email Not Receiving Messages

  1. Update your Thunderbird client to the latest edition. Select Help and then choose About Thunderbird. After that, Thunderbird will check for updates and will show you whether Thunderbird is up to date or not.
  2. If you are facing server issues, then please contact your email hosting provider and explain your problem. After that wait to fix server issues and then check whether your problem is resolved or not.
  3. Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus programs and restart Thunderbird. After that, restart your Thunderbird programs and check whether your problem is fixed or not.
  4. Configure a new account in your Thunderbird by choosing Tools >> Account Settings >> Account Actions >> Add Mail Account. After that enter your account credentials and configure with Thunderbird.

#3 Method: Delete Global Database to Fix Thunderbird Not Downloading New Emails

  1. Quit your Thunderbird client.
  2. Go to Thunderbird profile default storage location.
  3. Open a profile that is creating problems in retrieving emails.
  4. Select global-messages-db.sqlite file and delete it.
  5. Restart your Thunderbird to initiate re-indexing global database.
  6. Please wait while re-creating the global-messages-db.sqlite file.

Note: If you want to check the real-time indexing process then choose the Tools > Activity Manager option.

#4 Method: Force Download to Fix Thunderbird Not Showing New Emails

  1. Launch Thunderbird desktop client.
  2. After that, select Tools >> Account Settings.
  3. Next, choose the Synchronization & Storage option.
  4. Enable Keep messages in all folders for this account on this computer.
  5. Select the Advanced button and force download emails in Thunderbird.
  6. Tap the OK button to start downloading new messages in Thunderbird.

Read Next: Learn How to Open PDF Files in Thunderbird

Pro Ways to Fix Thunderbird Not Receiving Messages

BitRecover software company developed multiple tools that can help in resolving queries like Thunderbird not downloading new messages. We are suggesting different applications, you can choose any according to your needs and situation.

Thunderbird Converter Wizard

This software permits you to convert Thunderbird profile data in multiple formats so later you can use converted data with Thunderbird as well as other email services. This software has various saving options so utilize it to resolve Thunderbird stop downloading messages issues.

Fix Thunderbird not downloading new messages

Thunderbird Backup Wizard

This utility is authorized to download Thunderbird profile data in several standard formats and email services. So first use this software to download your data and then re-use the resultant data with Thunderbird as well as other email programs.

Thunderbird not getting new messages

Common Queries and Responses

Q 1: Where can I find global-messages-db.sqlite file in Thunderbird because I want to re-create it?

Go to the default storage location i.e. C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\. After that, open the profile folder and get the global-messages-db.sqlite file.

Q 2: Why is Thunderbird not downloading emails?

There could be various reasons behind Thunderbird has stopped downloading messages:

  • Server problems
  • Wrong account settings
  • Crashed Thunderbird
  • Corrupted profile
  • Antivirus programs
  • Exceed storage limit

Q 3: How can I remove an email account from Thunderbird?

  1. Run the Thunderbird email client on your machine.
  2. Choose Tools and then select Account Settings.
  3. Then, choose Account Actions >> Remove Account.
  4. Enable the required option and tap the Remove button.

To Wrap Up

Above we have explained complete guidance to fix Thunderbird not downloading new messages issues. You can try above mentioned manual and professional ways to resolve Thunderbird not getting new messages problems. Users face different types of challenges so you may need to follow different methods accordingly. We provide 24-hour technical support for your clients, so you can feel free to connect with us.