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 backup important communication. Whether you are switching from another email client, changing your account, or organizing your messages, read this article and follow the steps mentioned here to easily open MBOX 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 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. 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 Import MBOX to 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.
- 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.
- Sometimes users export MBOX from Gmail using the Google Takeout utility, and later they prefer to import MBOX to the Thunderbird desktop client. They prefer to choose Thunderbird because it is available free of cost.
- There are some situations when MacBook users want to switch to Windows. So they export MBOX from Apple Mail and later want to upload MBOX files to Thunderbird on Windows as Thunderbird is compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms.
How to Open MBOX in Thunderbird Client?
Now, coming to the solution to import MBOX to Thunderbird desktop client, there are 4 different approaches to achieve this requirement.
Import MBOX File to Thunderbird with ImportExportTools
- Download, install, and setup Thunderbird on your computer.
- Start Thunderbird, choose Tools >> Add-ons and Themes.
- Search ImportExportTools NG add-ons and click Add to Thunderbird.
- Then, right-click Local Folders and choose ImportExportTools NG plugin.
- Select Import MBOX Files >> Individual MBOX Files option.
- After that, browse the MBOX file from your computer and tap Open button.
- See the imported MBOX file under Local Folder in Thunderbird.
Constraints of 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 MBOX file.
- You can get misplaced MBOX mailboxes and erroneous header information.
- The manual method does not maintain the actual folder structure.
Open MBOX File in Thunderbird Using Import Feature
Note: Before you begin, ZIP the MBOX file.
- Start Thunderbird and go to Tools.
- Select the Import option and pick Import from a file option.
- Browse the ZIP file and hit Next.
- Click on the Start Import option to open MBOX in Thunderbird.
Limitations:
- Not available in older Thunderbird versions.
- ZIP MBOX file before importing.
- File size must be under 2GB.
- Doesn’t support all platform MBOX files.
Import MBOX to Thunderbird Using Gmail
Note: If you are you are importing MBOX files into Thunderbird using your email account, then first you will have to import MBOX files to Gmail. Once it’s done, you can set up both accounts to open MBOX in Thunderbird.
- Start Thunderbird and go to the File tab.
- Hit the New option and pick Existing Mail Account.
- Enter your email Login credentials and hit the continue button.
- Let the Thunderbird verify your account settings. Once done, hit Next.
- Restart Thunderbird to get your MBOX files here.
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.
Direct Approach to Open MBOX in Thunderbird in Bulk at Once
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.
Working Steps Video and Screenshots
- 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 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 for previewing the imported emails.
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, 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.
FAQs: Open MBOX in Thunderbird
Q 1: How to import MBOX 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?
- Launch Thunderbird on your machine.
- Choose Tools and then select Add-ons and Themes.
- Search for ImportExportTools add-ons under Add-ons Manager.
- Choose ImportExportTools NG add-ons and click the Add to Thunderbird button.
- Click the Add button to give the required permissions and press OK.
Bringing All Together
Finally, the above blog describes four 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 in Thunderbird without losing a single bit of information. For more doubts, feel free to get in touch with our technical support team.