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How to Import MBOX Files to Thunderbird? - Complete Guide
How to Import MBOX Files to Thunderbird? - Complete Guide

A comprehensive guide on importing MBOX files into Thunderbird using a free add-on and a software.

A comprehensive guide on importing MBOX files into Thunderbird using a free add-on and a software.

Nilesh Kumar

Last edited 174 days ago by Nilesh Kumar

Mozilla Thunderbird is an excellent email client that helps you manage multiple email account with ease. Being free, Thunderbird has a lot of users. And there are situation in which the user may need to import MBOX file into Thunderbird. It can be an old backup file or an MBOX file downloaded from the email services like Gmail. While Thunderbird supports MBOX file and has a way to import them, most users are not aware of it. That’s where we step in. Here, we will provide you with a reliable method to import MBOX files to Thunderbird using a free as well as a professional solution.

MBOX File Types You Can Process

There are quite a few kinds of MBOX file. Here is a list of what MBOX type the methods will support:

File with .mbox extension (like Apple Mail MBOX file)

File without extension (Mozilla Thunderbird MBOX file)

Gmail MBOX file containing multiple mailboxes

File with .mbx extension (Eudora, Pocomail file)

If you have any of these files, you can import them in Thunderbird using the given methods.

How to Import MBOX into Thunderbird Application?

Solution: To conveniently transfer the MBOX data into Thunderbird desktop program, you can use either of these two methods:

Method 1: Download an Add-on from Thunderbird store

Method 2: Execute the import process via Thunderbird Importer Software.

Here are the detailed steps.

Note: Before we start, keep in mind that it is impossible to directly add MBOX file in an IMAP-based email account configured in Thunderbird. You must use the methods to import the file in either a POP-based account or simply in the Local Folders mailbox. Afterward, you can move the data to the IMAP-based account, if that’s what you require.

Method 1. Download Add-on in Thunderbird to Import MBOX File

Initially, open Thunderbird, go to Tools menu and click on the Add-ons and Themes option. If the menu is not visible, hit the Alt key to make it visible.

Search for “importexporttools” in the Search bar inside the Extensions tab.

In the search results, find ImportExportTools NG and click on Add to Thunderbird and proceed to install this add-on to your Thunderbird client.

Once installed, go to the mailbox folder where you want to import the data and right-click on it.

Choose ImportExportTools NG > Import mbox file.

In the window that appears, select Import directly one or more mbox files and click OK button.

Now, choose the MBOX file that you want to add and click the Open button.

Voila! The job is complete.

These steps were performed on Thunderbird 102.4.0(32-bit) version. The steps should remain the same on the earlier versions. Just make sure that to choose ImportExportTools NG or the old ImportExportTools add-on depending on your Thunderbird version.

This method is free and still people want to use professional tools to get the job done. Why? Because there have been many instances where the metadata of the imported emails are tampered during the manual process. This is a big NO for professionals and hence, many users do not want to risk it and prefer professional tools like the one given below over the free add-on.

Method 2. Import MBOX File into Thunderbird using Pro Tool

To keep the email properties, metadata and attachments intact during the process, using a reputable

Thunderbird Import Wizard⁠

is a must. With this software, a user can easily transfer MBOX files into Mozilla Thunderbird email account in bulk.

Steps to Import MBOX to Thunderbird

Start Thunderbird Import Tool. Start the importer and read the instructions.

Add MBOX files into software. Click on Select Files button to import MBOX files.

Select MBOX folder you want to add in Thunderbird. The software will process and display all the added MBOX files that you can choose.

Import the selected MBOX file(s) into Thunderbird. In the next window, start the process as the tool already selects the default location where Thunderbird keeps its data file.

Open Thunderbird to view MBOX files. Finally, open Thunderbird application to view the files under “Local Folders”.

Conclusion

Thunderbird users want a solution to import MBOX files into Thunderbird when they wish to access their emails in the Thunderbird application. We tried to provide you with the most feasible options available to get the job done. The step-by-step process is easy to understand and easier to execute. It will definitely solve your needs without fail.

Quick Links:

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Import your MBOX files to Outlook⁠

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