How to Import Gmail to Thunderbird: Step-by-Step Guide

Import Gmail Emails to Thunderbird: Advantages for Teams

During the Gmail to Thunderbird migration, most users only focus on email access, but there’s more to it. Once the Gmail data is synced in another profile, like Thunderbird, the data is stored in a local folder. It helps make the entire mailbox portable across devices without resyncs or re-import.

Now, the question is, why does it matter?

This Gmail email to Thunderbird import matters for the following reasons:

• Field workers and remote employees can access data securely without constant internet connectivity.
• IT teams can centrally set up Thunderbird profiles and move Gmail data to all user devices with ease.
• At times of device upgrades, the mailbox can be instantly restored simply by copying the folders.
• The need to re-establish IMAP links or re-import the mailbox data is eliminated, too.
• Accessibility to local data storage for data retention policies and compliance audits.
• Metadata preservation and label mapping to avoid any loss and folder clutter.

Which Methods Import Gmail Mails to Thunderbird?

As explained above, an IMAP sync procedure and an automated help with the Gmail migration to a Thunderbird account. But the issue is that the manual IMAP process only moves the emails, attachments, flags, and Gmail labels. It doesn’t include other items like contacts, chat messages, and calendars. Moreover, it requires some prerequisites that everyone must follow before the import.

Gmail IMAP Prequisites That Users Generally Miss

• Enabling IMAP in Gmail from the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab within Settings.
• Next, create an App Password for secure sign-in to Thunderbird. It is only possible if 2FA is enabled.
• Furthermore, it’s an optional choice, but it will help you to organize data structurally. It is cleaning or merging the Gmail labels for a streamlined view in Thunderbird.

Manual Technique to Import Gmail to Thunderbird

This section briefs the IMAP configuration of Gmail and Thunderbird for the import step by step as follows:

1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird and hover over the More menu.
2. Then, select Account Settings and in the open window, +New Account.
3. Pick Mail Account and enter Gmail email and app password, created earlier.
4. Further, click Continue, and Thunderbird automatically detects IMAP settings:
• Incoming: imap.gmail.com (Port 993 and connection SSL/TLS)
• Outgoing: smtp.gmail.com (Port 465 and connection SSL/TLS)
5. Hit Done to complete the sync process of the mail accounts.
6. After that, you will find Gmail appears as a separate folder in the left panel of Thunderbird.
7. All the emails and labels start to sync, and you can access your data in it.

Note: Since the IMAP sync is from the server itself, any data from Gmail isn’t deleted. Unless you manually do it from either Gmail or Thunderbird.

Well, this free method to migrate Gmail to Thunderbird is quite easy and convenient. But you will come across a few cons too in this process.

Limitations of the Manual Method

• Needs internet connectivity and technical skills to perform the process correctly.
• There are chances of network disruption, authentication issues, or human error during the process.
• For calendars and contacts, you need to extract data via Google Takeout in an MBOX file. Later, import the same into Thunderbird.

Tool-Based Process to Bulk Import Gmail to Thunderbird

For teams dealing with large client inboxes, shared mailboxes, and legacy user accounts, repeating steps can be quite hectic. Also, it is an unproductive and error-prone solution with risks. This is where the automatic SysInfo Gmail Backup Tool comes as a useful source. It transfers single and multiple Gmail accounts simultaneously with complete accuracy and retains folder structure.

Beyond this, it also gives support to all technical and non-technical users for selective import. Moreover, it’s capable enough to migrate Gmail to Office 365 and integrate with G Suite too. One of its best use examples is:

“ A marketing team migrating 30+ Gmail accounts used this Gmail Email Backup Tool. They batch imported data 4x faster without duplication.”

Need something similar for your business Gmail migration needs? Access the customized deployment guide below or reach our tech support.

Know How to Import Gmail Emails to Thunderbird

1. Launch the Gmail Migration Tool after the download and installation.
2. Select the radio option for Gmail and sign in with the correct email and app password.
3. Further, from the list of root folders, pick your relevant ones and click Next.
4. After that, from File Formats, select Thunderbird and pick the filters.
5. By default, the path for saving Thunderbird profile is automatically set. Still, you can change it.
6. At last, click Convert to finish the Gmail email migration to the Thunderbird profile in one go.

Conclusion

Import Gmail to Thunderbird is a very simple and straightforward process, whether you do it manually or professionally. By setting the Gmail IMAP needs properly, you can import the files, but it still has some flaws. Instead, use the professional software and ensure secure, accurate, and fast migrations ideal for client onboarding, audits, and archives.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.