How to Import MBOX to Thunderbird including Attachments?

Why Import MBOX Files in Thunderbird?

Several beneficial reasons make users save MBOX file to Thunderbird. Some of them are:

• Thunderbird offers various data filters and plugin support options.
• It allows one to view and read MBOX data with meta properties.
• Thunderbird is secure and easily accessible on different OS.
• Users may want to switch from Mac Apple Mail to Windows Thunderbird.
• Moreover, it is needed to open an MBOX file without its parent email application.

How to Import MBOX to Thunderbird?

There are different ways to move MBOX files into Thunderbird. We have described various manual solutions and a professional tool in the following section. Explore all the methods to choose one that suits you best. The detailed procedure is given below. Follow these steps carefully.

Convert MBOX File to Thunderbird Manually

1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird and click More > Tools > Import.
   
2. Select Import from a File and click Continue.
   
3. Afterward, choose the Import Backed Up Profile option and tap Continue.
4. Now, select Choose a ZIP file and browse and select MBOX file. Hit Continue.
   
5. Select items to import and click Start Import to import your MBOX file successfully.

Import MBOX to Thunderbird Using ImportExport Add-On

1. Start Thunderbird and go to More > Add-ons and Themes.
2. Browse ImportExportTools NG and click Add to Thunderbird.
   
3. Further, right-click Local Folders and select ImportExportTools NG.
4. In addition, select Import MBOX Files and choose a required way to import.
   
5. Browse the MBOX file and click Open. At last, click OK.

Open MBOX File in Thunderbird Using Gmail

1. Launch Mozilla Thunderbird and click More > New Account > Email.
2. Or, click More -> Account Settings -> Account Actions -> Add Mail Account.
3. Enter your Gmail credentials in the Account Setup window and tap Continue.
   
4. Choose IMAP and click Continue to verify your account. Lastly, click Done.

Now, you can easily access all your Gmail MBOX files in Thunderbird.

Loopholes of the Manual Method

• The manual import option is not available in older versions.
• The zip file size limitation is 2GB. So, not suitable for large files.
• There are chances of misplaced files, missing attachments, broken images, etc.
• Also, the folder structure and meta attributes of files are not maintained.

Hassle-Free Way to Import MBOX to Thunderbird

To overcome the limitations of the manual method and import MBOX files without worries, use the SysInfo MBOX Exporter Tool. This comprehensive utility ensures that even a novice user can open MBOX file in Thunderbird easily within seconds. It maintains the original folder structure and data integrity while keeping the files secure. Also, it is compatible with all OS versions. This software provides a filter to remove duplicates, manage attachments, and sort out files. Furthermore, it has some excellent features such as:

• Allows to import single as well as multiple MBOX files altogether.
• Converts MBOX files in PDF, PST, CSV, EML, DOC, etc. file formats.
• Import MBOX to Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Thunderbird, and other email clients.

Steps to Import MBOX to Thunderbird

1. Launch the tool and choose Single/Multiple File or Select Folder. Hit Next.
2. Click Select Files or Select Folder to add MBOX files. Press Open -> Next.
3. Expand the tree hierarchy to preview and select files to import. Tap Next.
   
4. Choose File Formats and select Thunderbird from the drop-down menu.
   
5. Additionally, apply filters and click Path to Save to specify a destination.
6. At last, hit the Convert button to complete importing MBOX files.

Conclusion

This blog highlights the topmost ways to import MBOX to Thunderbird. It can be done in different manual ways. However, it has some cons and users must have technical knowledge to execute them. Thus, you can opt for a professional tool for instant conversion. It is reliable, user-friendly, and has no risks.

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.