Thunderbird Not Downloading New Messages [Issue Resolved]

How to Fix Mozilla Thunderbird Stop Downloading Messages Issue?

If your Mozilla Thunderbird isn’t working properly due to issues like corruption or fragmentation. Then it is quite possible that you might not be able to download your emails. This can happen whether you’re using POP or IMAP. To quickly resolve the issue of Thunderbird not downloading new messages follow the methods mentioned below.

Method 1: If POP3 is enabled in your Thunderbird Account

Global searching and indexing involve a database called global-messages-db.sqlite, which serves as Thunderbird’s search index. This file stores a copy of all your Thunderbird account’s messages. Occasionally, this file can become corrupted, causing Thunderbird to fail to download new emails.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Close the Thunderbird application.
2. Locate the global-messages-db.sqlite file in your Thunderbird Profile.
3. Delete the global-messages-db.sqlite file from your computer to compel Thunderbird to download all POP3 messages.
4. Restart Thunderbird and it will automatically initiate the re-indexing process.

Note: The duration of re-indexing depends on the number of emails. It might take a few minutes to complete.

We want to provide you with some extra information that might come in handy as the process continues.

• While re-indexing is ongoing, you can continue to use Thunderbird, but it may respond slower during this time.
• You can monitor the indexing status by navigating to Tools >> Activity Manager.

Afterward, Mozilla Thunderbird will successfully download all email messages and synchronize them with your MBOX files, resolving the issue of Thunderbird not downloading new messages.

Method 2: If IMAP is enabled in your Thunderbird Account

To ensure you get all the new messages from your IMAP-configured Thunderbird account, follow these steps to resolve the issue of Mozilla Thunderbird not downloading new messages:

1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird and click on Tools.
2. Choose Account Settings and navigate to the Synchronization & Storage category for your IMAP account.
3. Enable the option that says, Keep messages for this account on this computer.
4. Click the Advanced button to make Thunderbird download all IMAP messages.
5. To save in the Inbox folder check the Download option.
6. Finally, click on OK and then OK again to save your settings.

If the previous methods don’t help, please proceed to the next section, which will address your problem.

Additional Ways to Fix the Problem of Thunderbird Not Downloading New Messages

If you’re still encountering the Thunderbird not downloading new messages error, you better take a backup of your Thunderbird profile. This may prevent further data loss. The best way to create a backup is using a specialized tool known as the Thunderbird Backup Tool. This tool offers a comprehensive solution to backup Thunderbird mailbox in various file formats and email clients. You can migrate Thunderbird emails to Gmail, and other email clients. However, you must have Thunderbird installed and logged in on your system.

The simple steps to resolve Thunderbird not downloading new messages by taking a backup:-

1. Install and run the Thunderbird Backup Tool as an administrator.
2. The tool auto-fetch the saved profile on your system. Choose one encountering the error.
3. Mailbox preview appears. Select the files/folders from the tree structure and click on Next.
4. Choose a desirable saving format from the list, say PDF for easy access.
5. Further, opt for the optional filters and click on Convert to initiate the process.

After following these straightforward steps you will be able to download your Thunderbird mails to your desired file format. Hence, it secures your mailbox data from any future loss.

After following these straightforward steps you will be able to convert your IMAP Mails to your desirable file format.

Conclusion

We’ve come to the conclusion of this blog, which focused on addressing the problem of Thunderbird not downloading new messages. Mozilla Thunderbird regularly checks for new email messages every minute and gradually downloads them. However, there are times when issues with settings or the email server can cause problems, making it unable to download emails or causing a slowdown in the process. This blog provides quick solutions for resolving the Thunderbird not downloading new messages issue. We’ve outlined a few fixes based on account settings. Additionally, the Sysinfo Thunderbird Backup tool to convert IMAP to different file formats. Now users can choose the one that suits their situation to resolve the problem of Thunderbird not downloading new emails.

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.