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Add iCloud to Thunderbird with App Specific Password

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Written By
Nick Rogers
Published On
March 19th, 2024
Reading Time
6 Minutes Reading

Are you a Thunderbird user looking to configure an iCloud account? Thunderbird is a versatile open source system-based application that allows users to add and manage multiple email accounts in one place. Although adding iCloud to Thunderbird may seem like a technical and complex task at first, we’ll make it easier for you by breaking down the entire process into a simple step-by-step guide.

For Mac users, iCloud comes as a bridge to sync data across multiple Apple devices. Whether iCloud comes with many features like integration with the Apple ecosystem, or enhanced security and privacy, family sharing, and collaboration, there are times when users need to switch to the email client. Although there are a lot of options, users primarily prefer Thunderbird. The reasons why users choose Thunderbird to add iCloud email are given below.

Perks of Choosing Thunderbird to Add iCloud Email

1. Simplify Email Management: Users basically use more than one account, and a client like Thunderbird can simplify their management. In thunderbird, you can add iCloud and multiple other accounts and manage their data efficiently.

2. Cross Platform Compatibility: One of the best things about Thunderbird is that it is available for Windows, Mac and Linux operating system. By adding iCloud to Thunderbird, you can make your data accessible on device regardless of the operating system.

3. Different Filters: Unlike any other email application, Thunderbird offers many advanced functions. It allows you to quickly archive emails by simply pressing the “A” button. It also includes spam filters, antivirus, and navigation.

4. Multiple Plugins: Thunderbird is the only email client that allows exporting email data to multiple file extensions. With Thunderbird Import/Export NG plug-ins, you can easily export data to PDF, EML, CSV, and multiple other formats.

These are some of the benefits you can get if you add iCloud email to Thunderbird. Now, let’s explore the possible ways through which you can accomplish this task efficiently. Let’s review each one by one.

How to Add iCloud to Thunderbird?

There are two basic ways to add iCloud email to Thunderbird. The first method is the manual method where you need to go through many settings in your iCloud account to add mail data to Thunderbird. It primarily consists of the following steps:

  1. Enable two-factor authentication
  2. Create an app-specific password
  3. Configure the account in Thunderbird.

Alternatively, there is software suggested by experts that gives you a platform to add iCloud mail to Thunderbird directly. Let’s explore both methods in detail.

A Manual Method to Configure iCloud Account to Thunderbird

1. Enable Two Factor Verification

  • First, make sure that two factor security is enables in your Apple account.
  • For two factor verification, Go to System Preferences and pick iCloud.
  • Decide on Account Information.
  • Go to Security and create two-factor authentication.

2. Create an App Specific Password

  • Log into your Apple account and copy and paste the code that you got from apple device.
  • Click Sign-In and Security > App-Specific Passwords.
  • Select create an app-specific password from the options.
  • After launching Thunderbird, select Create.
  • Your iCloud password should be validated.
  • The created password should be copied and securely saved.

3. Configure iCloud in Thunderbird

  • Open Thunderbird, go to Edit/Settings/Account Settings.
  • Go to Account Actions and select Add Email Account option.
  • Enter in your full name, iCloud email address, and the app-specific passcode.
  • Click Continue >> select Done >> Choose Finish.

That’s it! This is how you can manually add iCloud to Thunderbird. This method is suitable for users who have proper knowledge of iCloud Mail settings. We have pointed out some drawbacks to this method, which we suggest you review.

Downsides of the Manual Approach

  • This process is very technical and time-consuming since you need to follow several steps.
  • Sometimes generating app passwords can be complex and you cannot get the passcode for specific reasons.
  • The process may vary depending on the version of Thunderbird.
  • There is no option to selectively add iCloud Mailbox to Thunderbird.

Do not worry! If you don’t want to use the manual method, we have the best alternative for you. Consider that below.

An Expert Software to Add iCloud Email to Thunderbird

4n6 Email Backup Software gives you a quick way to add iCloud mail to Thunderbird account. Using the tool, you need to go through several settings or create an application-specific password. This software allows you to export the entire mailbox or a selected mailbox from and add it to any version of Thunderbird. It is easy to use and any non-technical person can use it.
download-now

You can download and use the software for free from the link above. But before that we suggest you read all the working steps below.

Steps to Add Selective iCloud Mailbox Data to Thunderbird

  • Download, install and open the application on your Windows device.
    download tool to add iCloud to Thunderbird
  • Go to the Open menu and select the Add Account button.
    click open and add account
  • Enter your iCloud email address and password and click the Add button.
    enter iCloud credentials
  • Now, you may see that the tool has loaded all the mailboxes on the left panel.
    loaded iCloud mailboxes
  • Now, click the Export button and select MBOX from the drop-down list.
    select saving format
  • Select the location to save the resulting files. Finally click on the save button.
    click save to add iCloud email to Thunderbird

Once the process is finished, you can import the resulting MBOX files into Thunderbird manually.

As we can see, the professional software is easy to use compared to the manual approach. If you want to learn more about this tool, read on.

Read Benefits of Using Expert Software

  • This application has an interactive user interface suitable for both technical and non-technical user.
  • Allows you to add selective mailboxes from your iCloud account to the Thunderbird application.
  • Allows you to add iCloud to Thunderbird 115.8.1, 115.7.0, 115.0, 102.15.1 etc.
  • It allows you to add iCloud email to Thunderbird from specific header like To, Cc, Bcc, Subject, etc.
  • This software is compatible with Windows and can be used on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, etc.
  • It is completely standalone and does not require you to download additional settings or software.

In Conclusion

By reading the above content, you can learn how to add iCloud to Thunderbird using different methods. We have explained the manual approach which is somewhat technical and time consuming. Also, we proposed a simple tool that lets you add all or specific iCloud email to Thunderbird with a few simple steps.