How to Import MBOX to Gmail? Best Solutions

Written By

Nick Rogers

Published On

August 20th, 2024

Reading Time

6 Minutes Reading

Overview: In this article, we will discuss popular methods to import MBOX to Gmail. We will explain the advantages and detailed steps to integrate MBOX (mailbox) file with Gmail with or without supportive email client. So, let’s get started with this article.

Gmail is the widely used and growing email service in terms of user base. It provides a platform to send and receive your important emails from any system using any web browser. Many professionals from other platforms are migrating to Gmail for a better email experience. The case is true for MBOX mailbox file users.

MBOX is a file type supported by various Linux, Windows and macOS applications. An MBOX file can store a large number of emails in one file and have a lot of advantages; however they are not easy to access and open. Importing MBOX files to Gmail can provide you with a range of benefits as well as flexibility in accessing the data. Learn about some of the key benefits of integrating MBOX email file into Gmail below.

Why Import MBOX Files into Gmail ?

• Cloud Security: It is widely known that Google’s cloud security is the most secure and robust. Google Cloud is committed to ensuring the security of server data.
• Access from anywhere: With Gmail, you can access your data from any device. Importing MBOX into Gmail allows you to access your emails flexibly without relying on the system.
• Phone Compatible: Also, if you import MBOX to Gmail, you can access it via smartphone since there is a dedicated Gmail app for mobile phones.
• Data Protection: Keeping MBOX email file in local drive may result in accidental deletion or corruption. Adding them to Gmail can provide an extra layer of security.
• Collaboration: Gmail includes professional collaboration with other Google services like Calendar, contacts and Meet, as well as documents and spreadsheet. With Gmail, you can make better use your MBOX data.

How to Import MBOX to Gmail? 

There are various solutions to import MBOX file to Gmail with attachment. However, when it comes to trusted and secure methods; the list is then filtered. Here we will talk about the 2 best ways to complete the task:

• Import MBOX File into Gmail with Configuring Email Client
• Import MBOX folder to Gmail without Configuring Email Client

In the next section, we will discuss these two methods in detail. Please look at both and decide which one is more suitable for you.

Method 1: Integrate MBOX with Gmail using Email Client

• First, you should make sure that IMAP is enabled in your Gmail account.
• Now, configure and open Thunderbird and click File >> New >> Create a new account.
• Once the account setup dialog box appears, enter your Gmail username and email
• After that, the account will automatically configure your Gmail connection.
• Finally, click Done. If prompted, sign in with your Gmail account.
• The account will start downloading your existing Gmail mailboxes.
• Click the grid icon and select Account Settings.
• Click on Add-ons & Themes from the bottom.
• Enter “import” in the search field and click Enter.
• Click the “Add to Thunderbird” button next to “ImportExportTools NG“.
• Click Add and OK!
• Navigate back to the main Email tab (the tab with your Gmail email address).
• Right-click Local Folders in the left sidebar and select New Folder.
• Enter the your preferred in the Name field and click Create
• Right click the folder, hover over “ImportExportTools NG”, select import MBOX.
• Select “Import one or more mbox files directly” and click OK.
• Browse the MBOX file(s), select one or more of the files, and then click Open.
• The MBOX files will be imported into the Gmail profile.

As we can see that the manual process is way lengthy and technical and also it can create trouble for you. Therefore, we personally do not recommend you follow this way to import MBOX file to Gmail account.

Final Note

The blog solves the query i.e., “How to import MBOX to Gmail?”. A user can easily add MBOX file to Gmail account using a manual or direct method. The manual method is way trick and involves using a desktop email client. On the other hand the the MBOX to Gmail Wizard is easy to use and completely independent and doesn’t need you to setup any account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1) How to import MBOX into Gmail with Mail Fetcher?

Follow the given steps:

• Login to Gmail, go to Settings and Accounts and Import.
• Click the Import Mail and Contacts and enter Thunderbird credentials.
• Click the Import option >> select your MBOX files and hit Start.

Question 2) My MBOX files are from the Apple Mail (older version) can i import them to Gmail through Thunderbird ?

Yes. If your Apple Mail MBOX files have .mbox extension, you may easily import them to Gmail.

Question 3) I have multiple MBOX files that i previously downloaded from the Gmail, can i import them back?

Yes. You may use either of the discussed method to add MBOX file to Gmail.

Question 4) I need to send only selective emails from MBOX files to Gmail. Is it possible?

Yes. The 4n6 MBOX to Gmail Wizard allows you to import MBOX to Gmail from addresses like To, Cc, From, Subject etc.

Question 5) Can Gmail import MBOX directly?

No. Gmail does not have any built-function to upload MBOX files directly.

Question 6) Can i import orphan MBOX files into my Google Mail account?

Yes, the 4n6 software has the ability to import orphan MBOX file into your Google mail account.