How to Import MBOX to Gmail With Attachments? Complete Guide

Published On

January 6th, 2026

Reading Time

7 Minutes Reading

Summary: Step-by-Step Guide to Import MBOX to Gmail with attachments, preserved folder structure, and metadata on Mac and Windows. Learn free manual ways using Thunderbird & Apple Mail, and use the 4n6 MBOX to Gmail wizard for bulk & professional grade imports.

MBOX files are widely used to store multiple email messages along with and attachments in a single file.

They are widely compatible and open with various email applications like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, PostBox, etc.

Likely used for archiving email data.

However, you can not directly open an MBOX file in Gmail. And Gmail does not provide a native tool to transfer MBOX to Gmail. Which is why users look for a reliable MBOX to Gmail importer for a secure migration with complete data integrity.

This guide covers both free and professional ways to import MBOX to Gmail. Let us get started.

Key Considerations Before You Upload MBOX File to Gmail

Gmail does not offer a native way to transfer MBOX to Gmail.
You need to rely on an email client like Thunderbird or Apple Mail for Free import.
Ensure enough storage space in your Gmail quota before you import MBOX to Gmail.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection.

Why Import MBOX to Gmail? Use Case & Reasons

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.

Method 1: Import MBOX to Gmail Using Thunderbird

Using Mozilla Thunderbird(a desktop-based email client) is a free and manual way to transfer MBOX to Gmail.

Most suitable for users with limited MBOX data. It can be used to import MBOX files to Gmail, both on Mac & Windows.

Follow the steps below:

Open Thunderbird.
Go to Settings >> Accounts Settings >> New Account to configure the Gmail account in which you want to import MBOX data.
After configuration the account will start downloading your existing Gmail mailboxes.
Click on the Hamburger Menu on top-right.
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 to import MBOX to Gmail.
Navigate back to the main Email tab (the tab with your Gmail email address).
Right-click Local Folders.
Hover over “ImportExportTools NG”, select import MBOX.
Select “Individual 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 Local Folder.
Right-Click on the MBOX folder you just imported in local folder.
Click on Move To and choose the Gmail account to upload MBOX file to Gmail.

Method 2: Transfer MBOX to Gmail on Mac Using Apple Mail

Apple Mail is a reliable way to import MBOX to Gmail. Here are the exact steps you need to follow to upload MBOX file to Gmail:

Open Apple Mail.
Go to Mail >> Add Account >> Google to configure Gmail in Apple Mail.
Sign in to your Gmail account.
Select Mail, Contact, and Calendar that you want and hit Done.
Now, go to File >> Import Mailbox.
Choose Files in MBOX format and press Continue.
Choose the folders that you want to import.
You can now see these folders in On My Mac option.
Right-click on the imported email folder and choose Move To, then select the Gmail account.

MBOX to Gmail Converter to Automatically Import MBOX to Gmail

The 4n6 MBOX Converter is the direct method to import an MBOX file to Gmail. The software allows users to export single and multiple MBOX files into a Gmail account with all attachments and other email metadata. Also, by using this MBOX to Gmail Wizard, you can easily view the MBOX files first and add them to Gmail with all attachments.

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Also, this MBOX to Gmail Wizard is secured and aims to maintain data integrity during the migration procedure. You may download the tool now and start importing MBOX to Gmail without additional client setup.

Step-By-Step Guide to Bulk Import MBOX to Gmail: Using Tool

Download, install and Run MBOX to Gmail Wizard on your Windows.
Now, click the Open tab, Email Data Files and MBOX Files options.
Browse, select and import your .mbox files into the software.
Click the Export option from the menu bar and select the Gmail option.
Enter your Gmail login information. At last, click the Save button.

Your migration begins, and all of your MBOX files are transferred to Gmail in the same order as they were created. You may access the exported emails by logging into your Gmail account.

Why Use MBOX to Gmail Wizard Over Manual Methods?

The utility is completely standalone and imports MBOX to Gmail without a supportive client.
This MBOX to Gmail Wizard can send multiple MBOX files to Gmail at the same time.
Add MBOX into Gmail with all attachments, headers, folder structure, and metadata.
Works well with both Gmail and Google Workspace Accounts.
Inbuilt option to exclude Greyed-Out folders.
Supports Incremental with Pause & Resume Option. Avoid duplicate email import.
Software maintains complete data integrity, such as header, subject, address, date, time, etc.

Final Note

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

Also Read: How to Import MBOX Files to G Suite?

FAQs: Import MBOX to Gmail

Q1: How to import MBOX into Gmail with Mail Fetcher?

You cannot transfer MBOX to Gmail using the check mail as. It can only email to Gmail from another email account, not archived MBOX files.

Q2: My MBOX files are from Apple Mail (older version). Can I import them to Gmail through Thunderbird?

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

Q3: Can the Google Tool (For Workspace Users)- GWMMO help upload an MBOX file to Gmail?

No, this method is only suitable for Google Workspace accounts and is used to import PST/ Outlook data.

Q4: I have multiple MBOX files that I previously downloaded from Gmail. Can I import them back?

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

Q5: 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.

Q6: Can Gmail import MBOX directly?

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

Q7: Can I import orphan MBOX files into my Google Mail account?

Yes, the 4n6 software can import an orphan MBOX file into your Google Mail account.