How to Import MBOX File to Thunderbird?

Overview: Are you looking to import MBOX file to Thunderbird? If yes, then read on this 4n6 blog. In this write-up, we will explain to you the two useful ways to import large MBOX data files directly into Thunderbird. Keep reading to find a detailed explanation about the best 2 solutions.

Thunderbird is a system based client that offers various functions and ad-ons that may enhance your experience during email communication. By importing MBOX data file to Thunderbird, you can benefits from many advanced capabilities such as easy UI, advanced search and support for various export file extensions.

MBOX, on the other hand, is a file type that store collections of emails. It contains all the email messages of an entire folder or a profile in a single database file. MBOX (mailbox) files are universally acceptable and are compatible with a wide range of desktop email applications.

Although MBOX file is used to backup or archive email data, if we do not associate it with some account then it becomes orphaned. Sometimes an orphan file can be lost as well as corrupted. Hence linking it to a compatible account like Thunderbird serves a good purpose.

Is it Useful to Import Orphan MBOX to Thunderbird ?

• It is not easy to access an orphan MBOX file without compatible client, text editor or software. It can also be damaged or lost, so importing it into the Thunderbird is helpful.
• If you have stored data from multiple sources in the MBOX format, importing them to Thunderbird, helps you consolidate all your email messages in one place.
• Importing MBOX files into Thunderbird serves as a backup. You can keep a copy of your MBOX in Thunderbird, so as to recover the data in case of accidental deletion or other issues.
• You may ensure cross-platform support for your MBOX files by importing them into Thunderbird. Thunderbird is available for Mac, Windows and Linux.
• Thunderbird is an open source and free email client that supports IMAP, POP3 protocols. Hence, you may add multiple services into in addition to MBOX files for easy management of your email data.

How to Import MBOX File to Thunderbird?

Now, that we have understood that usefulness, now let’s come the the solutions to import MBOX email file to Thunderbird app. There are basically two ways to carry out the operation:

1. By manually installing the Import/ExportTools NG.
2. Using the Pro software

You can check out step-by-step guide to use both the methods in detail below.

1. Import MBOX into Thunderbird Manually

In order to integrate MBOX Mail files into Thunderbird you need to install an add-on before you can move further. Please follow the steps below:

• Launch Thunderbird on your Windows computer.
• Go to”Account Settings” and click Add-ons & Themes.
• Now, type Import and click Enter in the search box.
• Go to “ImportExportTools NG” and choose “Add to Thunderbird“.
• Click Add and then OK in the box that shows.
• Click “Local Folders” and then “New Folder” option.
• In the Name field, type a name (e.g., Personal MBOX) and click Create Folder.
• Click the newly created folder then “ImportExportTools NG“, and Import MBOX file.
• Choose “Import directly from MBOX files” and click OK.
• Search and select the folder that holds your MBOX files, and click Open.

This manual way is bit tricky and technical which cannot be simply understood by the non-technical users. If you also encounter any problem using the manual way, you may want to try the next method to import MBOX file to Thunderbird.

Why Professional Software ?

• This tool allows you to import orphan MBOX file to Thunderbird without complexity.
• This software allows to add MBOX files into Thunderbird 115.0, 102.0, 91.0 Etc.
• This software allows you to import multiple MBOX files to Thunderbird at once.
• It allows you to import MBOX email from specific date, time and header to Thunderbird.
• Adds MBOX email and attachments, as well as other metadata to Thunderbird.
• This utility also allows you to view MBOX files before adding in Thunderbird.
• Includes the email header of all your emails in MBOX before adding to Thunderbird.
• It is an all-in-one tool which allows you to import MBOX to Outlook and other alternatives.
• It’s independent and doesn’t require any additional app to import MBOX to Thunderbird.

In Conclusion 

You may now import MBOX file to Thunderbird in two different ways. You have the options to import orphan MBOX extension file to Thunderbird manual and automatically. The manual method necessitates technical expertise, but the automatic software is easy to use. It also allows you to choose from a variety of storage option to keep your MBOX files. Examine each strategy and choose the one that is most fit for you.

If you still have any query, you can ask us any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1) Can i import orphan MBOX files in Thunderbird?

Answer: Yes. You can import orphan MBOX archive files into the Thunderbird easily with the software.

Question 2) Where are the MBOX files in Thunderbird located?

Answer: On Windows: MBOX files located at “C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles[ProfileName]\Mail\Local Folders”.

Question 3) Can i import MBOX file to Thunderbird without installing Add-ons?

Answer: You must install Add-ons in Thunderbird before you import MBOX files. However, with the smart software, you can directly add MBOX to Thunderbird.

Question 4) Can i just drag and drop the MBOX file in Thunderbird?

Answer: No, it is not possible. You must need to install extension in Thunderbird to import MBOX format.

Question 5) Can i manually import MBOX files in the latest version of Thunderbird?

Answer: Yes. You may import MBOX extension file to Thunderbird 115. However, the procedure may slightly differ from the other version of Thunderbird.

Question 6) My MBOX files do not have the .mbox extension, can i still add them to Thunderbird?

Answer: No, it is required to have .mbox extension to import files into Thunderbird.