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How to Import MBOX File to Google Workspace?

  author
Jamie Kaler   Contribution
Rollins Duke
Rollins Duke  Approved By
Published On January 6th, 2026 • 6 min read

Overview: This All-in-One expert guide discusses “How to import MBOX to Google Workspace?” For organisations and users to migrate the MBOX file (orphaned or associated with an email client) of any size in GWS. Learn manual-free using email clients (Thunderbird or Apple Mail) and an indirect approach using GWMMO. Lastly, a reliable industry-grade tool used to move large MBOX files to Google Workspace in bulk with 100% data integrity.

Table of Contents Hide
  1. Understanding MBOX & Google Workspace
  2. Method1: Import MBOX in GWS via Thunderbird
  3. Method2: Import Using Apple Mail (macOS)
  4. Method 3: MBOX to Google Workspace Tool
  5. Steps to Import MBOX to Google Workspace Using Tool
  6. Understand MBOX Files and Google Workspace
  7. Import MBOX Using GWMMO
  8. Conclusion

Often, organisations and users need to import MBOX to Google Workspace. Likely to restore or consolidate old data, or when migrating to a new email client.

However, at an organisational level, the process to import MBOX files to Google Workspace requires careful planning and execution. As there is no native way to import MBOX files offered by Google Workspace.

Follow this step-by-step guide for Mac & Windows. To successfully move MBOX data files, whether associated with an email client or isolated to Google Workspace, with compliance and all email attributes preserved.

Understanding MBOX File and Google Workspace

MBOX or Mailbox: A data format used to store multiple email messages in a single file with attachments. An MBOX file can be standalone or associated with a popular desktop email client like Thunderbird, Apple Mail on Mac or Postbox.

They can only be viewed using a dedicated MBOX Viewer or by importing in a email client. Since they may not be connected to an IMAP-based email account, there is no native way to import MBOX to Google Workspace Mail.

Google Workspace:  A cloud-based suite of collaboration tools, including Gmail, Sheets, Drive, Docs, etc. Personal Gmail is a part of Google Workspace, which offers robust features such as advanced search, spam filtering, etc., and access from any device with an internet connection.

Method 1: Import MBOX to Google Workspace Using Thunderbird  

Thunderbird is an email client that supports the MBOX file format. Using Thunderbird is a free but manual way to import MBOX files to a Google Workspace email account.

Here are the exact steps to move .mbox files from your computer to Google Workspace.

  1. Go to “Settings” >> “Account Settings” to configure your Google Workspace account in Thunderbird. start thunderbird
  2. Click on the New Account button and choose the “Add Mail Account” option to continue.use add account to import mbox to google workspace
  3. Configure your Google Workspace account using Sign in with Google.enter imap details
  4. Then, install the “ImportExportTools” add-on in Thunderbird.
  5. Use an add-on to import MBOX to Thunderbird in local folders. (If your MBOX file is already inside Thunderbird you can skip this step.)
    Import MBOX files to Thunderbird to migrate them to Google Workspace
  6. Drag and drop imported MBOX from local folders to the configured profile.
  7. After that, your MBOX file will be synchronised with the GWS account.
  8. Lastly, log in to your Google Workspace and access the MBOX file.

Limitations of Thunderbird to Upload MBOX to Google Workspace

  • Dependence on the email client and add-ons.
  • Fails with large MBOX files- Not a professional solution.
  • Slow as can be restricted by rate limits imposed by GWS.

Method 2: Migrate MBOX to Google Workspace Using Apple Mail (macOS)

Apple Mail is also an email client, chosen by Mac users to import MBOX files to Google Workspace. It removes dependency on the Add-Ons and uploads MBOX files to Google Workspace for free.

Here are the exact steps you need to follow:

  1. Click on Mail >> Add Account to configure your GWS mail account in Apple Mail.
  2. Choose the Sign in with Google Option and Continue.
  3. Once configured, again click on Mail >> Import Mailbox to import local MBOX files in Apple Mail.
  4. Choose Files in the MBOX Format option.
  5. Select the MBOX files to import into Google Workspace.
  6. You can now view them under the “On My Mac” section.
  7. Drag and drop the folder to migrate MBOX to a Google Workspace Account on Mac.

Limitations of Apple Mail to Import MBOX to Google Workspace

  • Only functional on Mac.
  • Slow as dependent on IMAP sync.
  • Not a reliable method for enterprise-grade MBOX to GWS import.

Method 3: Using Dedicated MBOX to Google Workspace Import Tool

MacUncle MBOX Converter is a professional tool to help directly import MBOX to Google Workspace. It is trusted by thousands of users and global enterprises to quickly migrate MBOX files to Google Workspace with security.

A simple and reliable utility for high-volume migration with all email data like header, attachment, and folder structure preserved. Demo version available to import 25 MBOX files free of charge.

How to Import MBOX File to Google Workspace? Using Tool

  1. Start the software and follow the steps below.start the toolkit
  2. Add MBOX files using the two different ADD buttons. Press the Next button.add mbox files
  3. Choose the Gmail option from the list of saving options. Enter login details.choose gmail
  4. Press the Export button to import MBOX files to Google Workspace.import mbox file to google workspace

Why Choose MBOX to Google Workspace Import Tool?

  • A standalone tool to bulk import multiple MBOX files into Google Business Email.
  • Preserves folder hierarchy, attachments, headers, read/unread status, and metadata.
  • Professional solution for bulk MBOX to Google Workspace migration without downtime.
  • Supports MBOX, MBX, and MBS file import into Google Workspace.
  • Compatible with all standard versions of macOS and Windows.
  • 100% secure and follows all data privacy guidelines, including modern authentication methods.

Importing MBOX in Google Workspace With GWMMO

Google provides a free tool called GWMMO – Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Outlook. It is a native tool to import PST data to Google Workspace. It is a workaround method to indirectly transfer MBOX files to GWS.

You first need to convert MBOX to PST and then import that into Google Workspace.

Steps: 

  1. You need to download GWMMO on your PC.
  2. Configure your Google Workspace in the tool.
  3. Select the converted data to import into Google Workspace.
  4. All your email messages will be imported

Limitations

GWMMO is not suitable for migrating MBOX to Google Workspace. It can be manual-intensive, complicated, and requires an additional step to move MBOX files to Google Workspace using GWMMO.

Conclusion

Mostly, we migrate MBOX to Google Workspace to enhance email management and productivity. Whether we apply the manual method or the automated one. Follow the steps outlined in the guide to ensure a smooth transition of mailboxes into the Google Workspace. If you are unsure about the manual method, which requires technical guidance, try using the suggested tool and import MBOX to Google Workspace directly.