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Best Ways to Import MBOX to Thunderbird with Safety

  author
Jamie Kaler   Contribution
Rollins Duke
Rollins Duke  Approved By
Published On February 5th, 2026 • 5 min read

Want to Import MBOX to Thunderbird? this page is going to be the best guide that will help you to smoothly import MBOX into Thunderbird email client. As MBOX files may contain important and useful data, users need to keep it safe and open it on a safest platform that prioritizes the security of the data.

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There are multiple compressed email files that are stored in MBOX files. Thunderbird is a system based client that offers multiple functions and add-ons that enhances your experience of storing and managing entire data with ease. When you import MBOX into Thunderbird, you experience many advanced capabilities such as advanced search option and it also supports multiple file extensions.

Let us get started and learn to import MBOX to Thunderbird efficiently while making sure that the entire data stay the same and maintained.

Manually Import MBOX into Thunderbird Account

  1. Start the Thunderbird application, go to Menu, and then Account Settings.
  2. In the Account Settings >> Local Folders or Create a Folder.
  3. Get the Thunderbird default folder location.
  4. Now, paste the MBOX files into the default folder.
  5. Accept Thunderbird’s request to restart when it does so.

Your MBOX file will show up in the Local Folders section of your inbox when Thunderbird reopens, allowing you to browse its whole contents and attachments.

Note: Rather than directly importing the files, the user can opt to open MBOX file in Chrome browser.

How to Import MBOX to Thunderbird Using Add-ons?

  1. First of all, launch Thunderbird on your system
  2. After that, go to “Account Settings” and click add-ons & Themes.
  3. Now, click on Import and click Enter button in the search box.
  4. Go to ImportExportTools NG >> Add to Thunderbird.
  5. Now, click on Add >> OK in the box that is shows.
  6. Click on Local Folders >> New Folder option.
  7. In the Name field, type a name (e.g., Personal MBOX) and click Create Folder.
  8. Click the newly created folder then ImportExportTools NG, and Import MBOX file.
  9. Choose Import directly from MBOX files  >> OK.
  10. Search and select the folder that holds your MBOX files, and click Open.

Limitations of the Manual Method

  1. The procedure does not guarantee a result; the MBOX files can get lost while migrating.
  2. The steps won’t be easy for the user who is not technically sound.
  3. It can alter the MBOX files while moving to the Thunderbird account.
  4. Creates high chances that Thunderbird may create issue while accessing files.

Import MBOX to Thunderbird with Professional Solution

Access MBOX file in Thunderbird using the MBOX Converter Tool. We provide a simple technique to get the emails in .mbox files to Thunderbird. Easily import the files on the software panel in a few clicks. Get any type of MBOX email files in Thunderbird directly without performing any conversion. The tool is designed to auto fetch the Thunderbird default location, where the MBOX can be imported with ease.

How to Open MBOX File in Thunderbird Accounts?

  1. First of all, download and open this tool and choose options to Add MBOX files to the software panel using either of the two given buttons.
    Use MacUncle to Open mbox file in thunderbird
  2. After adding the file, use the checkbox to select only the required files. Press the Next button
    Add MBOX files to the software
  3. Select Thunderbird from the options, and instantly, the tool will fetch the default location of Thunderbird.
    open mbox file in thunderbird
  4. Press the Export button to start the process.

Now, all the locally stored MBOX files are in the Thunderbird Account. Check the transferred files in the account

What Does this Tool Offer?

Here are some of the major advantages of the automated method to open MBOX in Thunderbird accounts without the need for any additional support.

  • Import Files in Batches: Allows users batch import MBOX to Thunderbird email client smoothly.
  • Supports All MBOX files: Users can import MBOX into Thunderbird, no matter what type they are.
  • Overcome all limitations: Does not offer any limitations imports entire data safely and quickly.
  • Safety: Maintains safety and does not even change any data once imported into Thunderbird email client.
  • Interface: Offers easy-to-understand steps and GUI that can be understood easily by non-tech users.
  • Quick & Safe Steps: Offers users some quick steps to complete the entire process within very less time.

Conclusion

The write-up has multiple options for techniques to import MBOX to Thunderbird. Directly get the emails in the *.mbox files to the Thunderbird profile effortlessly. Multiple Mailboxes can be loaded without repeating any steps at any point. Try the demo version to import MBOX into Thunderbird accounts in batches with the suggested tool.

FAQs

Q) How can I import MBOX to Thunderbird in bulk?

A) With the above-mentioned steps, yes. All you need to do is add multiple mailboxes to the software panel and then migrate the files into the Thunderbird profile.

Q) How do I open large MBOX files in Thunderbird Accounts?

A) If you are using the manual method, the whole procedure might take time. With the software, we have the option to add multiple MBOX files and process the import process instantly.

Q) Where are my imported emails located after migration?

A) Imported emails are typically placed under “Local Folders” in a new folder named after the MBOX file. You can move them to other folders or accounts within Thunderbird as needed.