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How to Import MBOX File into Gmail Account? [Full Tutorial]

Shaks George ~ Modified: December 17th, 2024 ~ Import ~ 8 Minutes Reading
This article guides you on the entire procedure of how to import MBOX to Gmail effortlessly. Here, we will discuss all the possible methods to accomplish this process. Furthermore, we will also address issues at the time of process. So, this post will tell you everything about opening a MBOX file in Gmail. Thus, without wasting any further time, let’s dive straight into the article.

Overview of MBOX and Gmail

MBOX file (short for Mailbox) is a standard file format for storing email messages with attachments in a hierarchical order. This file format is compatible with numerous email clients, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Postbox, and even Notepad. Hence, MBOX is a flexible file that you can also save in Gmail.

Gmail, one of the most popular email clients across the globe, has over 1.5 billion users. It comes with a free 15 GB of storage space along with various collaborative features like Google Contacts, Google Calendars, etc. A Gmail account is a highly versatile account, as it can be used in many Google applications, including G Suite. The best thing about Gmail is that it is a cloud-based email client, which will be easy for you to access your data from any device.

If you want to take advantage of these facilities and open MBOX files in Gmail, then you are in the right place. But before that, let’s understand the common scenarios where you need to transfer MBOX to Gmail.

Why Do You Need MBOX Files in Gmail?

  • Gmail is a web-based email program, which means you can access your data from anywhere or any device with an internet connection.
  • It is loaded with smart filters and labels that make navigating your emails easier.
  • Gmail also has POP and IMAP protocols that allow you to add other email clients like Thunderbird, Outlook, etc.
  • A Gmail account is available for free of cost with 15 GB of free storage space and access to all Google applications.
  • For data protection, Gmail provides strict security features like encryption, two-factor authentication, and spam filters.
  • By importing the MBOX file to Gmail, you can backup your important data. So, when you need to, you can view the file from Google Mail.

So as you see, there are many reasons for why you should move MBOX to Gmail in bulk. For the process, we have found two different solutions on the internet to add the MBOX file directly to your Google Mail with & without Thunderbird. So, let’s move on to explaining both of these methods one by one.

Want to download Gmail emails locally? Read the related blog: How to Download All Gmail Emails to a Computer? for more information.

How to Save MBOX Files to Google Mail with Thunderbird?

There is no direct manual way to download MBOX files to Gmail. But if you have Thunderbird, you can connect the email program to Outlook and move your files in Gmail. The first step of the process is to import the MBOX file in Thunderbird and then connect the Gmail account with it.

  • Step 1: Open Thunderbird. Click on “three bar” at the top and select the “Open from file” option.
    open from file option
  • Step 2: Click on the “Message” option. Choose “All files”, then browse the MBOX file.
    choose all files and browe mbox file
  • Step 3: After that, open your MBOX file and see the content. Now, we connect Thunderbird to Gmail.
  • Step 4: Log into your Gmail account and go to “Gmail Settings”.
    go to gmail settings
  • Step 5: Click on the “Accounts and Import” tab, then the “Import mail and contacts” option.
    click import mail and contacts
  • Step 6: Enter your Thunderbird ID. Click “Continue”.
    enter thunderbird email address
  • Step 7: Then, choose the option you want to import and click on the “Start import” option.
  • Step 8: After that, you can easily move your MBOX file to Gmail.
Note: If you are having problems importing MBOX to Thunderbird, you can read this blog for detailed steps.

If you don’t have Thunderbird on your device, there is another alternative option you can use to transfer MBOX to your Gmail account. Now, let’s explore this method.

Expert Way to Bulk Upload MBOX to Gmail

Corbett MBOX Converter is a versatile solution that allows you to directly import your MBOX files to Gmail without Thunderbird. Users can download the software’s free demo version, which is compatible with any MBOX files on different platforms.

Download Now Purchase Now

The best part of this tool is that it doesn’t affect the data integrity of your file during the whole process. In addition, the graphical interface of the utility is simple so that it can be used even by non-technical users without the assistance of technical users. To use this tool, we have provided the following steps.

Steps to Import MBOX to Gmail Account

  • Step 1: Download and launch the tool on your Windows OS computer.
    launch the tool
  • Step 2: Next, click on the “Open” tab and select “Email Data Files” >> “MBOX Files” >> ‘Choose Folders’ & ‘Choose Files’ to upload data to the software.
    upload mbox file
  • Step 3: Upon loading your data, the software will generate a preview of it. Switch between the multiple view modes according to your requirements.
    preview data
  • Step 4: Now, click on the “Export” button and select the Gmail” option from the dropdown menu.
    click on export then gmail option
  • Step 5: Last, utilize the advanced options and click “Save” to start the process of importing MBOX to Gmail without the Thunderbird email client.
    click on save to import mbox to gmail

Prime Features of the Automated Software

  • With the help of the tool, you can easily upload MBOX files to Gmail in a single go.
  • It is capable of directly importing data from one IMAP account to another.
  • Exports data in popular file formats such as PST, MBOX, and EML.
  • The utility provides the option to include message headers along with the email messages.
  • It significantly reduces and saves time & effort in comparison to a manual approach.
  • It provides the utmost data security along with preserving 100% data integrity.
  • Moreover, it imposes no restriction on the file size and file count limit while importing MBOX into Gmail.
  • The professional utility helps to import MBOX to Gmail in bulk without any error.
  • Along with that, it also provides the option to export data in multiple document formats, i.e., PDF, HTML, TEXT, etc.
  • No advanced technical knowledge is required to complete the import process, as this tool comes with an interactive and easy GUI.

So, these were the incredible features that this tool comes along with. As you see, these features are a rare find in an automated solution nowadays. Whether you use manual or professional solutions, there are some challenges you might find while importing them. Therefore, below we will discuss these issues in detail and provide solutions.

Issues While Downloading MBOX Files

Both manual and professional are great options to import the files. However, during the process you may face many issues, especially with the manual method. Your Gmail storage is full after exporting the MBOX file, missing some of the email attachments. If your MBOX file is corrupted, then you cannot open the MBOX file in Gmail, duplicate emails are downloaded in Gmail, and many other issues arise.

To avoid these challenges, it is better to take the email backup of your MBOX file, consult professional advice, or if you have any issues, you can call our support team, as they are 24/7 available. Remember, it is not only important to transfer your MBOX files to Gmail, safely and securely downloading your data is also essential.

Questions? We Have Answers

Q) What is the MBOX format in Gmail?
MBOX is a popular file format used for storing and archiving email messages. In Gmail, MBOX files can be used to export and back up your email data.

Q) Can Gmail import an MBOX file?
You cannot directly import the MBOX file to Gmail, but with the help of another email client you can easily move your MBOX file in the program.

Q) Does Gmail Support MBOX Files?
By default, Gmail stores its data in encrypted form and allows users to download their data in MBOX format with the help of Google Takeout.

Q) How do I import MBOX without Thunderbird?
You can import MBOX files into Gmail without using Thunderbird by following these steps: Go to Gmail settings > Accounts and Import > Import mail and contacts > Add Thunderbird Mail Address > Import.

Q) How to open Gmail Takeout MBOX File?
You can easily open your Google Takeout MBOX file by using Thunderbird, Notepad, or any other email applications that use the MBOX format.

So There You Have It

In this blog, we shared the two methods to import MBOX to Gmail. As you read, the manual method is lengthy and involves many technicalities. Moreover, it also depends on the Thunderbird email client. So, if you want a safe & secure procedure, go with the automated solution. If you are having any problems uploading your MBOX files, we provided options to handle them as well.