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How to Import MBOX to Gmail? Complete Guide

Shaks George ~ Modified: April 2nd, 2024 ~ Import ~ 8 Minutes Reading

This article guides you on the entire procedure of how to import MBOX to Gmail with & without Thunderbird. Also, we will discuss, all the other possible methods to accomplish the process. In the coming section, we will explore manual and automated methods to add MBOX file to Gmail in bulk. So, without wasting any further time, let us dive straight into the article.

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MBOX file (short for Mailbox) is a standard file format used to store email messages with attachments in a hierarchical order. This file format is compatible with numerous email clients including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Postbox. These email clients also save and store their data in a mailbox with a .mbox file extension. Now, let’s get a glance at the Gmail description and move on to How to import MBOX file to Gmail in bulk.

On the other hand, Gmail is one of the most popular email clients across the globe. It has over 1.5 billion users. It comes with a whopping 15 GB of storage space along with various collaborative features. A Gmail account is highly versatile as it can be used to access all Google applications and many more. Moreover, it is a cloud-based email client.

Furthermore, there are numerous reasons and causes why one might want to import MBOX to Gmail without Thunderbird, and by using other possible methods. Here are the topics, that we will discuss throughout the post…

Why Upload MBOX File to Gmail?

  • Gmail is a web-based email client 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 the email client easier than ever
  • Gmail also has POP and IMAP protocols that allow you to add other email clients like Thunderbird, Outlook, and others.
  • A Gmail account is available for free of cost for users which comes with 15 GB of storage space and access to all Google applications.

So as you see, there are more than enough reasons why you should import MBOX to Gmail in bulk. To complete the process, we have brought two different solutions, to add the MBOX file directly to Google Mail with & without Thunderbird.  So, let’s move on to explaining both of these methods.

If you want to download Gmail emails locally. You can read the related blogs on How to Download all Gmail Emails to Computer directly manually and automatically.

Free Gmail Import Option to Upload MBOX to Google Mail

  • Open & log in with your Gmail account.
  • Go to Settings >> Accounts & Import >> Import Mail & Contacts.
  • Now, enter the Thunderbird credentials and click continue.
  • Afterward, select the Import option and click the Start button.
  • At last, your MBOX file will be added to your Gmail account.

So this is the manual approach you can take when you want to import MBOX file to Gmail without Thunderbird. Now, let’s explore the other possible methods to complete this process.

How to Import MBOX file to Gmail with Thunderbird?

  • Open Thunderbird.
  • Click on File >> New >> Mail Account.
  • Enter your Gmail Name, ID & Password. Click Continue.
  • Next, select the required settings & click Configure.
  • Now, use the Import/Export tool to import MBOX into Gmail.
Note: At first you need to import MBOX to Thunderbird to complete the process. Read the post to add file into Thunderbird

Direct Add MBOX File into Gmail in Bulk

Corbett IMAP Migration Tool is a versatile solution, that allows direct import of MBOX file to Gmail without Thunderbird. In addition, the software is available for free download & compatible with MBOX file of multiple platforms.

The best part of this software is that it doesn’t affect the data integrity of even a single mail file during the whole process. In addition, the graphical interface of the tool is designed to be simple so that it can be used even by non-technical users without the assistance of technical users. Along with that, this amazing software packs in numerous great features that improve its overall functionality.

Download Now Purchase Now

Steps to Import MBOX to Gmail without Thunderbird

  • Download and run the Software on Windows.
  • Click on Open >> Email Data Files >> MBOX File.
  • Now, Preview your MBOX files with all data in 4+ modes.
  • Next, click on Export & select Gmail option from the list.
  • At last, click save to directly save MBOX file to Gmail account.

Automated Approach Detailed Working Guide with ScreenShots

The automated approach is fully bug-free and error-free. Thus, you can use the automatic tool without any fear. Complete the given steps to import MBOX into Gmail directly.

  1. Download the tool into your Windows OS computer from the above-mentioned button
    launch tool to import mbox to gmail
  2. In the menu bar, click on the “Open” tab. Then select “Email Data Files” >> “MBOX Files”. Then, select either ‘Choose Folders’ & ‘Choose Files’ to upload data to the software
    upload mbox file
  3. Upon loading your data, the software will generate a preview of it. Switch between the various modes provided according to your requirements
    preview data
  4. Now, click on the Export Button and select the Gmail option from the dropdown menu.
    import mbox file into gmail
  5. Last, utilize the advanced options and click Save to start the process to import MBOX to Gmail without Thunderbird.
    click on save

Prime Features of Automated Software

  • With the help of the tool you can easily upload MBOX files to Gmail in a single go.
  • Is capable of directly importing data from one IMAP account to another.
  • Exports data in popular file formats such as PST, MBOX and EML.
  • Gives an option to also include message headers along with the email messages.
  • It significantly reduces and saves time & efforts in comparison to a manual approach.
  • It provides 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. Due to this, this utility is also deemed a personal favorite of numerous technical professionals.

Download Free Demo Edition

You can also download the software’s demo edition to understand the graphical interface and simple UI of the tool. In the demo edition, you can only migrate 10 MBOX files & folders to Gmail directly. After using the software you can easily purchase the full edition to import bulk MBOX to Gmail directly.

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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?

The only convenient way to import MBOX files in Gmail is Corbett Gmail to MBOX Importer an expert Solution, that allows to upload MBOX files to 100+ IMAP platforms including Gmail.


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.

So There You Have It

In this blog, we shared the top methods to upload MBOX to Gmail manually and using automated software. As you read, the manual method is lengthy and involves many technicalities. Moreover, the manual procedure is dependent on the Thunderbird email client. So, if you want a safe & secure procedure to import MBOX to Gmail without Thunderbird, go with the automated solution or the Gmail built-in “Mail fetcher” option.