How to View Gmail Backup Files? Quick Guide

Shaks George ~ Modified: December 15th, 2025 ~ How to ~ 4 Minutes Reading

Are you also struggling to view your Gmail backup files? You can view Gmail backups downloaded via Google Takeout or open them using a professional Gmail backup viewer tool. In this blog, we provide a quick guide explaining both manual and professional methods to easily view Gmail backup files. So, let’s see how these methods work.

Professional Method to view Gmail backup files

Corbett Gmail Backup Software is a reliable tool that enables you to view Gmail Backup files in bulk without any issues. It is a standalone tool with a user-friendly interface suitable for everyone. You can easily access Gmail emails without extra setup or installation required. If you face any kind of problem while working with this tool, you can directly contact the customer support team.

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It supports single or multiple accounts, previews emails for selective backup, preserves attachments and other data, and allows cloud backups to Gmail, Office 365, and IMAP servers. The software also provides a free demo version that allows you to explore the software features before making a purchase.

Steps to Open Google Backup Files Without an Email Client

Download or install the Gmail Backup Software on your computer to read Gmail Backup files.
Click on the Open tab and select Email Accounts from the given list.
After that, choose the Add Account option to add your Gmail account login details in the software panel.
Now, view Gmail email backup files in different modes like Content, Message Header, Properties, Hex View, and Raw Message.

Manual Way to Access Gmail Backup Using Google Takeout and Thunderbird

Step 1: Export Gmail Backup via Google Takeout

First, open Google Takeout and log your account.
Deselect all services and choose only Mail.
After that, select All Mail data included.
Click Next step, then choose .zip file type and click Create Export.
Now, wait for Google to get your backup ready, then download the ZIP file.
Extract the ZIP file to access the backup in the MBOX format.

Step 2: View Backup Emails in Thunderbird

Open Thunderbird on your computer.
Now, install the ImportExportTools NG addon.
Go to Tools, then click ImportExportTools NG and choose Import MBOX file.
Now, select Import directly one or more MBOX files and click OK.
Browse to the extracted MBOX file from Takeout and select it.
You can now view all Gmail emails and attachments inside Thunderbird.

Drawbacks of the Manual Method

The following limitations are associated with the manual approach that users should be aware of before proceeding.

The manual method takes a lot of time when you have large data. It doesn’t allow you to view emails in bulk.
Google Takeout allows limited exports (e.g., 3 per day, 7 per week), and large exports may fail.
Gmail backups created through manual methods, like Google Takeout and require an email client like Thunderbird to view Gmail emails.
Requires technical knowledge because the steps are quite confusing for a beginner-level user.
It also creates the risk of data loss and file corruption.

Advanced Features of Automated Solution

Backup Gmail emails in multiple file formats like PST, MBOX, EML, PDF, and more.
It allows you to save complete email data, including attachments, contacts, and calendars.
The software provides a built-in preview to view emails before saving them.
It also maintains the original folder structure and keeps data 100% secure.
It is compatible with all versions of Windows, such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 11, Windows 10, and more.
The software provides advanced filter and search options that let you filter large data by date, subject, sender, or recipient.
It allows you to view single as well as multiple Gmail accounts at the same time.

Time to Wrap Up

In conclusion, viewing Gmail backup files without the right approach can be difficult and time-consuming, especially when you are dealing with large data. While the manual method (using Google Takeout and Thunderbird) is time-consuming, it also leads to data loss.

On the other hand, a professional Gmail Viewer tool is a more reliable way to check Gmail backup files in bulk, with preview support and complete data protection. You can view Gmail emails for free, but if you want to open files in bulk, you have to purchase the licensed edition of the software.