In order to make email communication easier, users often need to migrate from one email client to another. However, switching to Gmail is quite beneficial. It allows you to access your emails with almost all devices and from anywhere. 

In case you want to import your Thunderbird MBOX file to Gmail, keep reading this article. Here I will talk about the secure and easy ways to import MBOX files into Gmail.

Why transfer MBOX files to Gmail?

Actually, the reason why to import an MBOX file to Gmail varies from user to user. Some users transfer their MBOX files due to improving accessibility; some users transfer for getting more security features. Here are some common reasons: 

• Access MBOX emails from any device with just internet access.
• Merge emails of multiple MBOX files into a single Gmail account.
• Use Gmail’s advanced search and spam filtering features.
• Benefit from Gmail’s extensive security and recovery features.
• Utilize Gmail’s large storage (up to 15 GB of free cloud storage) capacity.
• A Gmail account provides you with other useful Google services and apps.
• Gmail’s interface is quite basic and user-friendly for managing emails.

Secure Ways to Import MBOX Files to Gmail Without Thunderbird

With the Thunderbird application, it becomes too easy to import MBOX files to Gmail. Because Thunderbird allows you to add several extensions that can easily import and export MBOX files. 

In case you don’t want to use the Thunderbird application, here I have discussed two easy methods to import your MBOX files:

Method 1: Manually import an MBOX file into Gmail

In this method, you don’t need to have the Thunderbird application installed on your device. But you must have the account credentials of your Thunderbird email account. 

• First, open any browser on your device and sign in to Gmail.
• At the top-right corner of Gmail’s dashboard, click on the “Settings” icon and then click on the “Sell all settings” button.
• Now, select the “Accounts and Import” tab. Under this tab, click on the “Import mail and contacts” link.
• Enter your Thunderbird email address and click on the “Continue” button.
• Then enter the correct password for your Thunderbird email account. In the fields of “POP username” and “POP server,” enter the correct values that your email provider has provided to you.
• Now, check the checkboxes and select which data you want to import. Then click on the “Start Import” button.
• That’s it. Your emails from the Thunderbird account will be successfully imported soon. 

Note: If your emails of the MBOX file aren’t previously available on the Thunderbird account, this method isn’t suitable for you.

Method 2: Professional solution for MBOX emails to Gmail migration

In case you have multiple MBOX files that you want to import into Gmail, it’s a better idea to use any professional converter or migration software.  

Because of the easy-to-use interface, advanced features, reliability, and many more benefits, I prefer using the Regain MBOX Converter tool most. 

• Install the software and run it on your device.
• Connect your Gmail account with this software by entering your Gmail credentials.
• Choose your MBOX file, and it will preview all the folders available on that MBOX file. Select folders as per your needs and start the migration. 

As a result, all the emails from your selected folders will be migrated to your Gmail account. With the help of this tool you can also import MBOX to Office 365 account. 

How to import an MBOX file into Gmail with Thunderbird?

Basically, the Thunderbird application allows you to directly import MBOX files. With this advantage, you can easily connect your Gmail with Thunderbird and migrate your emails. For better understanding, I have explained the complete process in three steps.

Step 1: Connect Gmail account on Thunderbird

• First, open your Thunderbird application, and at the right sidebar, click on the “Local Folders” button.
• Under the “Set Up Another Account” section, click on the “Email” button.
• Enter your Gmail address and password, and then click on the “Continue” button.
• In the “Available Configurations” section, select the IMAP or POP3 according to your needs. I personally prefer selecting the “IMAP” option. Then click “Done.”
• “Sign in with Google” page will pop up. Here again, enter the same Gmail address and click on the “Next” button.
• Again, input the correct password of your Gmail account and click on “Next.”
• If 2-step verification is turned on, simply verify it.
• Click on the “Allow” button to allow Thunderbird to access emails from your Gmail account. 

That’s it. In this way, you can connect your Gmail account to your Thunderbird application.

Also read: IMAP Migration in Office 365

Step 2: Import MBOX files into Thunderbird

• At the bottom-left corner of the Thunderbird dashboard, click on the “Settings” icon and then click on the “Add-ons and Themes” button.
• Add the “ImportExportTools NG” extension to Thunderbird.
• Right-click on the “Local Folders.” Then select “ImportExportTools NG” > “Import Mbox Files” > “Individual Mbox Files” and choose the MBOX file that you want to import.

Step 3: Transfer emails from Thunderbird to Gmail

Once you complete the import process, now just move the emails to the Gmail folder. 

• In Thunderbird, open the folder where your emails of the MBOX files are stored. Select all the emails by pressing “Ctrl + A.”
• Right-click on the selected emails and select “Move to.” Then select any folders under your Gmail address. 

Within a few moments, all your emails will be migrated to the Gmail folder. Then you can access them on your Gmail.

Conclusion

MBOX to Gmail migration is quite easy with the Thunderbird application. But in case you don’t want to use the Thunderbird application, using any MBOX converter tool is the best decision. However, always try to backup your valuable data before you perform the migration.