How to Import MBOX Files to Gmail?

Summary: This article explains how a user can import MBOX files to Gmail account. Using both manual and automated methods we can move MBOX data to Gmail. To manually do this, we first need an email client, Thunderbird in our case. Then after configuring the Gmail account and other essential settings, we can import our MBOX file into Thunderbird. However, we should keep in mind that this approach has some major limitations. 

Therefore, to save time and energy we suggest using a professional MBOX Converter tool to move Mbox to Gmail. Apart from reducing the task processing time, this tool is packed with so many other useful features. 

User Query: “ Recently while freeing up the disk space I came across a folder that contains a few MBOX files. I want to access the information stored inside them but failed to do so. Is there any convenient solution to this problem that I am currently facing? ”

Methods to Import MBOX Files to Gmail

There are two ways to move MBOX to Gmail. First, we would like to mention a better solution to save time and energy for our users. This solution includes using an automated tool to speed up the processing time. After that, we will move on to the manual solution for users with good technical skills.

Method 1. Move MBOX to Gmails in Better Way 

To import MBOX data to Gmail like an expert, we suggest using an automated tool like BitResq MBOX Converter Tool. Users can convert numerous MBOX files at one go into 25+ file formats. This tool is developed with technologically advanced algorithms to ensure a fast and smooth conversion process. 

Follow the steps given below : 

Step 1. On the computer, Install the MBOX Converter Tool.

Step 2. Now click on Select File/Folder to select the MBOX file.

Step 3. In the next step, select the desired folders.

Step 4. After that, choose Gmail from the Saving Option.

Step 5. Then provide the required Gmail credentials to import MBOX files to Gmail.

Step 6. Finally, hit that Convert button to start the process.

Benefits of Using an Automated Solution

There are many perks of adopting an automated tool like the one we mentioned above. Following are some examples of it:

1. Users can save a lot of their time and energy using this powerful tool.
2. It allows us to selectively move MBOX to Gmail.
3. There is an option to convert MBOX files in batch to speed up the conversion process.
4. The file naming option makes it really easy for users to manage the resultant files.
5. There is no risk of data loss in between the importing process.
6. Users can create a single file for each MBOX file when importing them to Gmail.

This tool offers a free demo version for its users to test the performance of the conversion process. However, after evaluating the performance results, users can purchase the licensed version and continue to import MBOX files to Gmail in bulk. As there is a limit in the free version to converting up to 25 emails/folder of the MBOX file.

Also Read: Best Methods to Import EML Files to Gmail

Method 2. Manually Import MBOX Files to Gmail 

In this manual approach, we will use Mozilla Thunderbird to move MBOX to Gmail. After we successfully import the MBOX file into the Thunderbird application, then we can easily extract the emails from it. Perform the following steps to do so:

The following steps are divided into two parts for the ease of our users:

Part 2. A) Setting up IMAP Configuration in Gmail

Step 1. Login to Gmail and click on Settings (gear icon)

Step 2. Now click on See All Settings, then navigate to Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.

Step 3. After that, click on Enable IMAP radio button for IMAP access.

Step 4. Finally, click on Save Changes.

Part 2. B) Configuring Thunderbird to Import MBOX Files to Gmail

Part 2. B1) Setting up Gmail Account in Thunderbird

Step 1. Open the Thunderbird application and select Email in Choose What to Set Up section.

Step 2. Enter the required Gmail login information and then click on Continue.

Step 3. Now click on the IMAP radio button to enable emails and folders syncing and hit Done.

 

Part 2. B2) Installing an Add-on in Thunderbird to Move MBOX to Gmail

Step 1. Click the Hamburger Icon on the top right corner, then select Account Settings.

Step 2. Now click on Add-ons and Themes, and type Import in the search bar.

Step 3. Now find ImportExportTools NG and after finding it click on Add to ThunderBird.

Step 4. After adding it Restart the application.

Step 5. Right-click on the Local Folder in the left sidebar, then select ImportExportTools NG and then Import MBOX File.

Step 6. Select Import Directly One or More MBOX Files to import MBOX files to Gmail and then hit Ok.

Step 7. Choose the desired MBOX file and click Open to import it.

Trade-offs of Manual Solution

The manual approach we used in the above section is free to use. However, we should keep in mind being free doesn’t guarantee data safety and easy execution. There are some major drawbacks of going with a manual solution like:

1. It requires a lot of time and patience to manually import MBOX data to Gmail.
2. There is no guarantee of data safety. One mistake or a bug can lead to data loss.
3. Naive users can find it difficult to follow along with the technical steps mentioned above.
4. There is no facility to import specific data.

Conclusion

We have discussed how to import MBOX files to Gmail account in the above section. There are two methods we can use to do this task. In the first method, we use an expert’s recommended automated tool to move MBOX to Gmail. Anyone can operate this tool and get instant and accurate results. 

Also, we can manually import the MBOX data to Gmail using an email client. However, we should keep in mind that there are some major limitations like lack of technical knowledge can be a barrier.