Step by Step Process to Import MBOX File to Gmail Account

Summary: Importing MBOX files to Gmail account is doable using three methods - Thunderbird, Gmail & a third-party software such as Kernel Import MBOX to Gmail. However, challenges such as complex processes, data loss risks & compatibility issues may arise while importing with Thunderbird or Gmail. It is recommended to use our Import MBOX to Gmail software to avoid these challenges for a secure transfer of data to your Gmail account.

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If you're reaching the limit of your Gmail account storage of around 15 GB, you might be considering ways to manage your data. One simple and common method is to move some or all your emails to another account. But what if you have downloaded your data using Google Takeout service and created an MBOX file? No need to worry. With our step-by-step guide, we will get you through 3 different methods for importing MBOX files to Gmail. These methods include utilizing Thunderbird browser, importing files directly through Gmail and using professional software to do the job. Follow our lead and let the process of import begin. import mbox files into gmail

How to Import MBOX File to Gmail?

Once the Google backup file is downloaded, you can use the same file to import the mailbox data in different emailing platforms that support the MBOX file format. Suppose you have created a new Gmail account and needed to import the emails that were on the previous Gmail account. All you have to do is download the copy of your Gmail data via Google Takeout and import the downloaded file via any MBOX supported email client like Thunderbird.

Method 1- Import MBOX to Gmail Using Thunderbird

In order to import your Gmail backup (MBOX) file to Thunderbird, first, you have to configure your Thunderbird client with the existing Gmail account. After a successful configuration, follow the given instructions to import the backup MBOX file to Thunderbird.

  1. Launch Thunderbird and click on the Menu button located at the extreme right of the interface.
  2. Navigate to Add-ons >> Add-ons. Navigate to Add-ons
  3. In the Add-ons Manager window, select ImportExportTools NG and click on the Add to Thunderbird button. select ImportExportTools NG
  4. You will get a pop-up asking you to add the ImportExportTools NG add-on. Click on the Add button and re-launch Thunderbird. Add mportExportTools NG
  5. Go back to the Thunderbird mailbox window, right-click on Local Folders and select ImportExportTools NG >> Import MBOX file. Import MBOX file
  6. Select the Import directly one or more MBOX files option and click OK. Import directly one or more MBOX files
  7. Browse to the location where you have saved your Gmail backup (MBOX) file. Select the file and click Open. Select the MBOX file and click Open
  8. Again, go back to the mailbox window and select the imported backup file to view its email contents. Select the emails that you require in the Inbox folder and drag and drop those selected email messages. You can also select the entire emails (Ctrl + A) and move them to the desired folder.

Manual methods, however, are quite hectic and requires a series of consecutive steps. Apart from using Thunderbird browser, there is a professional solution to import large-sized MBOX files to Gmail without losing data and protecting mailbox's integrity.

Method 2- Import MBOX to Gmail without Thunderbird

At times, you can encounter issues with Thunderbird so, here are the steps to follow to import MBOX to Gmail without Thunderbird.

  • Access Gmail and go to the Settings option. Go to the tab Accounts and Import.Go to the tab Accounts and Import
  • Click on the option Import mail and contacts.Import mail and contacts
  • Type in your Thunderbird address and hit Continue.hit Continue
  • Tap on Import > Start Import.Start Import
  • You will now be able to import MBOX to Gmail.

Method 3- Import MBOX File to Gmail Using Professional Tool

Kernel Import MBOX to Gmail is a conversion tool which lets you convert or migrate MBOX/MBX/MBS/MSF to Gmail, PST, MSG, EML, Domino, GroupWise, Exchange, Google Apps, Yahoo, AOL, etc.

The MBOX to PST Converter tool is quite convenient and handy; besides this, it supports 20 MBOX email clients, Windows, Outlook with all their versions. The tool allows you to have a preview of particular files and folders before the conversion, which helps you decide what is required to convert and what not. The tool allows you to apply filters on source data so that you can convert/migrate or import mbox into Gmail as per your requirements. The tool is so powerful that it lets you recover the deleted items without bringing any harm to data integrity.

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Let’s See How the Tool Works to Open MBOX File in Gmail Account

  1. Launch Kernel Import MBOX to Gmail Converter on your Windows machine and start with clicking on the Browse button to add the desired MBOX folder. Launch MBOX to PST converter tool
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the required MBOX files, select the folder and click OK. Select MBOX folder and click ok
  3. Once the folder gets added, Click Finish. Folder added
  4. Here, you can have the preview of data items associated with the MBOX files. Now, to save the required file, click on the Save button located just below the menu bar options. Preview of MBOX file data
  5. Select the Output type as “Gmail” and click Next. Select Gmail as Output type
  6. Select the desired filters to save specific data; this, however, is an optional window. If you don’t feel like making any changes to your converted file, skip this step and click Next. Select desired filter option
  7. Enter your Gmail account credentials and click on the Finish button to start the migration. Enter Gmail account credentials
  8. Wait until the process gets completed. Wait to complete process
  9. Once the process gets completed, a pop-up message will flash on your screen, saying that the data has been saved. Click OK to finish the process and exit the tool. import mbox into gmail process completed

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Wrapping Up

This article is intended to help users import MBOX files from different sources to Gmail. We have elaborated the manual procedure to open MBOX file in Gmail using Thunderbird client. You can also use the tool to import MBOX to Gmail without Thunderbird.

So, it is clear that there are 3 methods which users can use to import an MBOX file into a Gmail account: the Thunderbird browser, direct Gmail method and advanced software. It is also evident that the last method - use of a professional tool like Kernel Import MBOX to Gmail - yields the most efficient results with least technicality involved. It takes less time, effort and energy. Therefore, it is recommended to make use of this powerful third-party utility.

Software Video Tutorial to Import MBOX file to Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

Video Tutorial to Import MBOX file to Gmail

  1. it is a wonderful application that we have used multiple times. It can convert unlimited number of emails at a time.


  1. While using the software I was thinking that I will need to organize the emails in the respective folders, but the software is intelligent enough to manage the emails smartly.

  1. I am searching for this kind of tool to import my MBOX file to Gmail and thanks for providing such a wonderful customer support.

  1. It solves all my issues regarding email migration. It works very smooth and effective.

  1. I agree with the writer, the manual procedure is very hectic and time taking. The software is far better option then that. Price of the software is also reasonable. Also it is nice to talk with your support team.

  1. Gmail is the most common email client and very easy to use as well so I transferred all my data from Thunderbird MBOX files to Gmail account. Thank you for explaining the processing of the software so nicely.

  1. Now I can effortlessly move my Thunderbird MBOX file data to my personal Gmail account. Thank you for the software that saves me time by filtering the data.

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