Step by step Process to import MBOX file to Gmail account

MBOX is a file format used by various email clients like Apple Mail, Thunderbird, and Eudora to store mailbox data. On the other hand, Gmail is a web-based email client used by several users to communicate through emails. Its easy compatibility with several operating systems enables users to access their emails on different devices. Moreover, it comes with 15 GB of storage for each account.

However, if you're reaching the limit of your Gmail account storage, 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.

To perform the migration process, users need to download their data using Google Takeout service, which saves in MBOX file format. Now import the downloaded into their newly created Gmail account. With our step-by-step guide, we will get you through 3 different methods for importing MBOX files to Gmail.

Follow all the given steps to perform the MBOX file to Gmail account migration successfully

How to import MBOX file to Gmail?

Use Google backup file to import the mailbox data in different emailing platforms that supports the MBOX file format. After creating a new Gmail account users are required to import the emails that were on the previous Gmail account. Users need download a 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

Users need to configure their existing Gmail account in Thunderbird to import their Gmail backup (MBOX) files.After successful configuration, follow the instructions given 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. Select Add-ons under the menu section.
3. In the Add-ons Manager window, select ImportExportTools NG and click on the Add to Thunderbird option.
4. You will get a pop-up asking you to add the ImportExportTools NG add-on. Tap on the Add button and re-launch Thunderbird.
5. Go back to the mailbox window, right-click on Local Folders and select ImportExportTools NG >> Import MBOX file.
6. Choose the Import directly one or more MBOX files option and proceed to OK.
7. Browse to the location where you have saved your Gmail backup (MBOX) file and click Open.
8. To view your imported backup file, go to the mailbox window. Drag and drop the required emails that you want under the Inbox section.You can also select the entire emails (Ctrl + A) and move them to the desired folder.

Method 2- Import MBOX to Gmail without Thunderbird

Follow the given steps to import MBOX to Gmail without using a Thunderbird email client.

• Access Gmail and go to the Settings option and tap on Accounts and Import.
• Click on the Import mail and contacts option.
• Enter the email address that you want to import from and hit Continue.
• According to your requirements choose Import Options then proceed with Start import.
• It will start the MBOX to Gmail import process.

Limitations of manual methods

• Manual methods are time-consuming and require adequate technical expertise.
• Users can't apply filters to remove unnecessary emails.
• Manual methods don't ensure data integrity.
• It doesn'tallow to import of multiple files simultaneously.
• Changes in the file's original structure or hierarchy may occur.

Method 3- Import MBOX File to Gmail using professional tool

To avoid the manual methods limitations, consider using Kernel Import MBOX to Gmail tool which lets you convert or migrate MBOX/MBX/MBS/MSF to Gmail, PST, MSG, EML, Domino, GroupWise, Exchange, Google Apps, Yahoo, AOL, etc.

Furthermore, the tool comes with several advanced features, such as:

• It supports 20+ MBOX email clients and is compatible with all Windows and Outlook versions.
• The tool allows you to preview files and folders before the conversion, which helps you decide what is required to migrate and what is not.
• It allows you to apply filters on source data so that you can import MBOX into Gmail as per your requirements.
• The tool helps you to restore lost or deleted emails without bringing any harm to data integrity.
• It is a convenient and user-friendly tool for beginners.

Let’s see how the tool works to open MBOX file in Gmail account

1. Launch the application and start with clicking on the Browse button to add the desired MBOX folder.
2. Navigate to the folder containing the required MBOX files, select the folder and click OK.
3. Once the folder gets added, proceed to Finish.
4. Here, you can have the preview of data items associated with the MBOX files. To save the required file, click on the Save button.
5. Select the Output type as “Gmail” and hit Next.
6. Select the desired filters to save specific data. However, this is an optional window. If you don’t feel like making any changes to your converted file, skip this step and click Next.
7. Enter your Gmail account credentials and hit on Finish button to start the migration.
8. Wait until the process gets completed.
9. Once the process gets completed, a pop-up message will flash on your screen the data has been saved. Tap on OK to finish the process and exit the tool.

Wrapping up

We have provided a detailed guide on how to open MBOX files in Gmail using manual methods. However, manual methods are lengthy, and users need to be careful while performing them. Thus, using a professional Kernel Import MBOX to Gmail tool is the most efficient and user-friendly method for this migration.