RecoveryTools

Mail Import for Thunderbird on Windows and Mac

Thunderbird Import Software for PC and Mac

Thunderbird Import software adds MBOX, MBX, MBS, EML, EMLX and Maildir files to a Thunderbird profile in bulk. Emails keep their status, folder structure and attachments.

  • Imports mail files in six formats
  • Adds single files or full folders at once
  • Filters emails by a From and To date
  • Works on Windows and Mac
Buy Now from $29Download Free Demo
Thunderbird Import Tool with the Select Identities list and the Import button highlighted
Select your Thunderbird identity and start the import.
  • Free DemoImports a free sample
  • 30 Day RefundDemo test comes first
  • Card or PayPalHosted store checkout
  • Fast License KeySent by email
  • 24x7 SupportChat and email

1Is this my case?

Which Cases Need a Thunderbird Import?

Find your case below. RecoveryTools software moves the mail files into your Thunderbird profile in one batch.

  • Switch From Another ClientYou leave Apple Mail or another client and hold your mail as MBOX files.
  • Google Takeout ArchiveYour Gmail download arrives as an MBOX file that Thunderbird cannot open alone.
  • Old Backup FoldersArchived mail sits in MBOX, EML or EMLX files on a drive.
  • Manual Import Is SlowManual methods take one folder at a time and need edits inside the profile folder.
  • Many Mail FilesA team brings mail from several MBOX files into one Thunderbird profile.
  • Wrong Account Gets MailMail must land in a chosen profile when Thunderbird holds several accounts.

Original Mail Status

Emails open in Thunderbird with their original opened or unopened state.

Folder Structure Intact

Maintain Folder Hierarchy keeps emails inside their original folders.

Any File Size

Large MBOX files load the same way as small ones.

Check the Message Store Type First

Thunderbird keeps mail in a message store. Imports work when the destination account uses the MBOX message store type. Maildir stores make the import fail.

Close Thunderbird before you start. If Thunderbird stays open, close it and open it again after the import so the new folders show up.

2What changes?

What Changes After the Thunderbird Import?

Before

  • Mail files sit on a drive with no way in
  • Manual imports handle one folder at a time
  • Folders and mail status get lost

After

  • Mail files land in your Thunderbird profile
  • Many files import in one batch
  • Folders and mail status stay in place

3What can it do?

Which Features Come With Thunderbird Import Software?

Import mail files into Thunderbird with filters and profile selection.

Six File Formats

Import the MBOX family plus single message and Maildir files into Thunderbird.

Add File or Add Folder

Select single files or a folder that holds many files and import them in bulk.

Date Filter

Set From and To dates to import only the mail from one period.

Maintain Folder Hierarchy

Save the import in a new folder outside your existing folders. Without it the mail merges into a folder with the same name.

Profile Selection

Detect configured POP and IMAP profiles and select the destination from the Select Identities list.

Attachments and Metadata

Keep attachments, headers and mail status with every imported email.

No File Size Limit

Load and import MBOX files of any size.

Many MBOX Sources

Import MBOX files from Apple Mail, Google Takeout, Eudora and other clients.

Windows and Mac Editions

Use the Windows edition 5.2 or the Mac edition 8.1 on your own computer.

4Is it easy?

How to Try Thunderbird Import in 4 Steps

Import a free sample with the demo. Buy the license after you see your mail in Thunderbird.

  1. 1Download

    Install the Demo

    Download the 10.3 MB Windows installer or the 34.1 MB Mac installer. Install Thunderbird first if it is missing.

  2. 2Add

    Select Your Mail Files

    Select Add File for single files or Add Folder for a folder. Preview the files in the list.

  3. 3Filter

    Set Filters and Profile

    Choose All Mails or apply a date filter. Select your Thunderbird profile from the Select Identities list.

  4. 4Import

    Start the Import

    Select Import. Windows demo imports 25 items per folder and Mac demo imports 10 emails per MBOX file.

Open Thunderbird again after the import to see the new folders. Screenshots of every step sit in the Thunderbird Import Tool guide.

5What will I see?

Which Screens Guide the Thunderbird Import?

Follow the path from the file list to the finished import.

Thunderbird Import Tool select screen with Add File, Add Folder and Browse buttons

Add Your Mail Files

Add single files or a folder to the list.

Thunderbird Import Tool file list showing added mail files with the Next button highlighted

Preview the File List

Check the added files before you move on.

Thunderbird Import Tool filter screen with the Select Identities list opened

Select the Profile

Select the Thunderbird identity that receives the mail.

Thunderbird Import Tool import progress window with a completed message

Watch the Import

A progress window reports the finished import.

6Demo or full?

Free Demo vs Full Version of Thunderbird Import

Set the free demo beside the full software to see what the license adds.

FeatureFree DemoFull Version
Import of all supported formatsYesYes
Add File and Add FolderYesYes
Date filterYesYes
Profile selectionYesYes
Windows import limit25 per folderAll
Mac import limitFirst 10 emailsAll
PriceFreeFrom $29
Download Free DemoBuy the Full Version

7Will it fit my system?

System Requirements for the Thunderbird Import Tool

Product Version5.2 for Windows and 8.1 for Mac
Download Size10.3 MB for Windows and 34.1 MB for Mac
Product TypeDesktop software that imports mail files into Thunderbird
Input FormatsMBOX, MBX, MBS, EML, EMLX and Maildir
DestinationThunderbird POP, IMAP and Local Folder accounts
WindowsWindows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8 and 7 or Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008
MacIntel and Apple Silicon M1 Macs with macOS 10.8 up to macOS 14 Sonoma
ProcessorIntel Core 2 Duo at 2.40 GHz on Windows
RAM and Disk Space4 GB RAM and 100 MB of free disk space
Windows NeedsThunderbird installed, Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later and administrator rights
Mac NeedsThunderbird installed, system region United States, English language and Java JDK and JRE 8
File Size LimitNone
Demo Limit25 items per folder on Windows and 10 emails per MBOX file on Mac

8What is the price?

How Much Does Thunderbird Import Cost?

Windows and Mac editions cost the same. Choose a license by computer count and type of use. Prices are in US dollars.

Personal License

$29

  • Covers 1 computer
  • Fits private use at home
  • Free updates for 1 year
  • 24x7 free support
  • License key by email
Buy Personal License
For Companies

Business License

$99

  • Covers up to 100 computers
  • Fits office, school or government use
  • One site in one country
  • Free updates for 1 year
  • 24x7 free support
Buy Business License

Enterprise License

$299

  • Covers up to 500 computers
  • Fits offices in many countries
  • Free updates for 1 year
  • 24x7 free support
  • License key by email
Buy Enterprise License
Refund requests are accepted for 30 days. Test the free demo first because software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. See the RecoveryTools refund policy for the full terms.

These buttons open the Windows edition. Buy the Mac edition license or download the Mac edition demo if you use a Mac. Compare bundles for other RecoveryTools software on the RecoveryTools offers page.

9Is it safe?

Is Your Email Data Safe During the Import?

4.9
average rating out of 5 from users

See Results First

Import a free sample into Thunderbird with the demo before you pay.

In Business Since 2007

RecoveryTools stands on a company that began in 2007 and now helps users in over 100 countries. Find more about RecoveryTools.

ISO Certified

Standards ISO 9001:2015 for quality and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for information security back the company. See the awards and certifications page.

Terms in Plain Sight

Refund, privacy and usage terms are public before you pay. See the refund policy, privacy policy and terms of use.

10Need a hand?

Which Support Options Help With Thunderbird Import?

Support engineers answer questions before and after you buy. Visit the RecoveryTools support center for phone numbers and more ways to get help.

Live Chat

Talk to an expert on live chat at any hour.

Email Support

Email support@systoolsgroup.com with your Thunderbird version and the import problem you see.

Remote Session

An expert connects to your computer and solves a hard case for you.

Secure File Sharing

Send logs or a sample MBOX file through a secure FTP server. RecoveryTools can sign a Non Disclosure Agreement first.

11Still have a question?

Questions About Importing Mail Into Thunderbird

Which file formats can I import into Thunderbird?

MBOX, MBX, MBS, EML, EMLX and Maildir files work. Opera Mail MBS files count as MBOX files.

Which MBOX files does the software accept?

MBOX files from Apple Mail, Google Takeout, Eudora and many other email clients work.

Do I need Thunderbird installed?

Yes. Install Thunderbird before the import. Thunderbird Import detects your configured POP and IMAP profiles.

Can I import into an IMAP account?

Import into a Local Folder first. Then drag the imported folder into the IMAP account.

Why do imported emails not show in Thunderbird?

Close Thunderbird and open it again if it was open during the import.

Why does a Maildir import fail?

Your Thunderbird account must use the MBOX message store type. Maildir stores make the import fail.

Is there a limit on MBOX file size?

No. MBOX files of any size load.

Can I import emails from one period only?

Yes. Choose Mails, apply filters and set From and To dates.

Can I import many EML or EMLX files together?

Yes. Put the files in one folder and select Add Folder.

What does the free demo import?

Windows demo imports 25 items per folder. Mac demo imports the first 10 emails per MBOX file.

Is there a Mac version of Thunderbird Import?

Yes. Mac edition 8.1 works on macOS 10.8 up to macOS 14 Sonoma on Intel and Apple Silicon M1 Macs.

How fast do I receive the license key?

Payment by card or PayPal at the hosted checkout triggers an email with your license key within 15 minutes.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. Refund requests are accepted for 30 days under the RecoveryTools refund policy. Software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. Email a signed Letter of Destruction to sales@recovery-tools.org. Bundle purchases cannot be refunded.

12Where next?

Related Thunderbird and MBOX Tools and Guides

RecoveryTools MBOX Migrator

Converts MBOX files into 8 formats.

RecoveryTools MBOX to PDF Converter

Exports MBOX emails to PDF with attachments.

RecoveryTools MBOX to Office 365 Migrator

Moves MBOX mail into Microsoft 365 mailboxes.

RecoveryTools EML to PST Converter

Converts batch EML files to PST.

RecoveryTools Outlook to MBOX Converter

Exports PST files to MBOX.

RecoveryTools Thunderbird Contacts Converter

Exports Thunderbird contacts to CSV, VCF and PST.

Thunderbird Guides From the RecoveryTools Blog

Import a Sample Into Your Own Profile

Download the free demo, import a sample of your mail and open it in Thunderbird before you buy the software license.

Download Free DemoBuy Now from $29