How to Configure Gmail to Thunderbird Account? Complete Guide

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On April 11th, 2025

Reading Time 6 Min Read

Do you want to configure Gmail to Thunderbird to be able to read and manage data in one place? If so, your search ends here. You can do this easily via IMAP and POP3 settings. In this guide, we will discuss how to configure Gmail accounts in Thunderbird manually.

As we all know Gmail is a web web-based email service and Thunderbird is a desktop-based email client both email clients allow users to send and receive emails. Both provide amazing and advanced data management features, including emails, contacts, calendars, notes, journals, tasks, etc.

However, there are multiple situations come, when users want to configure Gmail to Thunderbird accounts. Some of the reasons are mentioned below in detail.

Reasons to Add Gmail to Thunderbird Account

Offline Access: Since Thunderbird is a desktop email client, you may access your emails without an internet connection.
Customization: Thunderbird has several customization features that let you arrange emails, apply filters, and create unique layouts based on your tastes.
Privacy: To lessen your dependency on cloud-based services, you may store and control your emails locally on your computer by configuring Gmail to Thunderbird.
Backup: You may download all of your Gmail emails to your PC by configuring Gmail with Thunderbird. In the event of account problems or unintentional data loss, this backup may come in handy.

How to Configure Gmail to Thunderbird Account Manually?

You can add Gmail to Thunderbird account easily through IMAP/POP configuration. However, for configuration, you have to enable IMAP in Gmail and then look at what IMAP server details are required while configuring the account. Also, an App password is required.

Now it’s time to configure Gmail to Thunderbird. When the account is completely configured, we will learn how to manage the folder structure. Let us now know the process of configuring Gmail in Thunderbird.

Preparations:

Enable IMAP and App Password

Server Details:

Incoming Mail IMAP Server Settings

Server: imap.gmail.com
Port No: 993
SSL: Yes
Username: Gmail Account Email Address
Password: Gmail Account password

Outgoing Mail SMTP Server Settings

SMTP: smtp.gmail.com
Port No. for TLS/STARTTLS: 587
Port No. for SSL: 465
TLS: Yes (if available)
SSL: Yes
Username: Gmail Account Email Address
Password: Gmail Account password

How to Add Gmail to Thunderbird Account?

Open a Thunderbird account.
Click on the Tools >> Account Settings option.
Choose the Add Mail Account option from the Account Actions button.
Enter the login details of your Gmail account i.e., email address and app password.
Put the IMAP details and hit the Finish button.

Now the Gmail account has been successfully configured in Thunderbird. Many times, the folder structure gets corrupted after setting up the account. If you want to manage your folder structure then move to the next section. Otherwise, you can check the last section in which we have mentioned a bonus tip for you.

Another Blog: How to Fix “Thunderbird Not Showing All Folders”?

Manage Folder Structure Within Thunderbird

In Gmail’s IMAP implementation, labels are converted into Thunderbird folders. When you label a message in Gmail, Thunderbird generates a folder with the same name to keep the messages.

Thunderbird defaults to displaying all Gmail folders that you have configured. You may alter a few parameters to determine which Gmail folders Thunderbird will display.

In Thunderbird, tap the File button after clicking the ALT key on your keyboard and then choose Subscribe from the drop-down menu.
Proceed to uncheck the checkboxes corresponding to the folders you wish Thunderbird not to show.
Finally, Click the OK button.
Currently, Thunderbird does not show the unchecked folders.

Direct Way to Configure Gmail to Thunderbird Account

So far, we have learned how to add Gmail to Thunderbird. If you want to configure a complete account then follow the complete process mentioned above. If you want to set up Gmail data in Thunderbird, then we have brought the best solution for you, whose name is RecoveryTools Gmail Backup Tool.

With the help of this tool, you can configure multiple Gmail account data in Thunderbird at once. If you want to import the data, then we have written a separate article for that, the link of which is mentioned below and if you want to download the software, then its download and purchase link button is mentioned below.

Download Now Purchase Now

How to Add Gmail to Thunderbird Account?

Download and run the solution.
Provide login details of Gmail.
Select the required folders from panel.
Choose Thunderbird from the Saving Option.
Don’t change the path to add data into Thunderbird.
Lastly, click on the Backup button.

Why Select Solution Over Manual Method?

No need to create any additional app password and IMAP enables the process because these tools provide advanced OAuth configuration using normal passwords.
If you want to add Gmail data to Thunderbird directly, then there is no need to change the saving path, it will select Thunderbird profile location by default.
The advanced filter option from the Filter Options tab allows users to configure only desired data by enabling required filters.
Easily move data from all default folders including Inbox, Sent, Draft, Starred, and other created folders or labels.
This professional solution maintains the original folder hierarchy and email components i.e., Bcc, Cc, To, From, Subject, and other details.

Complete Working to Configure Gmail to Thunderbird Account

Download and start the software and install it properly.
Provide login credentials for Gmail account including email address and password. (Google OAuth Authentication must be enabled) and click on the Login button.
Wait for a while, and all folders and subfolders will appear and check the needed from here.
Select Thunderbird from the Select Saving Option dropdown.
Go to the Filter Options tab and apply the needed advanced filters as per choice.
Don’t change the path to save your output in the Thunderbird account.
Lastly, click on the Backup button to add Gmail to Thunderbird.

Conclusion

With the help of this blog, users can easily configure Gmail to Thunderbird with all the related information. Here you will get complete information with a step-by-step guide.

Finally, we also recommend a professional application for simply transferring data between Gmail accounts. This is a bonus tip from us for those users who want to migrate their data. If you want to configure a complete account, then follow the complete process mentioned above without skipping any step. If you still have any questions in your mind, you can get help from our support team.