How to Import EML to Thunderbird in Bulk? An Updated Guide

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On April 4th, 2026

Reading Time 7 Min Read

In this article, we will provide you the best and tested manual and automated methods to import EML to Thunderbird. We have seen many users facing difficulties while importing EML files and especially the ones who deal with a large volume of data.

This query is also frequently asked on online community platforms like Reddit. Here users come and share the real challenges they face while completing the import process. These can include failed import, missing attachments or issues while bulk importing. Considering these common problems we have created this guide. Here you will find all the essential information related to your query. So, keep reading till the end.

Reasons to Import EML to Thunderbird

Thunderbird is a free email client.
It offers users a search filter that helps to locate required emails quickly.
This enables users to access them in multiple accounts and across platforms when required.
It helps to manage all the EML files at one place. This reduces efforts to open them individually.

How to Import EML to Thunderbird Manually?

Here in this section we have listed two tested manual methods that work 100% but hold some drawbacks. First, take a look at these methods and then decide depending upon your mailbox.

Method 1- Using Drag and Drop

Firstly, open Thunderbird and log in (If not).
Now, right-click on your configured mail ID and click on New Folder.
Enter a Folder Name and click Next.
Now, go to the location of the EML files.
Drag & drop them to the newly created folder.
Wait for all the emails to sync.

Method 2- Through ImportExportTools NG Add-on

Open Thunderbird.
Go to menu and click on “Add-Ons and Themes” option.
After that, search ImportExportTools NG in the search bar.
Click on Add to Thunderbird and restart it.
Once done, right-click on the folder where you want to import EML files.
Select ImportExportTools NG > Import EML messages > All EML messages from a directory and subdirectories and choose the files you want to import.

Limitations of Manual Methods

While both the methods are free these factors can affect the import process. Read them carefully.

Loading multiple EML files at once in Thunderbird can slow down the system or sometimes hang.
These approaches may not preserve the original email formatting and structure.
Additionally there is no guarantee of attachments especially when they are larger in size.
They are time-consuming processes and include complex steps.
Installation of Thunderbird email clients is necessary in both the approaches.
No data security and integrity, as it may lose important data elements like subject, fonts, format, images, links, etc.

Automated Solution to Import EML Files to Thunderbird in Bulk

The manual way to transfer EML files to Thunderbird has lots of limitations and that is why experts always use and recommend professional utilities such as RecoveryTools EML Converter. It is fast, reliable, and has advanced options for every type of user. The best thing is that users can also download its free demo version to test its efficiency before getting the licensed version.

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The quick and simple steps to use this tool are as follows:

Watch How to Import EML to Thunderbird?

Detailed Steps to Import EML Messages in Thunderbird

First, download and run the software on your system.
Add EML/EMLX files or folders that you want to import.
Check and uncheck all your data files carefully before you start the EML to Thunderbird conversion.
Select Thunderbird from the select saving option list > choose Destination path and required File naming option.
Now, set the filters to organize the data files as per your needs.
Lastly, click Next to start the conversion process.

Prominent Features of the EML to Thunderbird Converter

This is an independent tool that helps to open EML in Thunderbird directly without demanding installation of any email client.
It is the most trusted and reliable solution worldwide to convert EML to Thunderbird with no efforts.
The tool guarantees complete data security and full-time customer support to all users.
It offers multiple advanced filters and features that enable users to precisely convert even large files.
This tool maintains all the formatting and integrity of your emails as well as other data elements.
It is a suitable solution for both technical and non-technical users regardless of how much technical skills they have.
Allows you to import EML to Thunderbird in bulk without worrying about data loss or corruption.
It keeps the files untouched and unedited and forwards the copy of EML files into Thunderbird instead of the original one.

Clear Comparison: Manual vs Automated

Features	Manual Methods	Pro EML to Thunderbird Converter
Ease of Use	Complex as it has long steps	Very easy, it has a user-friendly interface and imports files in a few clicks.
Bulk Import	Yes but can be risky	Seamlessly batch import files without any limitations.
Data Security	No data security offered	Gives complete security without editing or changing the original data.
Advanced Filters	Do not provide any filters	The tool has multiple filters for better data organization.
Attachment Handling	It support but does not guarantees 100% safety	Import attachments as well as other important elements securely regardless of the size.
Compatibility	Requires Thunderbird	Compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS
Technicalities	Requires technical knowledge	Has a simple UI and requires no technical skills or training to operate.

Final Words

In this article, we go through the query of a large number of users: How to import EML to Thunderbird. We try to resolve this by providing the best solutions. That’s the main reason we discussed three different approaches to convert EML to Thunderbird. You can also use the free trial version of this software to import the first 25 files to Thunderbird. And, for bulk import, continue with the licensed version of this utility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques 1: Does Thunderbird support EML files?

Ans: Yes, Thunderbird supports EML files and allows users to import and export EML files directly.

Ques 2: What file formats can Thunderbird import?

Ans: Thunderbird can import only MBOX and EML file formats using ImportExportTools NG add-on.

Ques 3: What is Thunderbird’s native file format?

Ans: Thunderbird stores email data in MBOX format that saves multiple emails in a single file (without the file extension).

Ques 4: How to Import EML files to Thunderbird?

Ans: You can import EML to Thunderbird using drag & drop and by using ImportExportTools NG add-on. If you have a huge amount of data, then using an automated tool is suggested as it helps in simplifying the process.

Ques 5: Can I import attachments using Thunderbird method?

Ans: Yes, you can import attachments along with other email data using the manual methods. However, they are not completely safe and may result in data loss issues with large files.

Ques 6: Is there any size limit to import EML files into Thunderbird?

Ans: Thunderbird does not restrict size limits but the performance may degrade/slow down when importing a large volume of EML files. In these cases, professional EML to Thunderbird Converter is a better choice as it does not impose any file size limitations and perform conversion quickly in a few clicks.