Import MBOX to Google Workspace Safely With All Attributes
Why Configure MBOX Data in GWS/ Google Workspace Account?
Often, businesses migrating to Google Workspace need to import MBOX files from multiple sources, such as Apple Mail, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, Horde, etc., into the account due to reasons such as:
- Data compilation & centralisation – mostly after mergers & acquisitions.
- Cloud storage offers better security and frees up local storage space.
- Restoring MBOX backup into the Google Workspace Account – after loss.
Uploading MBOX data to Google Workspace offers advantages such as:
- 24/7 access via Webmail and easy access without needing any application.
- Easy email data collaboration with tools such as Docs, Sheets, Drive, and more.
- Security & other smart email filters of Google Workspace.
Pre-Migration Checklist to Import MBOX to Google Workspace
- Thunderbird or Apple Mail (based on your desktop) must be installed.
- Your Google Workspace account credentials – with required permission & IMAP enabled from the admin’s end.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
- Your Google Workspace mailbox must have ample storage to uphold MBOX.
Note: You may also need to generate an App-Password if you are not using OAuth, as Google does not allow direct login with less secure apps.
Free Manual Ways to Add MBOX Files to Google Workspace
You can import MBOX to Google Workspace accounts for free by using an intermediary email client. Thunderbird with ImportExport NG Tools is available for most operating systems. However, using built-in Apple Mail on macOS reduces the dependency on add-ons and eliminates the need for setup & installation. Below, we have exact step-by-step instructions to be followed.
Method 1: Import MBOX File to Google Workspace Using Thunderbird
If you are using Thunderbird to add MBOX data into a Google Workspace account, note that it is a reliable choice for only small batches, as the process is dependent on IMAP sync.
Step 1: Set Up Google Workspace in Thunderbird
- After downloading Thunderbird, click on Menu.
- Choose the New Account option.
- Select the Email option.
- Enter your full name & Google Workspace business email.
- Choose IMAP as the configuration protocol.
- Log in to Thunderbird using OAuth.
Step 2: Import MBOX Files
Thunderbird, although it supports MBOX files, cannot import MBOX directly. You need to rely on the Import Export NG Add-On to use Thunderbird to import MBOX in Google Workspace.
- Click on Menu >> Themes & Add-Ons.
- Search for ImportExport NG Tools.
- Add the extension.
- Go to Local Folders and right-click.
- Choose ImportExport NG Tools >> Import MBOX >> Import MBOX from a directory.
- Select the MBOX file to be added to the Google Workspace account.
Your uploaded MBOX file will appear under the Thunderbird profile’s folders.
- Right-click on the uploaded MBOX folder.
- Choose the “Move To” or ” Copy To” option from the list.
- Select the connected Google Workspace account.
Method 2: Mac OS Setup to Upload MBOX to GWS Account
Using Apple Mail to import MBOX files into Google Workspace reduces installation effort and is a more stable option on macOS than Thunderbird.
- Open the Mac Mail application on your computer.
- Click on Mail >> Add Account.
- Choose Google from the list.
- Enter your Google Workspace email ID.
- Sign up with OAuth.
- Click on File >> Import Mailboxes.
- Choose your MBOX file from the library & open it.
- Open the MBOX emails folder in Apple Mail.
- Press Cmd+A to select the MBOX.
- Drag & Drop them to the Google Workspace account.
Tip: You can also create a dedicated subfolder for the MBOX import under the Google Workspace account in the Mac Mail application.
All your data will be imported into the Google Workspace account successfully. But before following this method, read all the given drawbacks:
- Folder hierarchy and data file metadata will not be maintained properly while importing MBOX file to Gmail or Google Workspace.
- High risk of data loss and corruption during the whole process.
- It is not easy to verify the missing or corrupted data, because manually it will take a long time.
- Importing MBOX files with large attachments can be a challenging task.
- Highly advanced technical knowledge about Thunderbird and Google Workspace is required.
Alternative Way: You can also first convert MBOX files to PST format and then use the free Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Outlook (GWMMO) Tool to import Outlook PST in Google Workspace. However, the process overcomplicates the MBOX-to-Google Workspace import.
Automated Migration Tool to Import MBOX to Google Workspace
RecoveryTools MBOX Migrator Tool for Google Workspace provides a direct bulk import option for all admin/user GWS accounts. The utility can easily import multiple or even unlimited numbers of files within a single attempt without any kind of loss of data. Apart from that, the entire hierarchy of all the files and folders will be maintained throughout in an original manner.
Moreover, the tool has been specially designed with a high-technological algorithm that can be easily used by all novice as well as technical users. Since there is no direct way to import MBOX to a Google Workspace account, that’s why our experts designed this tool to understand the queries and needs of the users. During the MBOX to Google Workspace migration process, the application preserves Meta properties, key elements, and the Internal System Folder Hierarchy of emails.
Download the mentioned tool to import MBOX to Google Workspace free of cost and start importing the files.
Why Do Users Choose Expert Solutions Over Manual Methods?
- User-friendly interface that can be easily used by all the novices as well as the technical users.
- Add MBOX files or folders using the dual methods mentioned on the panel.
- The software provides dual options to upload single and multiple MBOX files and folders using the Select Files and Select Folders options.
- Also, users can easily import MBOX to Google Workspace in bulk at once without having file size limitations. And they can check the required data to save time.
- Data Consistency will be maintained throughout the process by maintaining the hierarchy of all the files and folders.
- Preserves the email meta properties, email elements, and internal folder structure of all the mailboxes.
- The advanced Filter option allows users to import specific and required emails via Date range, To, From, Subject, etc.
- Compatible to run on all versions of Windows OS as well as Mac OS without having any errors and installing problems.
How to Import MBOX to Google Workspace Directly?
What’s New: As we all know, Google doesn’t allow users to connect Google Workspace accounts directly to any third-party tool. For this, we had to enable IMAP access and app passwords, which made the process more complicated. But now, there is no need to do any additional process.
Our solution comes with a new feature called Google OAuth authentication, which allows users to connect Google Workspace account without entering the password. For more details, check out all the working steps:
- First, Install & launch the software on your Windows Machine.
- After that, load source MBOX files using Select Files or Select Folders to browse the Folder containing files.
- Thereafter, check/uncheck the mailbox items and internal folder hierarchy.
- After that, choose the G-Suite (former name of Google Workspace) saving option from the list of options.
- Thereafter, enter the Google Workspace email address.
- Click on the Convert button to import MBOX files to a Google Workspace account.
- A new window will appear, and select the required Google Workspace account.
- Click on the Select All icon to grant needed permissions and the Continue button.
- After that, the live process will start on the panel, and wait for a while.
- Thereafter, click on the OK button after the successful conversion process.
Hence, by performing these simple steps, it is possible for users to easily import MBOX to Google Workspace. Just log in to your Google Workspace account and see the imported data there.
FAQs: Import MBOX to Google Workspace
Q1: What is the RecoveryTools MBOX to Google Workspace migration tool?
It is a software application for Mac & Windows to directly import MBOX data into any Google Workspace account without dependency on any email client.
Q2: How long does it take to import a 50 GB MBOX to a Google Workspace Account?
For bulk data, it can take up to 8-24 hours; however, you can significantly reduce the downtime by using the RecoveryTools migration tool.
Q3: Does Google Workspace support direct MBOX file import?
No, Google Workspace does not natively support direct MBOX uploads. You need an email client configuration or a dedicated migration tool.
Conclusion
This article deals with the complete solution to properly import MBOX to Google Workspace accounts. Many other solutions and approaches are already available in the market, but the main concern is to get the right and verified solution that provides proper support to the users.
That is why, after doing a lot of research, we are providing you with a perfect solution through this article, with the help of which you can upload MBOX to Google Workspace very easily. We recommend that you use the above tools to get results as quickly as possible.







