How to Import MBOX File to Gmail without Thunderbird? Top Methods

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On April 23rd, 2025

Reading Time 11 Min Read

Are you looking for a solution to import MBOX file to Gmail without Thunderbird? Here, we will discuss a complete step-by-step guide to uploading bulk MBOX files quickly and reliably. The solution that we are going to discuss here supports all types of MBOX and their variant files. So, keep reading the post.

MBOX vs Gmail

MBOX is a well-known email storage format that has been in use for over a decade. However, people became familiar with this format when they started using Thunderbird. MBOX, also known as a mailbox, is a container file for a collection of multiple emails. A large number of email client applications support this file.

On the other hand, Gmail is a web platform where you can easily send or receive emails without any restrictions. It is one of the most versatile platforms nowadays. Almost everyone who uses the Internet has a Gmail account. You can easily use your Gmail account to manage emails, notes, documents, journals, calendars, contacts, events, etc.

Therefore, today we have brought many solutions to import MBOX file to Gmail without Thunderbird, with the help of which you will easily complete this task. So, let’s start this article now and know which are the suitable methods to do this conversion.

Can I Upload MBOX File to Gmail Account?

Yes, you can import MBOX file to Gmail account using Thunderbird email client. Because this is the only application that supports MBOX format and allows to connect web-based email service like a Gmail account.

Also, it is free and open-source for all users. So, you can install it easily on your system and connect your profile. And this is the only way to open MBOX file in Gmail manually.

Or if you don’t have Thunderbird and wants to maintain original data with advance filters, then you should go for the professional MBOX to Gmail converter tool.

Why Do Users Import MBOX File to Gmail Accounts?

Before knowing the methods to open MBOX file in Gmail accounts, we have to understand the core reasons why users want to do this process. So here I have explained them:

Transfer emails from an old email client like Thunderbird to keep everything in one place with Gmail’s web accessibility and features.
You might be switching from another email service and want to bring your old emails with you.
As a backup or archive, importing your MBOX file ensures you retain important emails even if you stop using the original email client.
Easily search and access old emails stored in the MBOX file within the familiar Gmail interface.
Leverage Gmail’s generous free storage space and features like spam filtering and powerful search.

How to Import MBOX File to Gmail without Thunderbird?

Before starting the manual process, checkout these are the short working steps of expert suggest MBOX to Gmail converter tool to upload MBOX file to Gmail account:

Step 1: Start the MBOX to Gmail converter.

Step 2: Upload MBOX needed files/folders.

Step 3: Select the “box of needed folders”.

Step 4: Select “Gmail” as your saving type.

Step 5: Apply some advanced filters as needed.

Step 6: Provide login details of Gmail.

Step 7: Lastly, click on the “Convert” icon.

How to Open MBOX File in Gmail without Thunderbird? Manually

Here we will mention possible manual methods to import MBOX file to Gmail with or without Thunderbird installation. We have two methods to go for this method. First is Gmail Auto Mail Fetcher and second it using in-built option in Thunderbird.

Mandatory Steps to Upload Datafile to Gmail Account

Important Note: ImportExportTools NG add-on must be installed on your system. Open Thunderbird >> Tools tab >> Add-ons and Themes >> Search ImportExportTools NG >> Install it.

Restart your Thunderbird
Hit on the “Tools” >> “ImportExportToolsNG” >> “Import MBOX File”.
Choose “Import Directly One or More MBOX Files” >> “OK”.
Browse the MBOX file and click on the “Open” icon to import it.
Now your file will appear in the Thunderbird account. Next, we will connect the Gmail accounts.

Method 1: Transfer MBOX to Gmail using Auto Mail Fetcher

In this method, you should have already imported MBOX file in Thunderbird account. if you have, then go for this method otherwise you can skip this method.

Firstly, log in to your Gmail account.
Now, click the “Settings”.
After that, select the “See All Settings”.
Head to the “Account and Import”.
Click the “Import Mail and Contacts” option as shown.
After that, a popup screen will appear on your system, now enter the email address (which is connected into Thunderbird account) and click “Continue”.
Finally, choose the data as per your requirements and then click “Start Import”.

Method 2: Import MBOX File to Gmail using Thunderbird

This method is divided into two steps, firstly we will connect Gmail account in Thunderbird and then move MBOX file items into Gmail account. Follow the both steps carefully:

Phase 1: Configure Gmail in Thunderbird

Open a Thunderbird account.
Choose “Tools” >> “Account Settings”.
Click on the “Account Actions” >> “Add Mail Account”.
Put the login credentials of the Gmail account i.e., email address and app password. (To create an app password and IMAP access, check out Gmail Settings for Messages Import).
Enter the “IMAP” details like “IMAP Host” and “POP”.
Lastly, after setting up all the things, click on the “Finish”

Phase 2: Import MBOX File to Gmail Account

Now, click the uploaded folder in Thunderbird.
After that, select all the emails by “CTRL+A”.
Thereafter, right-click the mouse button.
Now, click the “Move To” option and then select “Gmail” account, and select “Folder”.

Now the MBOX file has been imported into Gmail. If your MBOX file has multiple folders then you will have to repeat step 3 as many folders as there are in your MBOX file. If you want a direct method to upload MBOX file to Gmail and do not want to get stuck in such a hectic method, then you can move towards the next solution.

Why Automate MBOX to Gmail Converter Tool?

Before knowing the solution information, it is mandatory to understand why users should go for the paid solutions over manual methods. So that you can know which method will be best for you:

Manual method contains risk of data loss while paid MBOX to Gmail converter tool migrate complete data without losing any single information.
Multiple steps in manual method takes long time while expert solutions can import MBOX file to Gmail account directly in just few minutes.
You need to install Thunderbird application, while mentioned MBOX to Gmail converter tool is an independent and standalone which doesn’t required installation of any solution.

How to Upload MBOX File to Gmail without Thunderbird? Automatically

If you do not want to get stuck in a long and hectic method and you want a direct solution which does not waste your time, then you should use the automatic tools instead of the manual solution. Although there are many professional tools available in the market, you should use the RecoveryTools MBOX Migrator tool only.

Because this tool is one of the best automated solutions to import MBOX file to Gmail without Thunderbird directly in bulk. This tool allows users to easily open an unlimited number of MBOX files to Gmail along with attachments without any data loss.

Furthermore, the software can maintain the entire data structure including email attributes and metaproperties. Using this utility, you can import MBOX files to various saving 35+ options. Other capabilities are mentioned in upcoming paragraph:

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Learn How to Import MBOX File to Gmail Account? Complete Steps

What’s New: Google stopped allowing less secure apps to connect Gmail accounts on May 30, 2022. This meant you had to create an app password to link your Gmail to other apps, which made the “import MBOX file to Gmail” process longer and more complicated for users.

But, now RecoveryTools software has a new feature called Google OAuth Authentication. This lets you import MBOX files directly into Gmail by just entering your email address and giving the software permission to access your mailbox. You can find detailed instructions on how to use this feature in our guide.

Install this Converter on your Windows or Mac operating system.
Select MBOX files or folders to browse them directly on the panel using the “Select Files” and “Select Folders”.
After loading files, you get a smart “Preview option”. With this option, you can view MBOX files/folders.
Now, select “Gmail” as a saving option from “Select Saving Option”.
Hit on the “Filter Options” and apply the advanced filters for selective import MBOX file to Gmail process.
Enter the email address of your “Gmail” account here.
Press on the “Convert” button to continue the process.
Your default browse will open and select the needed Gmail account.
Grant the all required permissions using the “Select All” >> “Continue”.
The live process to import MBOX file to Gmail account will start.
After the successful process, a confirmation message will appear on the screen, and hit the “OK”.

Why Only RecoveryTools MBOX to Gmail Converter Tool?

Open MBOX File in Gmail Directly: This tool has been designed with extraordinary features to solve the queries of users. It can easily import MBOX file to Gmail in bulk at once along with attachments.
Retain Folder Structure: It will keep folders and sub-folders structured at the time of performing the process so all MBOX files or folders can be imported to Gmail without changing the structure. Even, while uploading the files on the panel, there will not be any kind of change in the hierarchy of all files or folders.
Import MBOX Email Attachments to Gmail: This tool will maintain all attachments while transferring emails from the MBOX files to Gmail so that the user does not need to worry about their account data.
Multiple Language Support: The MBOX to Gmail Converter gives the facility to install this application in multiple languages to import MBOX file to Gmail without Thunderbird. After installation, English will be the default language to perform the conversion. However, you can change the language as per your preference.
Advanced Filter Option: One of the interesting features of this software is that it allows users to search for a particular MBOX email or file present in the software using different intents. The date range filter allows users to carry out emails of a particular date duration.

Similarly, the application can also be used to import MBOX file to the G Suite account also.

FAQs for Open MBOX Files in Gmail

Ques. Can I open an MBOX file directly in Gmail?
Ans: No, Gmail does not support opening large files directly. For this, you will need the automated solution that we mentioned in our Method 3.

Ques. What are the limitations of the manual approach?
Ans: Requires additional tools/steps, potential data loss/formatting issues and large files can take time.

Ques. Which method should I choose and which method do experts recommend?
Ans: You should select the method for you by considering file size, technical expertise, budget and desired features. As far as the experts are concerned about which method they recommend, their direct answer is that they recommend the automatic tool.

Ques. Will I lose data during the manual import?
Ans: While unlikely, a slight risk of data loss/formatting issues exists.

Conclusion

In this article, we have mentioned a proper and effective solution to import MBOX file to Gmail with or without Thunderbird. In this article, we have used 3 best methods to do this import process, out of which you can use any one method as per your need.

Well, one of the best professional tools developed by the RecoveryTools expert team is mentioned here. There are many other utilities available on the internet but we recommend that you stick with this tool and get the desired results. Furthermore, this device does not require any additional technical guidance to operate.