How to Import MBOX to IMAP Server? Best Methods

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On May 29th, 2025

Reading Time 6 Min Read

Overview: This article gives you a detailed process on how to import MBOX to IMAP Server. Here you will get proper information, like manual methods and a professional tool to accomplish this process. After reading this article, you will learn to upload MBOX to IMAP server account by providing credentials.

In day-to-day technology life, lots of users use different email client applications. Most of these email clients support the MBOX format for storing their mailbox data locally, such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, Eudora, etc.

Due to the obvious reason, there are plenty of users who have plans to import MBOX to IMAP server accounts. But uploading data is not an easy task for anyone non-tech-savvy, because it carries a high risk of losing or missing data. So, here we will mention every single step for better understanding.

Most of the users faced problems while trying to export Mailbox file emails to an IMAP account. They asked about the solution to their problems on various forums & platforms.

How to Import MBOX to IMAP Server?

Users can upload MBOX files to IMAP server accounts using the Thunderbird email client as a third-party application because it supports MBOX files and allows configuring IMAP-based email clients and services. And also, we will use a professional solution to import MBOX to IMAP server directly without losing any information and details.

#1: Manual Method

Important Note: Download Thunderbird on your system and configure it with a proper account. After that, install the ImportExportTools add-ons on your TB.

Open your Thunderbird account.
Choose the “ALT” key and “Tools”
Select the installed “ImportExportTools” add-on.
After that, choose the “Import MBOX Files” option.
Locate the path of your MBOX file and choose the “Open” icon.
Finally, you will get your file here to import MBOX to IMAP Server.

Step 2: Configure Account in Thunderbird

Important Note: Create a new folder on your IMAP account before starting the process to upload MBOX to IMAP server.

Restart your Thunderbird.
Choose “Account Settings” from the “Tools” option.
After that, select the “Account Actions” button.
And choose “Add Mail Account” from the drop-down.
A screen will appear to provide asking for details like email address, full name, and password, and choose the “Continue”.
Select the “IMAP” and hit the “Done”.
After all the information, click on the “Finish” icon.

Step 3: Steps to Import MBOX to IMAP Server

Locate the uploaded MBOX file.
Right click on it >> choose “Move To”
Choose the connected IMAP account.
And then, a previously created folder in the IMAP account.
Log in to your IMAP account and verify your MBOX files.

And your process has been done, but reading all the drawbacks is necessary for all.

What are the Major Setbacks of Manual Methods?

Following multiple steps takes a long time and requires power to import MBOX to IMAP server.
Also, multiple working steps increase the risk of losing or missing emails and other data.
Configuring an account is not an easy task; you will face lots of errors.
This method doesn’t support importing multiple MBOX files in bulk at once.

Which Method is Reliable to Import MBOX to IMAP Server?

The RecoveryTools MBOX File Conversion Software is the right and reliable method to upload multiple MBOX files to IMAP server account. This software can safely and easily import all variations of MBOX files exported and downloaded from any email client or application.

With this software, there is no need to follow multiple steps or processes because it can directly import data without losing any information. It is the first preference of all experts and users to convert or import MBOX files into 30+ standard formats and email services.

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How to Import MBOX Files to IMAP? All Steps

Download and start the given solution on your system.
Select the files and folders that you want to import and choose the “Next” icon.
Select any folder with subfolders that contains your emails, and again choose the “Next”.
Select the “IMAP” option from the “Select Saving Option”.
After that, enter the credentials of your IMAP account.
Head to the “Filter Options” tab and enable filters and settings to import MBOX to IMAP Server selectively.
After all settings, click on the “Convert” button to import MBOX to IMAP server account.

Why Should Users Go for Professional Tools Over Manual Methods?

We have already shared the drawbacks of manual methods. Now let’s come to the point because we should choose a paid tool over any method.

Multiple Settings: This software gives you multiple different settings to upload MBOX to IMAP server selectively by applying filters.
Different Languages: This tool gives you a Change Language option, which allows you to map your folders into Spanish, French, Dutch, German, English (Default), Finnish, etc.
Copy to Default Folders: If a user wants to import data directly into default folders, it means the same source folders. If you have not checked this option, your emails will be moved into newly created subfolders.
Compatible with All MBOX Files: Our solution is capable of converting or importing all types of MBOX files exported from Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Google Takeout, Entourage, etc.
Retains Original Elements and Hierarchy: The software maintains the original email components and folder structure during the process, including the email header, body, and attachments.

Conclusion

This blog has explained the possible methods to import MBOX to IMAP Server account with all details. Here we have used Thunderbird for a manual method with some setbacks, and a professional solution for experts with amazing features. If you have a large MBOX file of data that contains crucial information and don’t want to lose any data, then you should go for the paid tool to upload MBOX to IMAP server. If you have any queries related to this topic, then contact us through chat support.