Import MBOX Files into IMAP Server - Get Simplified Solution

Summary: Wondering how to import MBOX files into Gmail, Hotmail, AOL, Office 365, or any IMAP-supporting email clients? You have solutions available through third-party tools and manual conversion approaches. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages. We will discuss all of them to help you choose a reliable option.

MBOX File Extension

MBOX is the file format of a range of desktop-based email clients, such as Thunderbird, Entourage, Eudora, Apple Mail, and WLM. However, the file extension doesn’t support an IMAP-based email tool. Therefore, converting MBOX to IMAP is essential when viewing IMAP file data in an IMAP account.

MBOX file extension can accommodate more than one email client with attachments. Thunderbird users use this file extension over EML (keep a single email) to avoid data clutter.

IMAP- Internet Message Access Protocol

As the name suggests, IMAP supports server-based email clients like Yahoo, Gmail, and Office 365. IMAP stores your emails in the cloud rather than on a computer or phone.

Table of Contents

Why Export MBOX into IMAP?

There could be various reasons why users want to access MBOX data in an IMAP tool.
IMAP offers seamless data access. MBOX files cannot be opened without installing a supporting email client, but data stored in an IMAP account can be accessible without installing an IMAP tool.
The MBOX file format usually supports desktop-based email clients. IMAP tools support multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and computers.
Orphaned MBOX files are inaccessible. Converting MBOX to IMAP will allow you to open data without restriction.
Cloud data storage offers a high level of data security. Even if the system is not working, your data is safe and accessible. MBOX files are stored in your local folder. System corruption makes these files inaccessible.

Ways to Import MBOX files into IMAP

Here, we provide two different solutions – one manual and the other automated. After analyzing the steps, downsides, and advantages, you can decide which option is suitable for you.

Also read: Import MBOX Emails to Zoho Mail

Manual Method to Import or Extract MBOX into Gmail

It has two steps to consider.

Step 1: Configure Gmail in Thunderbird

Access Mozilla Thunderbird on your system.
In the Account setup wizard, configure your Gmail account.
Provide your credentials- username and password.
Press the “Continue” tab.
After that, click the IMAP option and then the Done button.
Now, you will be redirected to a Gmail login page.
Verify your account and press the “Next” tab.
Enter your password and hit “Next” for further steps.
Wait for a few minutes until Thunderbird fetches the data of your Gmail account.
Now, click the “Finish” tab to complete the process.

Step 2: Import MBOX into Gmail

Open the Thunderbird tool.
Navigate to the Menu tab and press the Add-ons.
In the Add-ons wizard, select the ImportExportTools NG.
Click the “Add” button.
Once the installation is finished, you will see the popup message of installation.
Press “Add” one more time.
Access the Thunderbird application and right-click on the folder that you want to export.
From the dropdown, select the ImportExportTools NG tool and then press the Import MBOX file.
Now, enable the import directly to one or more MBOX files option and press “OK”.
Browse the targe MBOX file by pressing “Open”
The process will transfer MBOX to Gmail.

Downsides of the Manual Method

The manual method is useful for tech users.
It is a tiring process because it involves various steps.
This method is very time-consuming.
It doesn’t work for large-sized files or folders.
Data loss can be possible.

Advantages of the Manual Method

The manual method will save money because it is a free method.
It is useful for small-size MBOX files.

Automated Solutions to Move MBOX into IMAP

Fortunately, you have various options when it comes to exporting MBOX into IMAP automatically. Among all third-party tools, one of the advanced and top-rated applications is the Softaken Mail Exporter. It is an all-in-one application for exporting data because it offers several advantages.

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Advantages of the Softaken MBOX to IMAP Converter

It is a highly interactive application that exports MBOX into IMAP with a few clicks.
The tool is user-friendly and needs no in-depth technical skills to operate.
Users can export MBOX files of any size.
The tool supports batch conversion, where users can move multiple MBOX files to IMAP in one go.
The data quality remains intact. There has been no change in the data structure or content quality. It exports emails with attachments.
The licensed version of this app is valid for an indefinite duration to provide uninterrupted conversion of countless files.
It supports conversion of various other file extensions to IMAP including MBOX, PST, EML, MSG, NSF, etc.

Steps to Run this Application to Import MBOX to IMAP

Launch the app on your Windows system
Choose “Select MBOX/MBX File Format” and then Next
Upload the desired MBOX files
Enter the credentials of your IMAP account and click the “Authenticate User” button.
Select an existing folder of your IMAP account or create instantly a new folder within the account by checking the “Create New Folder” and entering a unique name.
Select the date range for custom results.
Click the “Start Uploading” button to initiate the process.

Final Words

Ideally, you have two different ways to access MBOX data in IMAP. You can use either one. However, companies where bulk data conversion is often required can consider a third-party solution to save time and effort. In addition, those who are careful about data quality can also consider a third-party tool to be the best alternative.