How to Import Gmail to Thunderbird- Verified Solution

Summary: There are a lot of organizations that still prefer Mozilla Thunderbird as the safest form of email platform. They use Thunderbird for email communication and other day-to-day tasks. But Gmail is also an old email client, due to which many employees use it within the organization. So, in order to bring all the email accounts to the same page, people look for a solution to import Gmail to Thunderbird. Therefore, in this blog, you can explore 3 verified solutions. Either you can try two manual approaches or straightaway use the MacSonik Gmail Backup Tool to complete the migration.

Reasons to Import Gmail Emails to Thunderbird

Before we jump directly to the solution, you can explore some of the known reasons for the Gmail to Thunderbird migration. 

• Thunderbird works even if you don’t have a proper internet connection.
• Many organizations are comfortable with a desktop-based email application.
• Thunderbird usually stores all the emails on the computer.
• You can manage multiple email accounts in Thunderbird, including Gmail.
• There are many add-ons in the Thunderbird Application.
• Multiple features are not available on Gmail that are easily available on Thunderbird.
• Many organizations don’t want to store emails in the cloud.
• Thunderbird even stores the emails locally in an MBOX file.

There are many possible reasons why switching from Gmail to Thunderbird is a better choice, depending on various features. Now, let’s explore some of the manual approaches to get this task done.

3 Proven Methods to Import Gmail to Thunderbird on Mac

We will be discussing two methods that will be performed manually without using any third-party software. But if you feel that these methods are complex, then you can directly move to the professional method, in which we have used a third-party software.

Method 1- Use Google Takeout to Migrate Gmail to Thunderbird

You can follow this method to migrate Gmail to Thunderbird, and as it involves lengthy steps so we have split this into two phases. In Phase 1, we will export the Gmail emails by using the Google Takeout Service, and then in Phase 2, we will import the extracted data to Thunderbird by using the ImportExportTool NG addon.

Phase 1- Extract Gmail Emails through Takeout

1. Open Gmail on the browser and click on your Profile icon.
2. Then click on the Manage your Google Account option.
3. Now, click on the Data and Privacy option present on the left side and scroll down to hit the Download your Data option.
4. You will see the Google Takeout Service page. 
5. Now deselect all the checkboxes, and only select the Mail checkbox. Click on Next.
6. Then choose the Destination where the exported file will be saved. 
7. Choose the Frequency of Gmail data and the File Type of the exported file. 
8. Then, define the file size and click on the Create Export option.
9. This will download your Gmail emails.

Here, Phase 1 of this method is completed, and now you will have to go to Phase 2. Before moving to Phase 2, install and add Thunderbird addon, ImportExportTools NG, to your application. After adding this addon, follow the Phase 2 steps.

Phase 2- Import Extracted Emails to Thunderbird

1. Launch the Mozilla Thunderbird Application on your system.
2. In your Thunderbird mailbox, create a new folder.
3. Right-click on the New Folder and click on the ImportExportTool NG option.
4. Click on Import MBOX file, and from the Directory option, click on All MBOX files.
5. Then browse the file you exported in Phase 1 and click on the Select Folder option.
6. Once the process is completed, you can see all the Gmail emails in your Thunderbird account.

The above method is quite lengthy, but it is free of cost. There is another free method to import Gmail to Thunderbird that you can explore below.

Method 2- Gmail to Thunderbird Migration via IMAP Configuration

The configuration of your Gmail account to Thunderbird will be done by IMAP. So, you can follow the steps given below:-

1. Launch the Thunderbird Application on your Computer.
2. Then click on the Tool tab and click on the Account Settings option.
3. Now, hit the Add Mail Account option available in the Account Actions option.
4. Then, Provide your Gmail Credentials, like your Email Address and App Password.
5. Finally, provide the IMAP details and click on the Finish Button.

Your Gmail account will be configured with your Thunderbird Account. This is how you can migrate Gmail emails to your Thunderbird Account.

Method 3- Import Gmail to Thunderbird Via Professional Software

If you want to avoid the lengthy and complex manual methods, then you can take a shortcut. Use the MacSonik Gmail Backup Tool that directly exports Gmail emails to Thunderbird. It has a very simple user interface that can enable any novice or non-technical user to perform migration with ease. This software is compatible with all versions of Mac and is available for Windows. Th only need is to download the respective version.

Easy Steps to Export Gmail to Thunderbird

1. Download and Launch the MacSonik Gmail Backup Tool.
2. Click on the Gmail (Backup Mails Only) option.
3. Use your Gmail ID and Third Party App Password to Login.
4. You will see the list of Gmail Mailboxes. Mark the folders to import.
5. Now, in the Migrate in Email Client option, choose the Thunderbird option.
6. Finally, select the Thunderbird profile and click on the Convert button.

Note: Apply built-in filters to migrate data precisely. 

All your Gmail emails will be imported to your Thunderbird account. The above steps will be applicable only if your Thunderbird Application is configured on your system. Otherwise, you can first save all the Gmail emails to an MBOX file and then import that MBOX file to your Thunderbird account. 

Why Should I Go for Professional Method?

There are many reasons why you should try the professional method, that is:-

• This method is quick and accurate.
• No data will be lost during the import process.
• Non-technical users can easily follow all the steps.
• The steps are short and convenient to perfom.
• There are fewer chances of making any errors.

Also Read – Migrate Gmail to Office 365

Conclusion

So, you have multiple methods to import Gmail to Thunderbird, and the final choice will be yours. If you think you have good technical expertise, then we must advise you to follow the manual method. It will save some extra bucks for you. But in case you lack technical knowledge, then you must directly use the professional softwate. It will do the direct Gmail to Thunderbird migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I import Gmail into Thunderbird?

A1. The steps to export Gmail emails to Thunderbird are very simple. Simply, launch the MacSonik Gmail Backup Tool and log in using Gmail credentials. Then mark all the emails you wish to import to Thunderbird. Finally, choose Thunderbird as the destination and import all your Gmail emails. Make sure your Thunderbird account is configured on your system.

Q2. Is it safe to apply the manual method for Gmail to Thunderbird Migration?

A2. Yes, it is safe to apply the manual method to migrate Gmail emails to Thunderbird. But make sure you have a good technical understanding because the steps are lengthy and quite complex.

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