Import .MBOX Files using Mozilla Thunderbird

This document is to show the proper steps to accessing and importing a .MBOX file that is found within an exported Google Workspace file. Included in this document are steps to access the contents of the zipped Google Workspace file, and how to import and access .MBOX files to search through an exported mailbox.

Note: This article is to be used in conjunction with this article. Accessing .MBOX files requires Mozilla Thunderbird, a third-party, cross platform email client created by the Mozilla Corporation.

 Accessing the Archive File

After exporting and downloading the .zip archive file from Google Takeout, you will need to extract the contents of the file¹ in order to access its contents. To extract the file, follow the following steps:

.ZIP File

1. Locate the .zip archive file. (Unless moved, the file will typically be found in your Downloads file.)
2. Right click the zipped file and select Extract All... (Icon with a folder and a right arrow)
3. A new window will open where you can select the destination of the extracted files. By default, it will be extracted to a new folder in Downloads.
4. Keep the Show extracted files when complete box checked.
5. Select Extract

.TGZ File

Note: To extract a TGZ file, you will need an additional software such as 7-Zip or WinRAR.

1. Locate the .tgz archive file. (Unless moved, the file will typically be found in your Downloads file.)
2. Right click the TGZ file, hover over Extract With (Icon with a list and a diagonal arrow.), and select the appropriate application.
3. The software will open with the file's content. Locate and select Extract To.
4. A new window will open where you can select the destination of the extracted files. By default, it will be extracted to a new folder in Downloads.

There will be a new "takeout-" folder with another folder named "Takeout" inside. Inside that "Takeout" folder will be folders containing the data of the services you previously selected. Mail data is saved in a .MBOX file that needs additional software to access.

1. Depending on the size of the export/Takeout, you may have multiple zip files. Repeat the above steps for each zip file. If extracted to the same location, then you will have a single folder with a complete extract. Under the /mail subfolder, you will likely have multiple .mbox files. Repeat the import steps below for each mbox file.

Installing and Setting Up Mozilla Thunderbird

Install Mozilla Thunderbird

In order to import and access the contents of the .MBOX, Mozilla Thunderbird is required. To install Mozilla Thunderbird, follow the following steps:

1. Click the applicable direct download link for Mozilla Thunderbird based on your operating system (the file should be automatically downloaded when you click the link):
   • Windows (64-bit) - https://archive.mozilla.org/pub/thunderbird/releases/102.9.1/win64/en-US/Thunderbird%20Setup%20102.9.1.exe
   • Mac - https://archive.mozilla.org/pub/thunderbird/releases/102.9.1/mac/en-US/Thunderbird%20102.9.1.dmg
2. Open the downloaded file, Thunderbird Setup 102.9.1.exe (Windows) or Thunderbird 102.9.1.dmg (Mac).

For Windows Users:

1. Select Run and then Yes in the pop-ups that appear to allow the program to begin the installation.
2. Proceed with the following steps in the Mozilla Thunderbird Setup Wizard (default settings should work fine).

Note: If you do not wish for Mozilla Thunderbird to be your default mail application, uncheck the "Use Thunderbird as my default mail application" box in the Summary section.

For Mac Users:

1. Drag the Thunderbird icon into the Applications folder.
2. Open the Applications folder, double-click the Thunderbird icon, and select Open.

 

Account Setup

If you are using Mozilla Thunderbird for the first time, you will be taken to the Account Setup tab.

1. Enter your name, email address, and email password in their respective fields and select Continue.
2. Thunderbird will attempt to automatically configure the account based on the email that you provide. If successful, you will see a green banner. Select Done.
   • Note: If the green banner does not appear, select Configure manually, and enter the email account settings that are provided by your email provider.
3. Select Confirm Security Exception (if applicable), select Finish, and select Skip Integration.

Installing Mozilla Thunderbird Import Tool

In order to import the .MBOX file, you will need to install the Mozilla Thunderbird add-on "ImportExportTool NG". To install it, follow the following steps:

1. Select the hamburger/grid icon in the top right corner and select Account Settings from the drop-down menu.
2. Select Add-ons and Themes from the bottom of the left sidebar.
3. Enter Import in the search field at the top and press ENTER.
4. Select the green Add to Thunderbird button next to "ImportExportTools NG."
5. Select Add and OK! in the dialog boxes that appear.
6. Navigate back to the main Email tab (tab with your email address at the top).
7. Right-click Local Folders in the left sidebar and select New Folder.
8. Enter a name for the folder in the Name field and select Create Folder.

Import Your .MBOX File(s)

You will now import your Gmail emails into a local Thunderbird folder.

1. Right-click the newly create folder under the Local Folders section, hover over "ImportExportTools NG" in the drop-down menu, and select Import mbox file.
2. Select Import directly one or more mbox files from the dialog box that appears and select "OK".
3. Navigate to the folder where you .mbox file(s) is stored, select one or more of the files, and select Open. The content of your .MBOX file(s) will be imported into Thunderbird.

Note: It may take several minutes to import your .MBOX file(s). Import times depend on how much hard drive space your computer has, how large the file is, and how many files you’re importing at once. If you have more than one large .MBOX file to import, we recommend importing them one at a time. (Note: Following these steps will only import the .mbox file(s) to Thunderbird and will not show up in your Gmail account. To have the mail show up in your Gmail account, follow the steps below.)

1. Right-click your account name in the left sidebar and select New Folder.
2. Enter a name for the folder in the Name field and select Create Folder.
   • This will create a new label in your Gmail account titled the same as the folder you just created.
3. Click and drag the files from the local folder you originally created to the folder you just created.
   • Now all your imported emails should be available on your Gmail account. (Be sure to check your Gmail account to ensure that the imported .MBOX file(s) are accessible.)