How to Open Google Takeout Files on Windows/Mac

  • Written By  

  • Published on July 1st, 2024

  • Updated on November 15, 2024

5/5 - (1 vote)

In various formats, Google Takeout lets you download your data, like emails and documents. This is useful for backups or switching to another service. However, emails come in a format (.mbox) that most computers can’t open directly. Many people seek an easy way to access their Takeout information, including attachments, on their computers. That’s why the Cigati MBOX Converter Tool is here that allows users to open Google Takeout files.

As we use more and more online tools, backing up our data (emails, documents, etc.) is becoming increasingly important. Google Takeout is a handy solution that lets us download and keep this information organized, making it a valuable tool for personal and business use.

3 Easy Ways to Open and Access Google Takeout Files

This article offers two ways to open your downloaded Gmail emails. There’s an online tool option, or you can try using Apple Mail if you have a Mac. We’ll give you step-by-step instructions for the manual method if that’s what you prefer.

#1. Manually Open Downloaded Google Takeout Files

Have you ever wanted to save a copy of all your Gmail emails? Here’s how to do it with Google Takeout:

  • First, log in to Gmail and go to https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout.
  • After that, you’ll see a list of Google services. Uncheck everything by clicking “deselect all.”
  • Then, scroll down and check the box for “Mail (Gmail).”
  • Next, choose how you desire your emails saved (MBOX or EML). Both work, pick whichever you prefer.
  • Subsequently, decide how to receive the download (email or cloud storage).
  • Click “Next step” and then “Create export” to archive.
  • Google will email you when your archive is ready. Follow the instructions to download it.

Now to view your downloaded emails:

  • Now, look for an email client to open MBOX files in Thunderbird.
  • Then, upload your downloaded Gmail archive using the tool’s instructions.
  • At last, browse your emails and attachments. You should be able to see everything you downloaded.

Here, we accomplished a manual method that helps users to open Google Takeout Files on Windows and Mac. Moreover, the other solution that will be discussed further can only be performed on Mac.

#2. View Google Takeout Files on Mac

If you have a Mac and your Gmail download is in MBOX format, you can use Apple Mail to open it. Follow the below steps to read your Google Takeout files.

  • First, open Apple Mail.
  • After that, click on “File” in the menu bar, then select “Import Mailboxes.”
  • Then, choose “Files in MBOX format” and click “Continue.”
  • Now, select the location where you saved your MBOX file and click “Choose.”
  • Next, Apple Mail will start importing your emails. Once done, click “Done.”
  • You’ll now find your Gmail emails in an”Import Folder” within Apple Mail.

We have gone through two manual approaches to open Google Takeout files. Moreover, you have to repeat the above steps if you want to view files in bulk. As a result, it consumes a lot of time while performing the steps. If you want to accomplish the procedure easily, follow the upcoming solution.

#3. Access Google Takeout Files in a Few Clicks – Pro Solution

The manual method for opening MBOX files can be tricky. That’s why many people recommend using the Cigati MBOX Converter Tool. These tools are easy to use and can open your Gmail Takeout emails in no time, saving you effort. They even work on all versions of Mac and can convert your MBOX files to other formats if needed. In addition, you don’t have to worry about losing your data. As a result, these viewers keep everything safe.

Steps to View Google Takeout Files

  • Download and run the Cigati MBOX Converter on your system.
  • Click Add Files or Add Folder and choose the MBOX files you want to open.
  • If you only want to view specific emails, tick the boxes next to them in the tree structure.
  • In the preview panel, you can see the emails with or without attachments.
  • After that, click Next to continue converting or migrating your emails.
  • Now, opt for the PDF files from the drop-down list and set the destination path to save the resultant files.
  • At last, click the Convert button.

Conclusion

There are two main ways to open Google Takeout Files. You can use an online tool specifically designed for MBOX or EML files, or you can try using Apple Mail if you have a Mac (for MBOX files only). If you prefer a manual method and have a Mac, Apple Mail can do the job, but it involves a few more steps. For a simpler option, especially if you’re not on a Mac, an MBOX converter is a great choice – they’re easy to use and keep your data safe.

You May Also Read: Convert Google Takeout to PDF

About The Author:

Rohit Singh is an Email Backup, Recovery & Migration Consultant and is associated with Software Company from the last 3 years. He writes technical updates and their features related to MS Outlook, Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.

Related Post

100% safe and secure100% Safe & SECURE
SupportLifetime Support (24X7)
Money BackMoney Back Policy
Trusted by CustomersTrusted by 10000+ Customers