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How to Import MBOX Files into Outlook in Simple Steps

author Written By Rohit Singh
author Approved By Sonika Rawat
Updated on 23th Dec 2024
Reading Time 8 minutes

Summary

MBOX, a plain text mail message file accessible with different applications, cannot be directly opened with MS Outlook. However, this issue can easily be resolved by converting MBOX files into an Outlook data file-compatible format. So, to feasibly and securely import MBOX to Outlook, read here and find all the effective solutions. Furthermore, instantly import MBOX data with the Cigati MBOX Converter with ease.

What are the solutions for Importing MBOX files into Outlook ?

Many reasons encourage users to take the step and import their MBOX files into an Outlook account. Two major ways for this conversion include a manual method and a professional tool. However, the manual method is indirect and involves a lot of workarounds. Whereas, an expert tool is direct and involves minimum steps. Both methods are described in this section in complete detail. Go through them and find yourself the best solution.

How to Manually Import MBOX to Outlook .com?

There are two manual techniques to import MBOX files. Follow these methods with the steps given below.

Method 1: Through Thunderbird and Gmail

This method is further divided into three parts to make the understanding easy and quick.

Part 1: Import MBOX Files into Mozilla Thunderbird

  • Start the Mozilla Thunderbird and open the Add-ons and Themes tab.
  • Here, add the ImportExportTools NG to Thunderbird.
  • Once done, restart your application and right-click Local Folders.
  • Then, click ImportExportTools NG option. Additionally, tap Import mbox files.
  • Further, click Import individual mbox files and a dialog box appears.
  • Pick the MBOX files from the PC to import into Thunderbird. Hit Open.

Part 2: Sync Thunderbird with Gmail and Transfer MBOX

  • Now, Enable IMAP in your Gmail account and generate an App Password.
  • Later, in Thunderbird, open Account Settings and click Account Actions.
  • Afterward, press Add Mail Account and enter Gmail credentials to configure.
  • Once the accounts are synced, check Gmail in the left pane of Thunderbird.
  • Right-click Gmail and create a new folder under it. Give it a name and OK.
  • Finally, drag and drop the emails from Thunderbird inbox to the Gmail folder.
  • Or, press Ctrl+A to select all Thunderbird emails, right-click, and select Copy to.
  • Lastly, select the synced Gmail ID and the new folder created to transfer MBOX to Gmail.

Part 3: Import MBOX to Outlook

  • Foremost, sync the same Gmail account in MS Outlook as in Thunderbird.
  • Then, find the Gmail folder where your MBOX files are stored in left pane.
  • Select it to start downloading emails in the Outlook profile.

Method 2: Upload MBOX to Outlook by EML Conversion

  • Firstly, drag the MBOX emails from Thunderbird and drop them on the desktop to save them as EML files.
  • Or right-click the Local Folder, select Export Messages As, and choose EML format.
  • At last, drag & drop or copy-paste the EML files into Microsoft Outlook.

Are there any Drawbacks to Manual Methods?

Yes, despite the methods being free, they have various disadvantages as:

  • Requires the involvement of multiple applications for import.
  • Transferring multiple MBOX files with large attachments is risky.
  • Novice users need to have technical assistance for the process.
  • MBOX to EML files in Outlook are in attachment form and not as a message.

Therefore, to avoid these difficulties and securely import your MBOX files, opt for an expert tool.

Which Tool is Best to Directly Import MBOX to Outlook?

Cigati MBOX to PST Converter utility is the ultimate solution to transfer MBOX files into the MS Outlook application. The steps are as follows:

  • Launch the software and press Continue to select files.
  • Browse and choose MBOX files/folders to add for import. Click Next.
  • Preview all the folders from the tree format, select files to save, and tap Next.
  • Further, opt for PST from the list of options to open the MBOX file in Outlook.
  • Subsequently, check filters and click Path to Save to imply a location path.
  • At last, click Convert for the import to begin and complete.

Wasn’t this just a few easy-to-go steps?

Why Using an Automated Tool over the Free Manual Methods is Beneficial?

Reasons explaining why choosing a tool instead of manual solutions is useful are mentioned here:

  • Supports MBOX files from all email clients such as Thunderbird, Eudora, Apple Mail, etc.
  • Compatible with all Outlook and Windows to save the MBOX file at the desired location.
  • No file size limitations and various filter options for duplicates, attachments, data, and others.
  • Bulk import MBOX to Outlook into several formats as well as transfer to other clients at once without data loss.

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