How to Import Apple Mail to Thunderbird? Ultimate Guide

Summary: If you are here to know about the process of how one can import Apple mail into Thunderbird, then you have come to the correct webpage. To begin with, it will not be an easy task if you plan to change over completely from Apple Mail to Thunderbird. But, Thunderbird provides you high standard multi-platform compatibility and features for managing multiple accounts. So, in this blog we will show you simple manual steps to import Apple mail to Thunderbird effortlessly.

Want to do the opposite? Read this: Import Thunderbird to Apple Mail

Reasons to Migrate Apple Mail to Thunderbird

There are various aspects for which a user tends to import apple mail to Thunderbird application. So, let’s know them in below section:

• Firstly, Thunderbird works on different operating systems like macOS, Windows, and Linux, which makes it ideal for multi-platform users, unlike Apple Mail which is based on macOS-only.
• It also allows more customization and users can explore through themes and add-ons, which gives space to the users for their own email setup process.
• Besides, it incorporates add-ons which ultimately boost and improve the versatility of the users, hence making it more efficient than Apple Mail.
• Thunderbird is a completely open source and free program which provides a more enhanced version of the Apple mail solution without any charge.

How to Import Apple Mail to Thunderbird – Manual Methods

Here in this section we will provide you various options to export your apple emails to Thunderbird through manual as well as automated approach. You just have to follow the steps carefully in the upcoming section.

#1. Export Apple Mail to Thunderbird – Manually

Talking about Apple mail it stores data in MBOX format which eventually is compatible with Thunderbird application. So, follow these steps to transfer your emails in a correct manner.

Step 1. To start with, open Apple Mail, go to File > Export Mailbox option.

Step 2. Select the folders to export. Then, choose a location where you want to save your MBOX file.

Step 3. In Thunderbird, go to Tools > Add-ons and Themes. Next, search for the ImportExportTools NG option. Then, you need to install and restart your Thunderbird.

Step 4. After that, when it comes to import, go to Tools > ImportExportTools NG > Import MBOX file.

Step 5. choose Import directly one or more MBOX files, and select your exported MBOX files to complete the import process.

#2. Transfer Emails via IMAP Account

This is the method for the users who are not usually comfortable in following manually, then IMAP account can work as a mediator between them in order to import Apple mail to Thunderbird .

1. Firstly, sign in to a cloud-based IMAP email account (like Gmail or Outlook) in both Apple Mail and Thunderbird.
2. Then, you need to drag the emails or folders which you want to migrate into the IMAP account and wait for them to sync.
3. Next, open Thunderbird and add the same IMAP account, and the synced emails will appear on the screen.
4. Now, just drag those emails from the IMAP folders to your Thunderbird’s local folders if you want to save them locally.

#3. Using EML Files For Selective Import

As, this is the method which is particularly more effective if you want to export specific emails, not the entire folder.

• Firstly, go to the Apple Mail application. Then, select the emails which you want to transfer.
• Next, drag them to your desktop and save as .eml files extension.
• Now, open Thunderbird and create a new folder.
• Lastly, drag those .eml files which you have saved earlier into it to complete the import process.

Migrate Apple Emails Into Thunderbird – Easy Steps

Follow these simple steps from the tool to successfully import Apple mail to Thunderbird.

Step 1. Firstly, Download & Launch “SysTools Mac Thunderbird Import Wizard” Software in your system.

Step 2. Select “Import Mails” option and choose MBOX from the dropdown (since Apple Mail uses this format).

Step 3. Then, click on the “Add Files” button to import your MBOX file. Browse and select the file and click on the “Choose” button.

Step 4. After adding the file, you’ll see it listed on the left. You can also change the Report Path by clicking Change Button.

Step 5. Note: Use Remove to delete the files individually.
Remove All to clear all the selected Files.

Then, click “Next” to proceed.

Step 6. Here, you can Mark/unmark files for import as needed.

Select the Thunderbird identity from the dropdown list, and choose where to save the data (Local Folders or Configured Account).

Step 7. It also provides the system location Path.

Step 8. Select the Address Book and Calendar options if needed, and use the Date Filter to import specific data.

Step 9. There is also an option to select the Date Filter option to import data according to the data as per your choice.

Choose Maintain Folder Hierarchy to keep the folder structure intact.

Step 10. Click “Import” to start the process.

Once completed, a success message will appear. Click “OK“.

Step 11. View the import report with details like file path and number of mails imported.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you will understand how to Import Apple Mail to Thunderbird easily with these manual methods. We have explained each of them in a detailed manner. Then, you have also seen you can move your entire mailbox or select particular emails based on your requirements. These steps ensure a smooth transition to Thunderbird, which gives you the option to customize and use multi-platform features.