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How to Import & Export MBOX File Using ImportExportTools in Mozilla Thunderbird

  author
Published By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On February 20th, 2026
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

When you try to move your emails to Thunderbird only to find that there is no Import button is very frustrating. Thunderbird stores the data in MBOX files but it does not give you a direct way to import them to your inbox. When the only solution fails after a software update most users search for Thunderbird ImportExportTools not working.

It is not important for you to be a technical expert to get your messages back if you are trying to switch email applications or recover an old backup. Today we will solve this problem by looking at how to use the latest menus to import and export your mail safely. We will also see a professional tool in case your add-ons crash which ensures that you never lose an important conversation.

Table of Contents:

  1. Install ImportExportTools NG
  2. Import MBOX FilesĀ 
  3. Export MBOX Files
  4. If ImportExportTool Is Not Working
  5. Professional Tool Section
  6. FAQs
  7. Overview

Download ImportExportTools NG

To download this extension, follow the steps mentioned below to easily import or export your MBOX file.

  1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird & select Tools then click on Add-ons.

step to import mbox file

2. Open Add-ons & click See all.

click see all

3. Now type “ImportExportTools” on the search bar & select the extension.

type import export tools

4. Select the button “Add to Thunderbird”.

steps to import mbox files

5. Install the Add-on by clicking on Install Now.

steps to import mbox files

6. Now close Mozilla Thunderbird & reopen it. Click on Tools & you would be able to see the Add-on.

steps to import mbox files

How to import MBOX files to Mozilla Thunderbird?

Let us have a look at the detailed steps on how to import MBOX files into Mozilla Thunderbird.

  1. Go to Tools >> ImportExport Tools >> Import mbox files.

steps to import mbox files

2. A dialogue box appears “Files mbox import”, choose the option according to your priority & click OK.

steps to import mbox files

3. On browsing the file & after the completion of the import process, the file can be seen as shown.

steps to import mbox files

Note: If the user needs to access their data in Outlook which is a very common need these days, then they will have to import data of Thunderbird to Outlook.

Export MBOX Files from Mozilla Thunderbird

These are the detailed steps on how to export MBOX files from Mozilla Thunderbird to your desired location.

Step 1: Select the folder you want to export after that go to Tools >> ImportExport Tools >> Export folder.

go to tools

Step 2: The selected folder gets exported to the chosen destination.

select folder

What If ImportExportTool Does not Work

Mozilla Thunderbird email has received several updates in recent time. ImportExportTool does not work properly on many versions of Thunderbird and displays an error message during installation.

Also, this tool fails to import MBOX files properly. Thunderbird users often complain about unavailable attachment, missing embedded images in the MBOX data imported by this tool.

In order to avoid these inconvenient situations, one must try Thunderbird Import Wizard.

This standalone application is compatible with all MBOX files created by different email clients. So, this software can effortlessly import MBOX in Thunderbird.

Thunderbird Importer does not give rise to the issues users often face while using ImportExportTool. Users can also import multiple MBOX files into Mozilla Thunderbird in a single attempt using this program.

Thunderbird Import Wizard also offers the facility to migrate selective data from MBOX file based on date range.

Import MBOX into Thunderbird with Thunderbird Import Wizard

Using a dedicated MBOX importer is an effective way of the ImportExportTools NG add-on fails or there are many large mailboxes to move. This expert solution is built to put MBOX files directly into your Thunderbird folders without needing any extra add-ons.

This is a reliable way to avoid missing data or errors caused by add-on glitches for anyone managing important work emails or big archives. It can handle many files att once and make sure that your folders saty in the right order.

  1. Download and launch Thunderbird Importer Tool.

step 1 to import mbox file

2. Add MBOX file of any email application.

add mbox

3. Choose TB destination profile.

step 3 to import mbox file

4. Click on Import to import MBOX files data.

import mbox files

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can Thunderbird open MBOX files directly?

No you cannot open them directly not by using the ImportExport Tools or manual profile placement.

  1. Why is ImportExportTools not working?

It may not be compatible with your Thunderbird version or blocked by the security settings.

  1. Does Thunderbird export emails in PST format?

No Thnderbird exports email in MBOX format and if you want any other format then conversion is required.

  1. Can I import multiple MBOX files at once?

No you cannot import multiple files using the ImportExportTools.

Conclusion

As long as the ImportExportTools NG extension works with your version of Thunderbird you can move MBOX files in or out of the application. This add-on works well for small everyday tasks when added through the new menu but it can struggle with large files or update errors.

In such cases a professional MBOX tool is a safer and more reliable way to keep your data secure. Always make a backup of your Thunderbird profile before starting no matter which method you choose to ensure your emails stay safe if something goes wrong.