How to Export Data from Google Takeout to Thunderbird?
Introduction
Google Takeout – It is a convenient way to download and back up Gmail emails, including message content, email headers, and attachments. However, when you want to access your downloaded emails in Mozilla Thunderbird, you need to import the exported data into a compatible format and location. In this blog, we will explain how to export data from Google Takeout to Thunderbird using two methods: a manual method with the ImportExportTools NG add-on and a dedicated CubexSoft Google Takeout Converter.
Why Import Google Takeout Data into Thunderbird?
Offline access: Read previously downloaded emails without relying on Gmail’s web interface.
Email backup: Keep a local copy of important messages and attachments.
Better Email management: Organize imported messages into folders in Thunderbird.
Email migration: Make archived Gmail messages accessible in a desktop email client.
Method 1: Export Google Takeout Data using Google Takeout to Thunderbird Tool
Use a dedicated CubexSoft Google Takeout MBOX to Thunderbird Tool. The tool allows migrating multiple emails from Google Takeout to Thunderbird in a single round. The application is easy to use, and one can utilize it without any specialized skill. The app is compatible with Windows and Mac Operating Systems. And it also provides free demo option that enables to convert 25 Google Takeout emails to Thunderbird without any cost.
How to Export Data from Google Takeout to Thunderbird? – Follow Easy Working Steps
Step 1: Download and Install the Converter: Launch the application: Launch Google Takeout MBOX Converter.
Step2: Add the Google Takeout MBOX Files: Open the software, go with Add File option, then use Select Files and Select Folder option.
Step3: Preview the Email Data: The tool provides a preview feature, use it to inspect the loaded messages before proceeding.
Step4: Select Thunderbird as the Destination: From the available list of export options choose Thunderbird saving option and provide require credential.
Step5: Start the Conversion or Export: Click on the Convert button and start the conversion.
Method2: Export Google Takeout Data to Thunderbird Manually
Step 1: Export Gmail Data Using Google Takeout
- Open Google Takeout at https://takeout.google.com/.
- Sign in to the Google account containing the emails you want to export.
- Click Deselect all if you only want to export Gmail data.
- Select Mail from the available products.
- Configure the export options according to your requirements.
- Click Next step.
- Choose the delivery method, file type, and archive size.
- Click Create export and wait for Google to prepare your archive.
- Download the archive when Google notifies you that it is ready.
Step 2: Extract the Downloaded Archive
- Once the download is complete, locate the ZIP archive on your computer.
- Right-click the downloaded ZIP file.
- Select Extract All on Windows or use the appropriate archive utility on macOS or Linux.
- Open the extracted folders.
- Locate the MBOX files in Gmail export directory.
Important: Extract the archive before importing the files. Thunderbird cannot import an MBOX file directly from inside a ZIP archive using the usual add-on workflow.
Step 3: Install ImportExportTools NG in Thunderbird
Thunderbird supports importing messages through compatible tools. One commonly used option is the ImportExportTools NG add-on.
- Open Mozilla Thunderbird.
- Open the application menu and select Add-ons and Themes.
- Search for ImportExportTools NG.
- Install the add-on from the official Thunderbird Add-ons website.
- Follow the prompts to complete installation.
- You can find the add-on here:
- https://services.addons.thunderbird.net/en-US/thunderbird/addon/importexporttools-ng/
- Make sure you install a version compatible with your Thunderbird release.
Step 4: Create a Destination Folder
Before importing your messages, create a dedicated folder to keep the imported emails organized.
- Open Thunderbird.
- Locate Local Folders in the folder pane.
- Right-click Local Folders and choose the option to create a new folder.
- Give the folder a name, such as Google Takeout Emails.
- Confirm the folder creation.
Using Local Folders helps keep the imported archive separate from your regular email account.
Step 5: Import the Google Takeout Files into Thunderbird
After installing the add-on and preparing the destination folder, follow these steps:
- Right-click the destination folder or the appropriate Local Folders location.
- Select ImportExportTools NG from the context menu.
- Choose Import mbox file.
- Select the option to import one or more MBOX files.
- Browse to the extracted Google Takeout directory.
- Select the required MBOX file or files.
- Confirm the selection and wait for the import to finish.
If you have many large files, import them in smaller batches to make troubleshooting easier.
Step 6: Verify the Imported Emails
- Open several emails to confirm that their contents are readable.
- Check the sender, recipient, subject, and date fields.
- Open messages with attachments to verify that the attachments are accessible.
- Compare the imported folders and message counts with your original archive where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I import Google Takeout MBOX files directly into Thunderbird?
Answer: Yes. You can use a compatible MBOX import method, such as the ImportExportTools NG add-on, to import extracted MBOX files into Thunderbird’s Local Folders.
Q2. Will be able to convert multiple emails at once?
Answer: Yes, the suggested application allows converting multiple emails at once. And if you go with manual method then it will be quite difficult for the users to convert multiple emails at once.
Conclusion
Exporting data from Google Takeout to Thunderbird is a practical way to preserve Gmail messages and access them from a desktop email client. The manual method using ImportExportTools NG is a useful starting point for users who want a free approach and are comfortable following a few import steps. Dedicated Google Takeout to Thunderbird Converter offers a more guided workflow or additional features, including batch export, preview option, selective conversion etc. The software is accessible on both Windows and Mac Operating Systems. And it also provides free demo of feature that enables exporting 25 Google Takeout emails to Thunderbird free of cost.
