How to Import Google Takeout Data to Thunderbird? Updated

Google Takeout is a reliable service for downloading data from Google services such as email, Google Photos, Contacts, Drive, and more. It allows users to export data as ZIP or TGZ files. After extracting these files, you will get an MBOX file containing your emails. Users often look for a way to import this Google Takeout data into Thunderbird because the process can be tricky.

Thunderbird is an open-source desktop email client that allows you to configure email accounts using POP and IMAP servers, alongside offering an address book, calendars, and tasks. But why do users want to import Google Takeout data into Thunderbird in the first place?

Reasons to Import Google Takeout to Thunderbird

• Thunderbird allows users to access their emails without internet connection making it convenient for offline usage.
• Importing Google Takeout data to Thunderbird helps in organizing and managing mailboxes efficiently.
• Users who want to import Gmail to Thunderbird or another email client find it crucial to import Google Takeout data.
• Importing Google Takeout data into Thunderbird also offers an additional layer of protection by keeping a local backup file for future use.

How to Download Your Data Using Google Takeout?

1. First, open your preferred web browser and open “Google Takeout”.
2. Enter “Google email address” and password to Sign in.
3. Check on deselect all and select “Data” to include.
4. Press on Next Step and choose a destination such as “Send download link via email”.
5. Select “Frequency” Export Once or Export every 2 months for 1 year.
6. Choose file type such as “ZIP or TGZ file” as required.
7. Set “File Size” such as 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 10 GB and 50 GB as needed.
8. Press on “Create Export” and it will send mail when the download link is ready.

Steps to Import Google Takeout to Thunderbird

1. First, Install and run “Suggested Software” on your machine.
2. Click on “Select file or folder” to browse MBOX file.
3. Browse “Google labels” as you wish to transfer.
4. Choose “Thunderbird” in the list of saving options.
5. Select “Advanced filters” to choose specific data.
6. Press Next to start “importing Google Takeout data to Thunderbird”.

Useful Features of Recommended Software

• It allows you to restore Google Takeout data without facing any data leakage.
• This software also offers a simple intuitive interface, making it easy to use for both professional and beginner users.
• You can also upload Google Takeout to new account while maintaining attributes.
• With this wizard, you can use filter options such as client submit time, root folder, exclude folder, subject, to, from, date range, and more.
• This software can convert MBOX files exported from any MBOX-supported platform, such as Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Spicebird, Entourage, Google Takeout, Opera Mail, and others.
• This software can also import Google Takeout to Outlook.

How to Import Google Takeout to Thunderbird Manually?

If you want to transfer Google Takeout files into Thunderbird manually then user must be friendly with the Thunderbird application and required Import/Export NG Tool Add-ons and follow the process as we have shared below:

1. First, open “Thunderbird” and navigate to “Menu”.
2. Now, Click on “Add-ons and Themes” and Find “ImportExportTools NG”.
3. Click on “Add to Thunderbird” and press on Add on popup.
4. Now, Right-click on the Local folder and choose “New Folder”.
5. Enter Folder name and press on “Create folder”.
6. Now Right-click on the newly created folder and choose “ImportExportTools NG”.
7. Browse “Import MBOX Files” and select Individual MBOX files or any other as needed.
8. Select “MBOX file to Import” and press on Open option.

Drawbacks of the Manual Method

• Users must be familiar with Thunderbird and its add-ons to complete this process correctly.
• Manually importing multiple MBOX can be tedious or time taking process.
• Improper file selection or interruption during import can lead to data loss or file corruption.
• Manually imported emails won’t sync with the original Google account, requiring repeated manual imports for updates.
• Some email attachments, metadata or folder structure may not be preserved correctly.
• If errors occur during import, troubleshooting can be complex and require additional technical steps.

Relevant Questions

What happens to Junk mail in Thunderbird?

Thunderbird automatically detects and filters Junk Mail using its built-in Junk Mail controls. Marked Junk emails are moved to the Junk folder, where they remain until deleted. Users can manage Thunderbird filters by marking emails as Junk or not Junk for better accuracy.

Can Thunderbird read MBOX Files?

Yes, Thunderbird supports MBOX files. Users can import MBOX to Thunderbird using ImportExportTools NG. This allows it to store emails in MBOX format from other email clients, including Google Takeout, Apple Mail and others while maintaining email structure and metadata.

How do I Add Google Cal to Thunderbird?

To add Google Calendar to Thunderbird: install the Lightning add-on, go to File, click on New, choose Calendar, select ‘On the Network’, choose Google Calendar, and log in with your Google account. This syncs your Google calendar with Thunderbird allows you to view and manage events directly.

Final Verdict

As user requirements change with time, users look to change their platform. Nowadays, most users want to know the process to import Google Takeout data to Thunderbird due to its rich features and amazing functionality. We have shared both a tried-and-tested manual and automated approach to easily address this query with a solution and offer simple steps that can be easily performed by any professional or individual user.