How to Open an MBOX File? – A Complete Guide!

To open an MBOX file, Import it into a capable email client like Mozilla Thunderbird or Apple Mail, or use a dedicated MBOX viewer software for direct viewing.

How to Open an MBOX File in Gmail?

To open an MBOX file in Gmail, use a email client like thunderbird to import the MBOX file, then drag the imported emails into your Gmail account’s folder within the email client, which uploads them to Gmail. Alternatively, you can use a third party MBOX to Gmail converter tool to directly import the file into your Gmail account.

Read also; How to Open MBOX File with Outlook

Steps on How to Open an MBOX File Using a Free Email Client:

1. Install and Configure Thunderbird: Download and install the free open source email client Mozilla Thunderbird from its official website.
2. Set up your Gmail Account : Configure your Gmail Account within Thunderbird using IMAP settings.
3. Install the ImportExportTools NG Add-on : In Thunderbird go to add-ons and themes , search for “ImportExportTools NG”, and install the add-on.
4. Import the MBOX File : Right click on your Gmail Account or a local folder, select “ImportExportTools NG” and choose “Import MBOX File”.
5. Select & Import : Choose “Import direct one or more MBOX files”, locate your MBOX File & Import it.
6. Transfer to Gmail : In Thunderbird’s folder structure, Drag the folder containing your newly imported emails into the desired email folders or to your Gmail inbox. This process will upload the emails to your Gmail account.

How to Open an MBOX File in Windows?

To Open an MBOX File in windows the easiest way are to use a free or paid MBOX  viewer tool to view emails or to import the file into a compatible email client like Mozilla Thunderbird. If you need to open MBOX content in Outlook, You must first convert the MBOX file to a PST (Outlook data file) format  using a dedicated converter tool, and then import the PST file into outlook

Using  an MBOX viewer (Recommended for viewing only) This is the simplest way to view the contents without needing an email client

1. Download and install: a free MBOX viewer such as SysTools  MBOX viewer.
2. Launch: The software & select the option to “Add file/folder”& then;
3. Import: your MBOX file by selecting it from your computer.
4. Preview: the emails within the software to see their contents.

How to Open an MBOX File Without an Email Client

Since this online file viewer does not require installation of any email client, you can view your emails in MBOX file format on your android or apple mobiles, besides android tablets and ipads.

Steps on how to Open an MBOX File:

1. Either Drag & Drop MBOX File into  above box or click to select MBOX file\
2. Wait till the MBOX file loading & the reading process is complete.
3. Finally, view all email messages on the same page by scrolling down.

USING An AUTOMATED TOOL CONVERTER TO OPEN AN MBOX FILE

• Choose a tool, Select an MBOX File Converter software from a reputable software developer, like “SysTools Software Pvt. Ltd.
• Upload the MBOX File, Use the software to select and upload your MBOX File or a folder that contains MBOX Files.
• Select Gmail as the Output, Choose Gmail as your desired output or saving type for the conversion process.
• Enter your Login Details, Provide your Gmail Account Login ID & Password to allow the software to transfer the emails.
• Start the Import, initiate the conversion & import process, and the tool will migrate your MBOX emails to your Gmail account.

How to Open an MBOX File from Google Takeouts?

To open a Google Takeout MBOX file, Download and install Mozilla Thunderbird, then install the ImportExportTools NG add-on within Thunderbird. After installing the add-on create a new local folder, then right click the folder and select “ImportExportTools NG > Import MBOX file and open its contents.

Steps to Open MBOX File from Google Takeout

• Go to the official website of Thunderbird i.e. thunderbird.net.
• Download and Install the free email client on your computer.
• Launch the Thunderbird after installation.
• Click the menu (three horizontal lines) in the  top-right corner.
• Select “Add-on and Themes” from the menu.
• Search for “ImportExportTools NG” in the search bar then click add to thunderbird.
• If prompted, click “Add” to confirm the installation.
• In Thunderbird find “Local Folders” option in the left-hand pane.
• Right click on Local Folders and select create a new empty folder.
• Then highlight the new created folder.
•  Right click on the  folder again & select “ImportExportTools NG > Import MBOX files.
•  Navigate to Google Takeout folder where you saved your MBOX file, & click open it.
•  The MBOX file’s content will be imported into that folder, allowing you to browse and read your emails.
  

Conclusion 

 In this article, I have explained that, “How to open an MBOX File”. Opening an MBOX file may seem difficult but with the right tool and basic understanding of the format it becomes a easy process. You can use dedicated free email client like  Mozilla Thunderbird to convert your file in different format or you can also do this by third-party viewers, there are multiple options available. By following the methods explained above you can easily access the contents of an MBOX File and manage your data efficiently.