How to Migrate Mozilla Thunderbird to Gmail? – Simple Solution
Let us tell you that migrating Thunderbird to a Gmail account is a very easy process. Many users have been searching for ways to migrate Mozilla Thunderbird to Gmail and didn’t find any. So, here is the process you can rely on. This blog discusses why users switch from Thunderbird and the correct procedure to do so. Stay tuned to the end to learn about an effective solution, Thunderbird Backup Tool.
Mozilla Thunderbird is a desktop-based email client that can be easily installed on your system. The email client allows you to configure multiple email accounts in Thunderbird. Once you add an email account to Thunderbird, it will create a dedicated mailbox for that particular email account. Additionally, Thunderbird is a free email client like Gmail.
On the other hand, Gmail is a cloud-based email client provided by Google. It offers many features like good storage, universal access, and a familiar interface. Therefore, many Thunderbird users are looking for ways to export Thunderbird data into Gmail.
Why Do Users Migrate Thunderbird Emails to Gmail?
Here are the benefits of Gmail, that compel users to migrate from Thunderbird to Gmail:
- Gmail provides ample storage space, so you can store large amounts of data.
- All your data is stored securely on Google servers, ensuring instant access from anywhere.
- As a web-based email client, Gmail has zero maintenance costs.
- Gmail is versatile across all platforms and can be easily configured on Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, and MS Outlook.
- Additionally, you can seamlessly link Hotmail and Yahoo accounts to your Gmail, and streamline email management into one account.
- Google prioritizes complete security of your data, so Gmail is more secure.
Moving forward to know the procedure to transfer Thunderbird emails to Gmail.
Best Ways to Transfer Thunderbird Emails to Gmail Account
There are two prominent ways to export Thunderbird emails to a Gmail account:
- Configuring Gmail to Thunderbird (Manual Approach)
- Thunderbird Backup Tool (Professional tool)
Here, we will discuss both methods separately. However, you should be aware that the manual approach can be risky, time-consuming, and fraught with technical complexities.
Manual Method to Export Thunderbird Emails to Gmail
The manual approach can be sub-divided into three major steps further:
- Enable IMAP in Gmail,
- Configure Gmail to Thunderbird,
- Copy/Move emails to Gmail ID.
Step 1: Enable IMAP in Gmail
Follow the steps as directed below:
- Open Gmail.
- Go to Settings and click on See All Settings.
- Go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
- Scroll down to the IMAP Access, and select the Enable IMAP option.

Step 2: Configure Gmail into Thunderbird
Firstly, open the Thunderbird application on your system and follow the steps mentioned below:
- Expand the Thunderbird menu.
- Click on the Account Settings option.
- On the left panel, tap on Account Actions and tap on Add Mail Account.

- Enter your Gmail credentials (Name, Gmail ID, and password), and click on Continue.

- Next, click on Done.
Note: You can also choose to configure manually. Click on the Manually Config. Button.
Step 3: Copy/Move Thunderbird Emails to Gmail ID
- Select the Emails you want to move.
- Right-click on the email and click on Copy To.
- Select the Gmail ID and then tap on Inbox.

Finally, the process of migrating Thunderbird to a Gmail account is complete. However, the manual process can be a bit risky for your data and may consume significant time if you have to migrate a large amount of data. Therefore, we suggest a professional Thunderbird Backup tool for quick and secure migration.
Professionally Tool to Transfer Thunderbird Emails to Gmail Account
DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool is the best tool for importing Mozilla Thunderbird into Gmail. It is a must-have utility for all Thunderbird users who want to migrate Thunderbird emails. The software has various innovative features to help you back up Thunderbird profiles locally or migrate Thunderbird emails to other email clients.
Prominent Features of the Thunderbird Backup Tool
- Allows you to back up the complete Thunderbird mailbox.
- Auto-detects mailbox profiles of Thunderbird.
- Exports Thunderbird mailbox data to 15+ file formats and email clients.
- Facilitates duplicate email removal before migrating for a compact backup.
- Supports specific migration of emails according to set date range.
- Enables users to migrate emails with or without attachments.
- Additionally, the tool supports all versions of Windows and is easy to use.
Knowing the features, you will be curious to know how to convert Thunderbird to Gmail. So, here’s how the tool works.
Steps to Directly Migrate Thunderbird Emails to Gmail Account
Follow the steps as follows:
- First, launch the DRS Thunderbird Backup Tool.
- Choose the Thunderbird profile you wish to migrate data from. Click Next.
- From the mailbox preview, choose the desired folders. Hit Next.
- Select Gmail as the destination email client from the list.
- Check other additional options if required, and click Convert.
You can check all migrated data in Gmail. This process is completely risk-free and transfers your data without tampering with its originality. Also, if you are not sure about investing in a professional tool, you can download a demo version of the tool. The demo version of the tool is fully featured as the premium version. However, it is limited to migrating only 50 emails per folder.
Also Read: Move Thunderbird to New Computer
Conclusion
This was all about how to migrate Mozilla Thunderbird to Gmail. Hopefully, this blog will prove informative. We have mentioned both manual and professional methods, but the manual process is not that effective. So, choose the better one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. To export Thunderbird Data into Gmail, do as follows:
1. Enable IMAP in Gmail
2. Configure Gmail to Thunderbird
3. Copy Thunderbird emails to the Gmail mailbox
Ans. Yes, it’s very easy to Import PST to Gmail, and that too without Outlook. Use DRS PST File Converter for quick and secure migration.
About The Author:
Andrew Tie is a vastly experienced tech journalist who enjoys taking apart complex technology for a broad audience. Over more than a decade in the technology sector, Tie is good at making complicated technical concepts lucidly clear; enabling readers through engaging content. During his writing career so far, Andrew has written for several tech publications, right from industry-leading journals to popular tech blogs. Clarity, precision, and the ability to bridge technical vocabularies with everyday understanding mark his work.