How to Export Emails from Thunderbird to Gmail Account?
Summary: If you use Thunderbird to manage your emails and want to connect to Gmail, then this blog will help you efficiently. In this technical blog, we will discuss how to export Thunderbird emails to Gmail while focusing on data safety.
Gmail is one of the widely used email platforms, preferred by millions due to its user-friendly interface, robust features, and ample storage of 15 GB for free accounts. But, multiple users are now choose Gmail over traditional Thunderbird email client due many reasons.
Therefore, many Thunderbird users want to export Thunderbird emails to Gmail with complete data. Thus, in this blog we will discuss the best ways to import Thunderbird to Gmail along with the entire data present in the email client.
Before knowing the process let us know the reasons for this migration process to make it smooth and steady.
Why Do Users Want to Export Thunderbird Emails to Gmail?
There are several considerable reasons to import Thunderbird to Gmail and below are some of them listed:
- Gmail offers multiple features such as large cloud storage, advanced search capabilities, and a universal access anytime anywhere which are not available in Thunderbird.
- Gmail allows for easy synchronization across multiple devices, including mobile phones and tablets. This makes it more convenient to access email data smoothly.
- As a popular suite of productivity tools, Gmail integrates well with the other Google services such as Google Drive, Google calendar, contacts etc making it a reliable service.
- Gmail’s web-based interface and mobile applications provide a more streamlined and under-interface experience compared to Thunderbird’s desktop client.
- Migrating emails to Gmail allows users to access their emails from anywhere, without relying on a local emails client like Thunderbird.
How to Export Thunderbird Emails to Gmail with Emails & Address Book?
Here we will explain two methods for emails and contacts separately. Thunderbird allows users to connect IMAP-based email services like Gmail. So, firstly we will import emails through this method. After that, we will move the address book by exporting and importing methods. Both methods are given below with complete steps:
#1: Connect Thunderbird to Gmail
Important Note: Move all your Thunderbird emails into one folder and also create an empty folder in Gmail.
- Launch your Thunderbird.
- Click the “ALT” key then the “Tools” option.
- Hit on the “Account Settings” icon.

- Hit the “Account Action” tab.
- A list will appear and choose “Add Mail Account”.

- Provide these details of your Gmail account.
- Your Name
- Gmail Email Address
- Password

- Click on the “Continue” button.
- After that, add server details like port no.

- Lastly, hit on the “Finish” button to export emails from Thunderbird to Gmail.

After successfully configuration, now click right on the needed folder (which contains your emails to import) and choose Move To folder. A list will show and choose the connected Gmail profile’s new folder.
Wait for a moment, and your all emails will be migrated to the Gmail account successfully.
#2: Export Thunderbird Address Book to Gmail
For importing Thunderbird address book, you have to follow two steps. firstly, export contacts in CSV format and then you can import them to Google contacts. For more details, follow the given steps:
Step 1: Export Contacts from Thunderbird
- Restart your Thunderbird.
- Go to “Address Book” from the “Tools” icon.

- Select the needed book from the list.

- Right-click on it and choose the “Export” icon.

- Choose “Comma Separated” as the saving type.

- Enter a name, select the path, and “Save” icon.

- Your file will be saved at the selected path.

Step 2: Import Exported File to Gmail
- Open your Google contacts.

- Hit on the “Import” button.

- Upload the exported file using “Select File”.

- Browse the exported file and select the file.
- Click on the “Import” icon.

Drawbacks of these Approaches
- Thunderbird should be installed in proper working condition.
- Multiple errors will appear while connecting the accounts.
- You can only move emails and contacts separately, not other data like calendars, notes, tasks, etc.
- This method will only receive new or upcoming emails, old data would not be moved.
What’s the Right Way to Import Thunderbird to Gmail?
If your Thunderbird is not working and still you want to migrate emails into Gmail account. or you to take the help of a professional solution, then you can go for the Thunderbird Converter Software. It is an all-in-one automated solution to import Thunderbird emails to Gmail including contacts, and calendars.
This is a trustworthy, reliable, and robust software. With the help of this software, you can easily export Thunderbird emails to Gmail in bulk with attachments.
Also, by using this utility you can transfer multiple emails without facing any issues. Additionally, this toolkit allows users to export their data selectively. Furthermore, this tool is completely capable of preserving and maintaining data integrity and email formatting during the migration process.
How to Automatically Forward Email from Thunderbird to Gmail?
- Download and launch the automated software on your Windows-based system.

- Select options between Convert Emails and Contacts & Calendars as per your requirements.

- The software loads all Mailboxes in the utility’s interface and selects the required folder to export Thunderbird emails to Gmail selectively.

- Now, select the saving option as “Gmail” from the drop-down list.

- Head to the “Filter” tab and enable some advanced filters according to your choice to export emails from Thunderbird to Gmail selectively.

- After that, enter your Gmail account credentials in the software interface panel.

- Click on the “Convert” option and you can see the live importing process.

Read More: Best Thunderbird to PST Converter
Why Users Should Choose this Solution?
- This software can forward emails from damaged Thunderbird profiles from the default storage location automatically.
- Also, you can export emails and contacts by uploading single or multiple Thunderbird data files and folders.
- Provide a Change Language option to map your desired folders into different languages including Dutch, French, Spanish, etc.
- It allows you to export Thunderbird to word document, PDF, PST, EML, and multiple other platforms as well.
- You can apply multiple desired filters according to your choice to export emails from Thunderbird to Gmail selectively.
- It maintains all the entire data of your email files and folders and does not let is lose its originality and integrity.
Conclusion
In this write-up, we have discussed how to export Thunderbird emails to Gmail with attachments and complete data. Here we have explained both manual and automated solutions to accomplish this migration process.
However, as we have seen their various drawbacks that come with the manual process, which is not good for the users. Thus, it’s a wise option to go with the professional solution to migrate emails from Thunderbird to Gmail. Additionally, the professional solution provides a free trial version of the utility for users to test and try the features of the software.