How to Export Gmail to MBOX File – Updated 2026

In some use cases, you might want to export Gmail to MBOX file. For instance, when you are taking a backup, switching to another email platform, or for legal purposes. It’s not a big deal to export Gmail emails to MBOX, but it becomes complex when you have a large amount of data in your Gmail mailbox. Don’t worry, this blog will guide how to do it in easy steps. So, just go through this blog till the end to know more.

Before moving ahead, let’s have a quick overview of an MBOX file;

An MBOX file is a type of file that stores a collection of emails in plain text. Each email sits one after another inside this file. Many email clients can import MBOX to let you read or manage your old emails.

Now, let’s get back to the methods to know complete procedure.

How to Export Gmail Email to MBOX File?

Google provides a free option called Google Takeout. By using this approach, you can export Gmail to MBOX file for free.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Visit https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout and sign in.

2. Now, choose the data to include and deselect all that you don’t want to include. Click Next.

3.  Then, select Send a download link via email in this case.

4. Click the Create export button to start the process. 

What Happens Next?

Google will start preparing your email archive.

Once ready, you’ll receive an email with a download link.

Click Download Archive and extract the .zip file, you’ll find the .mbox file inside.

Done! This is how you can easily export Gmail emails into MBOX file.

Advantages of the Manual Method

There are several benefits of the manual approach:

• Completely free to use
• No need to install external tools
• Official and secure Google service
• Suitable for small-scale and one-time exports

When I consider another method?

If you regularly need updated backups or want more control over which emails are saved, a tool can help you automate the process.

How to Convert Gmail to MBOX Securely?

If you want a quick, simple, and reliable way to export Gmail to MBOX, then choosing a professional solution is the best option. One such tool is the Advik Gmail Backup Tool . This easy-to-use software lets you:

• Directly convert Gmail emails to MBOX format.
• Export the entire mailbox in a single attempt.
• Preserves all email attributes while exporting.
• Keeps the original structure of Gmail mailbox folders even after the process.
• Allows saving selected emails based on date range, to, from, subject, etc.
• Multiple saving options to save Gmail emails into multiple formats.

Download the free demo version to try it out and see how smoothly it works.

Steps to Export Gmail to MBOX

1. Run software and enter Gmail credentials to sign in.
2. Select the required email folder to export.
3. Click the select saving option and select MBOX from the list.
4. Now, choose your desired destination path and click the Backup button.

The software will start exporting Gmail emails to MBOX file automatically. After the process is completed, the software will display a complete log report too. 

Now, you will be automatically redirected to your chosen location. Access all your exported Gmail emails in MBOX file.

Watch How to Export Gmail Emails to MBOX Format

Wrapping up

In this guide, we covered how to export Gmail to MBOX using the two best methods. You can easily convert Gmail emails to MBOX using Google Takeout service. The manual method works fine for occasional backups. Use a tool only if you:

• Need selective or frequent exports.
• Have very large mailboxes.
• Want an easier process without manual steps.