How to Export Gmail to MBOX File with Attachments – Easy Guide
Christopher Plummer | April 16th, 2025 | Data Backup, Gmail
Summary: This blog post is for users who want to export Gmail to MBOX. We’ll explore the top two methods: manual via Google Takeout and automated using a professional tool. In addition, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for using the Gmail converter software to convert Gmail mailbox to MBOX file quickly and safely. This guide explains everything in simple steps — no technical jargon, just clear instructions.
Why Export Gmail to MBOX?
Before jumping into the steps, let’s quickly understand why someone may want to do this:
- Backup Gmail emails to prevent data loss
- Move emails to another email client like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or eM Client
- Access Gmail data offline
- Archive emails for long-term storage
MBOX is a widely supported email file format used by many email clients. Exporting your Gmail in this format ensures your emails can be reused later.
There are two main ways to export Gmail to MBOX format. The manual method is available, but it can be slow and only works for certain folders at a time. That’s why we recommend using an automated tool. It’s faster, easier, and lets you export all emails from Gmail to MBOX in one go.
Let’s first look at the manual method, and then move on to the automated solution.
How to Download Gmail Emails in MBOX Format Free?
Follow the two steps to move Gmail to MBOX file precisely so that your data won’t be lost in any case.
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.
Limitations of Using Google Takeout
- Only the Inbox may be included in some cases (if filters are misapplied).
- The export process can take several hours or days, depending on the mailbox size.
- No selective folder export (unless you use Gmail labels properly).
- Not ideal for frequent or large backups.
- Requires manual extraction and extra tools to view MBOX files.
How to Convert Gmail Emails to MBOX Automatically?
If you’re looking for a quick, simple, and reliable way to export Gmail to MBOX, the Advik Gmail Backup Tool is your best option. This easy-to-use software lets you directly convert Gmail emails into MBOX format, including all attachments. You can choose specific folders, apply a date filter to download only selected emails, and even pick where to save the file. It works smoothly and doesn’t need any technical skills.
Download the free demo version to try it out and see how smoothly it works.
Steps to Export Gmail to MBOX File
- Run software and enter Gmail credentials to sign in.
- Select the required email folder to export.
- Click the select saving option and select MBOX from the list.
- 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 Convert Gmail to MBOX File
Key Benefits of Using the Gmail to MBOX Export Tool
The automated tool offers a wide range of features that make the Gmail to MBOX conversion process easy and efficient:
- Directly export Gmail mailbox folders to MBOX format in just a few clicks.
- Bulk export support – convert thousands of emails at once without any data loss.
- Preserves email structure, including folder and sub-folder hierarchy.
- Download Gmail attachments along with email content.
- Advanced filters (By Date Range, Subject, To, From) for selective export.
- Export Gmail emails to PST, EML, PDF, HTML, and more.
- Supports exporting Gmail to Excel/CSV file, including email metadata.
- Works with all types of Gmail accounts, including free, business (G Suite), and Google Workspace.
- No dependency on any third-party app or Outlook installation.
- Download entire Gmail account data, including Inbox, Sent, Drafts, Spam, and custom folders.
- Compatible with all Windows OS versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
- Simple and intuitive interface, suitable for beginners and non-technical users.
- Includes a free trial version to test all features before purchase.
Wrapping up
In this guide, we covered two reliable ways to export Gmail to MBOX format. The manual method is free but can be slow and a bit tricky, especially for non-technical users. On the other hand, the automated tool offers a quick and hassle-free solution, allowing you to backup all or selected Gmail folders with ease. With features like bulk export, filter options, and attachment support, it’s ideal for both personal and professional use.
If you’re looking for a smooth, error-free, and time-saving process, the automated tool is your best bet. You can also try the free demo version to see how it works before upgrading to the full version.
