How to Import Thunderbird to Gmail Account?

Max Wright | November 2nd, 2025 | Email Migration, Mozilla Thunderbird

I recently saw a query on a tech forum: ‘How do I move my emails from Thunderbird to Gmail without losing data?’ If you have the same question, you’re in the right place. This guide will show you step-by-step how to import Thunderbird to Gmail account. We will discuss, both manual and automated solutions so that you can choose any one as per your requirement. So, let’s move on to know more.

import-thunderbird-to-gmail-query

Thunderbird is a great email client, but many users prefer Gmail for its accessibility and cloud storage. With over 1.8 billion users, Gmail is one of the most preferred email services today. Many Thunderbird users are migrating to Gmail for better synchronization and cloud-based access.

So, we have come up with the easiest ways to export emails from Thunderbird to Gmail without any hassle.

How to Import Thunderbird to Gmail Free?

You can manually transfer Thunderbird email to Gmail by configuring a Gmail account with Thunderbird.

Follow the below-given instructions to see how to migrate Thunderbird emails to Gmail mailbox;

  1. First of all, open your Gmail account.
  2. Go to the Gear icon and click on See All Settings.
    migrate thunderbird to gmail
  3. Click on the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab. After that Enable IMAP and click on Save Changes.enable imap
  4. Now, Open the Thunderbird application on your system.
  5. Click on Tools and choose Account Settings.
    choose account settings
  6. Click on Account Actions and choose Add a Mail Account option.
    add a mail account
  7. Enter Gmail login details and press the Continue button.
    enter gmail details
  8. Choose the IMAP option and click on the Done button.
  9. Once both accounts are configured successfully the Gmail mailbox will appear in Thunderbird.
  10. After that, right-click on the email and navigate to Copy to >> Gmail id >> Choose Folder.migrate thunderbird to gmail

Hence, you can manually import Thunderbird to Gmail account, but this is a lengthy and complicated process. There is an automatic or fast solution available for the same. Check out the below method for instant email transfer.

How to Transfer Emails from Thunderbird to Gmail Instantly?

If you want to move large amounts of emails from Thunderbird to Gmail. However, moving one by one item takes a lot of time to complete the process. These issues can be solved by the Advik Thunderbird Converter. The software can import Thunderbird emails to Gmail in bulk without any issues. Also, it offers advanced filter options to export selected emails. The tool will preserve folder hierarchy while transferring emails. Thus, no modification will take place.

Download its free version and check its work performance.

Steps to Migrate Thunderbird to Gmail

  1. Run the Thunderbird to Gmail Migration tool & Select your Thunderbird profile.transfer emails from thunderbird to gmail
  2. Choose the Thunderbird folders that you want to export.choose folders
  3. Select Gmail as the Saving option.                    choose gmail
  4. Enter Gmail credentials and press the Next button.export thunderbird to gmail

The software will start exporting emails from Thunderbird to Gmail. It will complete the process in a few seconds.

Watch How to Import Thunderbird to Gmail Account

Benefits of Using Automated Tool Instead of Manual Solution

There are dozens of other benefits of having this application on your computer which are mentioned below.

  • Import the complete Thunderbird mailbox at once.
  • Export Thunderbird emails to PST, PDF, MBOX, etc.
  • Preserves data integrity during Thunderbird to Gmail migration.
  • Maintains folder hierarchy throughout the process.
  • Export emails from Thunderbird to Office 365, and many more.
  • Supports batch migration of multiple Thunderbird profiles.
  • Automatically detects Thunderbird mailbox location for easy migration.
  • Advanced filter options to export selective emails based on date, subject, sender, etc.
  • Simplified user graphical interface with step-by-step guidance.
  • 24/7 technical support for assistance.
  • Compatible with all Windows operating systems.

Conclusion

In this post, we have discussed how to import Thunderbird emails to Gmail with attachments. Here, we have mentioned both manual and automated solutions to transfer emails from Thunderbird to Gmail. You can choose any one that is best suitable for you. However, with the above-recommended Thunderbird to Gmail migration tool, you can directly migrate Thunderbird to Gmail without any configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why am I unable to sign in Gmail account?

Ans. Because you have to enable IMAP as well as generate a one-time password.

Q2. How do I sync Thunderbird with Gmail?

Ans. First, ensure IMAP is enabled inthe  Gmail account. After that, navigate to Tools >> Account Settings >> Account Actions >> Add Mail Account in Thunderbird. Enter Gmail account information and click Done.

Q3. How to automatically forward email from Thunderbird to Gmail?

Ans. To automatically forward emails from Thunderbird to Gmail, Go to Tools >> Message Filters to set up a message filter in Thunderbird and then create a new filter with the Forward Message To option and enter your Gmail address.

Q4. Will my emails get removed after moving from Thunderbird to Gmail?

Ans. No, emails will remain in your Thunderbird email account.

Q5. How many Thunderbird email accounts can I transfer?

Ans. With the licensed version of the software, you can transfer unlimited accounts. However, the free version lets you export up to 25 emails from each Thunderbird mailbox folder to Gmail.