How to Import MBOX to IMAP Server?
Jackson Strong | April 24th, 2025 | Data Backup
If you’re looking for easy ways to import MBOX to IMAP server, this guide is for you. We’ll first show you a manual method—if that works for you, great! If not, you can go for an automated solution that saves time and effort. Read this blog till the end to get all the details to upload MBOX file to IMAP server.
IMAP (Internet Mail Access Protocol) is a widely used email protocol that lets you access emails stored on a mail server. With IMAP, you can check your email on different devices, as it keeps your messages synced across all of them.
For example, when you use Microsoft Outlook, it connects to the server via IMAP to sync your emails. That’s why many users want to import MBOX files to IMAP for easy access and better management.
Now, let’s get back to the main topic and look at some easy ways to solve this.
How to Upload MBOX to IMAP Server Manually?
- Install Mozilla Thunderbird or any other email client that supports MBOX.
- Configure your IMAP email account in Thunderbird.
- Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on in Thunderbird.
- Go to the Thunderbird menu, click on Add-ons, and search for ImportExportTools NG.
- After installing, restart Thunderbird.
- Right-click on the account name in Thunderbird, select ImportExportTools NG and then choose Import MBOX file.
- Select the MBOX file you want to import.
- Once the MBOX file is imported, you will see all your emails in a separate folder.
- To move them to your IMAP server, select all the emails, right-click, and choose Move To.
- Select the appropriate folder in your IMAP account.
Limitations of the Manual Method
While the method mentioned above can help you import MBOX file into IMAP account, it has some drawbacks:
- It can be confusing for new users.
- You can’t import multiple MBOX files at the same time.
- The structure of your MBOX files might get messed up with this method.
- If not done correctly, you could lose data.
- This method won’t work if your MBOX file is corrupted.
So, if the manual method feels too complex or risky, don’t worry — there’s a much easier and safer option available.
How to Import MBOX to IMAP Server Automatically?
To import emails from MBOX file to IMAP Server in a straightforward way, check out Advik MBOX File Converter. The tool will effortlessly import your data without interfering with the folder hierarchy and structure. Additionally, if you have multiple MBOX file, then this solution can also import them to IMAP Server at once without data loss.
To complete the importing, run the tool and add the MBOX file. After that, select IMAP Server from the saving list, then enter your mailbox credentials and hit the convert button. The tool will start the importing process. Don’t worry, your data will be safe.
If you are still not sure about it, download the demo version of this software and see how it functions.
Steps to Import MBOX File to IMAP Account
Step 1. Launch the software on your Windows PC.
Step 2. Click Select File and add .mbox file.
Step 3. Select email folders of your choice and click the Next button.
Step 4. Now select IMAP as a saving option from the drop-down list.
Step 5. Lastly, enter your IMAP account credentials and click on the Convert button.
The software will start uploading MBOX file to IMAP server account.
Once the process is completed, log in to your IMAP email account and check all emails.
Watch How to Upload MBOX to IMAP Server
Why Opt for This Automated Tool?
- Dual Mode to load MBOX File: This tool is equipped with Select Files and Select Folder buttons which offer a dual mode for importing MBOX data directly to IMAP account. Users can conveniently use these options to add the required MBOX data for migration.
- Direct Migration from MBOX to IMAP: The software simplifies the migration process by providing a direct migration facility. Users only need to provide their Email address, Password, IMAP Host, and Port Number, and the tool will effortlessly import MBOX files to IMAP account.
- Support for All IMAP Accounts: This utility can migrate PST files to any IMAP-supported server account. There are no restrictions on the application. Simply provide the details of the required IMAP Server, and the tool will swiftly move the PST files to the specified account.
- Batch Import of MBOX Files to IMAP: With the help of this application, users have the freedom to batch import multiple MBOX files to IMAP in a single step. They can gather all the MBOX files in a designated folder, use the Select Folder button to upload them, and subsequently import the entire folder to the IMAP account.
- Preservation of Data Accuracy: The application ensures accurate output by maintaining the integrity of the data and folder structure during the migration process.
- Compatible with all Windows OS Versions: The application is designed to run smoothly on every version of Windows OS. Users can effortlessly download and utilize this utility on Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, XP, Vista, etc.
Conclusion
Now it’s time to wrap things up. In this guide, we explored two simple methods to import MBOX to IMAP server—one manual and one automated. You can try both options and choose the one that best fits your needs. However, we recommend using an automated tool. It makes the process much faster and easier, even for beginners. Plus, it offers useful features that simplify the import and reduce the chances of errors.
Note: The tool comes with a simple and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for users of all levels. You can also try the free version, which allows you to import up to 25 emails per folder to test how it works before upgrading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1. Do I need any specific email client installed to import MBOX files into IMAP?
Answer. It depends on the method. Some manual methods require email clients like Thunderbird, while professional tools can work independently.
Question 2. Is it possible to import multiple MBOX files to IMAP Server at once?
Answer. Yes, run the tool and choose the “Select Folder” option. After that, you can choose multiple MBOX file and upload them to your IMAP Server at once without any data loss.
Question 3. Can I see the MBOX file content before moving it to my IMAP account?
Answer. Yes, you can preview the MBOX file and choose which folders you want to import into your IMAP account.
Question 4. Is there a limit on how many MBOX files I can import into IMAP?
Answer. It depends on the tool you are using and the storage space of your IMAP account. Some tools support importing multiple MBOX files at once.
Question 5. What if I try to import MBOX files to IMAP without an internet connection?
Answer. Without the internet, the emails won’t sync with your IMAP account. But once you’re back online, the syncing will resume, and you’ll be able to access the emails.