How to Import MBOX to IMAP Server?
Jackson Strong | May 24th, 2025 | Data Backup
If you’re trying to import MBOX to IMAP server, this easy guide is for you. We’ll show you two simple ways — one manual method using Thunderbird and one automated method using a reliable tool. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to upload MBOX files to any IMAP-supported email account without hassle.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a system that lets you read emails from different devices while keeping everything synced. When you use email apps like Outlook or Thunderbird, they connect to your email account through IMAP.
That’s why many users want to upload MBOX to IMAP server, so they can access it anywhere, on any device.
How to Import 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’s not beginner-friendly.
- You can’t import multiple MBOX files at once.
- May not keep the original folder structure.
- There’s a risk of data loss if you make a mistake.
- It doesn’t work with corrupt MBOX files.
So, if the manual method feels too complex or risky, don’t worry — there’s a much easier and safer option available.
How to Upload MBOX to IMAP Automatically (Recommended)
To import emails from MBOX to IMAP Server in easy steps, check out Advik MBOX 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 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 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 offers a dual mode to import MBOX to IMAP account directly. 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 to IMAP account.
- Support for All IMAP Accounts: This utility can migrate MBOX 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 so that anyone can easily import MBOX to IMAP Server. 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
Q1. Do I need an email client like Thunderbird to use this tool?
Ans. No. The automated tool works independently and does not need any email client installed.
Q2. Can I upload multiple MBOX files at once?
Ans. Yes. Just choose the “Select Folder” option and import all MBOX files together.
Q3. Will my folder structure stay the same?
Ans. Yes, the tool preserves folder hierarchy and email formatting during migration.
Q4. Is there a file size limit?
Ans. No major limit. Just ensure your IMAP server has enough storage space.
Q5. Can I import MBOX to IMAP server without internet?
Ans. No. IMAP is an online protocol. You need an active internet connection for syncing.
