Proper Ways to Export Gmail Emails to Thunderbird in Bulk

Summary: Gmail is one of the most used email applications for emailing and professional communication across the globe. Its user-friendly interface is the best fit for handling crucial communications. But sometimes, managing those emails and information can be difficult, requiring migration. That’s why Thunderbird comes in. It’s a desktop-based email client that allows you to download and manage your emails directly. Thunderbird is not just used for its flexibility, but because it gives you full control over your messages. In this blog, we’ll explain all possible methods, including Gmail Backup Software, to export Gmail emails to Thunderbird.

Why Move Emails from Gmail to Thunderbird?

There are several advantages of using Thunderbird as compared to Gmail, such as: 

  • Thunderbird keeps a copy of your important emails, contacts, and attachments on your system.
  • Unlike Gmail, Thunderbird allows users to read their emails without an internet connection.
  • Also, it offers more control over emails for how they are stored and sorted.
  • You can add an extra layer of security to your email messages while using Thunderbird.

How Can I Add Gmail to Thunderbird?

You will find the two most used ways to transfer mailbox data from Gmail to Thunderbird:

  • Manual Method Using ImportExport NG Tools and Google Takeout.
  • Professional Tool with the help of Gmail Backup Tool.

Manual Method to Export Gmail Emails to Thunderbird

This method is divided into two parts. First, export your Gmail data using Google Takeout, and then import the exported data into Thunderbird using ImportExport. The steps given below will guide you to migration.

Step 01: Export Emails from Gmail Using Google Takeout

  1. Firstly, open the Gmail Account on your system.
  2. Now, press on Profile icon and select Manage your Google Account.
  3. After that, choose the Data Privacy and Backup option. 
  4. Then, select the Download your Data option.
  5. The Google Takeout Service page is opened, and then, Deselect all the options.
  6. Next, mark the Mail option and define a path to save, and other options.
  7. Lastly, click on Create Export to complete the process.

Step 02: Import Gmail Data Using Thunderbird

  1. Firstly, start Thunderbird on your system.
  2. Now, select the created Gmail mailbox file to export to Thunderbird.
  3. After that, select all the emails > right-click > and choose Move to.
  4. Lastly, select the resultant file format to save your emails.

Limitations of the Manual Method

The manual method is useful and free to use. But it has several limitations, such as:

  • It is only valid for transferring small Gmail messages.
  • There is a chance of losing data confidentiality & accessibility.
  • As it involves multiple steps, you may end up losing important data. 

Professional Tool to Export Gmail Data

If you want to avoid these limitations and for a hassle-free solution, you can use the Gmail Backup Software. This tool allows users to export their Gmail emails to Thunderbird without any hassle. It performs bulk conversion with no data loss and a 100% accurate result. Additionally, the interface of this utility is simple, so that both tech and non-tech users can easily operate. Moreover, it supports all versions of Windows OS, including Windows 11, 10, 9, 8, etc.

Easy Steps to Export Gmail to Thunderbird:

  1. Firstly, launch the Gmail Backup Software as an admin.
  2. Now, choose Gmail and enter its credentials to sign in.
  3. Then, preview & select the file that you want to export.
  4. Next, choose Save in Email Client and Thunderbird from the list.
  5. After that, enter its credentials and click Sign In.
  6. Apply advanced features of the tool for accurate transfer.
  7. Lastly, click on Convert to initiate the process.

Advanced Features of This Tool:

  • You can cross-verify your emails before transferring them to Thunderbird.
  • Choose the Remove duplicate emails option to migrate unique emails.
  • Save Gmail emails to multiple file formats like PST, PDF, MBOX, and more.
  • Furthermore, one can move Gmail emails to IMAP, Office 365, Hotmail, iCloud, etc.

Conclusion

To sum up, we have provided different methods to export Gmail emails to Thunderbird in bulk. However, choosing the manual method is sufficient for small data migration. As you can see above, it has several limitations. However, you can use the professional tool for a smooth and secure migration. Also, the try demo version of this top-notch utility is available to check its functionality & performance.

5/5 - (1 vote)

About The Author:

As a lead technical writer, I know the technical problems faced by office and professional users. So, I decided to share all my technical knowledge through this blog. I love helping you with tough challenges when dealing with technical issues.

© Copyrights 2014-2025 is an affiliate partner of Aryson Technologies. - All Rights Reserved