How to Import EML to Thunderbird? Easy Solution

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Updated on
October 3, 2025

5 minutes Read

User Query: ”I have my old email backup saved in EML files. Now, I need to access and manage those EML files in my Thunderbird account. But I don’t know how to import them into Thunderbird. Can someone explain the method to do it safely?

Summary: Many users keep their data for backup in EML files. These files contain individual email data with their attachments and metadata. However, sometimes users need to access and manage their data in an email client such as Thunderbird. Therefore, this blog explains the fast and secure methods to import EML to Thunderbird. With the tested manual method, we’ll introduce users to a proficient MacSonik EML Converter Tool. Hence, users can choose any of these approaches to complete their migration.

Why Transfer EML files to Thunderbird

Thunderbird is one of the most famous local desktop email client applications. And, Users get the following benefits once EML files are imported:

  • It allows users to access their old emails directly inside Thunderbird.
  • Users can keep their emails and attachments all in one place.
  • It provides the capability to easily manage, search, and organize old emails.
  • Also, helps users avoid the need for third-party apps to open EML files.

Verified Methods to Import EML to Thunderbird

There are two methodologies for efficiently importing EML files:

  1. The manual method employs Thunderbird directly to add EML files, but that method is limited.
  2. The proficient tool method imports bulk EML files with advanced features.

Manual Method to Import EML File to Thunderbird

Here, we explain the manual method to import EML files. However, this method is limited and best suited for a smaller number of emails.

Quick and simple steps are:

  1. First, launch Thunderbird and click on the Menu (≡) option.
  2. After that, navigate to Add-ons and Themes, search for and install the ImportExportTools NG extension.
  3. Once it’s installed, right-click on any folder in Thunderbird.
  4. Further, select ImportExportTools NG -> Import all messages from a directory -> Also from its subdirectories.
  5. Next, browse and select the directory where your EML files are stored.
  6. At last, Thunderbird will import all your selected emails.

Demerits of using the Manual Method

  • Manually importing several EML files at once takes a lot of time to upload EML file into Thunderbird.
  • The emails do not retain the correct formatting or even folder structure from the original EML files.
  • Attachments do not import correctly.
  • Users must have technical experience in dealing with profile directories.
  • There are also issues with importing large batches of EML files.

Specialized tool to Import EML to Thunderbird

The thoroughly tested EML Converter Tool is capable of overcoming the limitations of the manual method. This tool allows users to import EML files into Thunderbird while maintaining attachments and folder structure. Additionally, it provides users with multiple features and filters to align the export with their requirements. Also, the tool is thoroughly tested for managing corrupted files and complete bulk file migration. Users can also convert EML to MBOX or other file formats and email clients.

Steps for migration using the tool are:

  1. Start by installing and running the tool on your local system.
  2. Then, click Select Files to browse and open your EML file(s) or folder and click Next.
  3. After importing, select and preview your selected emails from the folder structure and click Next.
  4. Now, select Thunderbird as your saving option and apply advanced filters.
  5. Finally, click Start process to begin the migration.

Why Choose the EML Converter Tool?

Advanced Features

Offer: Import EML files into Thunderbird quickly in bulk. Retain attachments, maintain folder structure and formatting. Preview options, remove duplicates, and selective import options.

One-Time Service

Users can request a one-time migration service from the technical staff at a low cost. This will help users open EML File in Thunderbird without installing the tool.

Free Demo Version

We offer a completely free demo for you to try out before you buy. It supports all versions of Thunderbird and many other clients.


Conclusion

To conclude, EML to Thunderbird migration is the best way to manage and access your emails in one place. In this blog, we have discussed the best, trusted methods to import EML to Thunderbird. Manual method to efficiently manage a small migration. After that, a professional EML Converter tool is used to manage the migration in bulk. The tool is capable of handling large-scale migration while keeping the file format and attachments intact. Also, there is a free demo version of this tool available to test its capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I directly open an EML file in Thunderbird without importing it?

Ans. Yes, you can double-click on an EML file, and if Thunderbird is set as the default mail application, it will open. However, this does not import the email into Thunderbird. To keep it permanently, you must import it.

Q2. Is it possible to import EML files into Thunderbird on Mac as well?

Ans. Yes, Thunderbird is cross-platform. The process is similar, but the profile directory path will differ on macOS. Professional tools usually work on both Windows and Mac.

Q3. Can I keep the folder structure of my EML files after importing into Thunderbird?

Ans. Manual methods don’t always keep the original folder structure. If you want to maintain the same hierarchy (like Inbox, Sent, etc.), you should use a specialized EML Converter tool.

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