Securely Open MBOX File to cPanel with 2 Easy Methods

  Kumar Raj
Written By Kumar Raj
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On August 1st, 2025
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Having your MBOX file in your cPanel account is not an easy task. Because the program does not support the MBOX format. But if you want to import it, then. I have a few solutions that can help you. This article will explore the ways to import MBOX to cPanel Mail and how you can preserve your cPanel data.

A widely used email storage format MBOX file, contains multiple files with attachments and attributes. Although it contains numerous data but, it stores them in a simple text format. which makes it easier to open on many platforms.

However, cPanel does not support MBOX files, because it is a web hosting service that also provides you with email services. It is a webmail where you can easily access your account without any issues. Thus, if you have the MBOX file and you want to access it in the cPanel email account. Then, follow the methods below.

Why Do You Want to Upload MBOX File to cPanel?

Every user has their reasons to move the file to the cPanel email account. Below are some of the common reasons.

  • You are switching your desktop email client, like Thunderbird, to cPanel. To move the important data, you have to export the MBOX file.
  • You have an old MBOX file, which you want to access it and you have a cPanel email account to do so.
  • cPanel can be accessed from any device, so you can use it to access your data from any platform.

Whatever the reason for importing the MBOX file. There are a few solutions that can help you.

How to Import MBOX File to cPanel Mail?

Directly moving your MBOX file in a cPanel account is not possible. However, with the help of an MBOX-supported email client, and Roundcube can be easily done the job. Want to know how this will work? Follow the methods below to see how they work.

Upload MBOX File in cPanel using Thunderbird

As you know, you can easily open a MBOX file in Thunderbird. Then, configure your cPanel in Thunderbird. Below is the step-by-step process for your easy understanding.

  1. To add your cPanel to Thunderbird, go to your cPanel account.
  2. In the Email section, click on the Email Accounts option.
  3. From there, choose your email account and click on the Connect Devices option.
  4. Now, check the IMAP/SMTP server under Mail Client Manual Settings.
  5. Go to your Thunderbird account, then Account Settings.
  6. Click on the Mail Action option and then the  Add Account button.
  7. Provide cPanel account details. Hit the Continue button.
  8. The software automatically configures your account.

In this, I have configured the cPanel account with Thunderbird. Now, I have to open the file in Thunderbird and move it to the cPanel folder.

Move MBOX File to Connected cPanel Account

  1. Here, you have to first install the Import/Export Tools NG add-on from the official site.
  2. After downloading it. Open Thunderbird.
  3. Create a new folder where your MBOX file is located.
  4. Right-click on it and choose Import/Export Tools NG.
  5. Select the Import MBOX file and import your files into it.
  6. After importing the files, drag and drop the emails to the cPanel inbox.

By using Thunderbird, you can import MBOX to cPanel. If you are having a problem using this. Then, use the Roundcube method mentioned below.

Import MBOX to cPanel by Roundcube Webmail Interface

Fortunately, Roundcube has a built-in function that allows you to directly import an MBOX file. With the help of this, you can also move the file in cPanel. Also, Roundcube is a default cPanel email interface, so the process of uploading the file would be easy.

  1. Log in to the cPanel account and go to the Email Accounts.
  2. Search your email address, hit the Check Email option to verify your account.
  3. After that, the program will let you access the Roundcube webmail interface.
  4. Press the Roundcube logo button to get into its interface.
  5. Now, click on the gear or … button on the top or bottom right corner.
  6. Select the Import option, choose the MBOX file from your local computer.
  7. Go to the location where your file is located. Then, hit the Import button.

By uploading the file to Roundcube, it automatically opens it in your cPanel. Here are the two simple solutions to get your MBOX file in cPanel.

Now, there are some users whose cPanel mailbox is full, and as a result, they are not able to import the MBOX file. If that is also your case, then reduce the storage space using this professional tool.

Reduce cPanel Mailbox to Access MBOX File

You will be able to import your file only if you have enough space. If the cPanel mailbox is full, then use the Systools IMAP Backup Software to reduce your storage. It is a tool created for the professional who wants to save their data from any IMAP-related email account.

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The utility provides you with several options to export your data, like exporting cPanel to Outlook PST file, PDF, MBOX, etc. It comes with both Windows and Mac. So, there would be no issue in downloading the software. Not only this, saving your cPanel emails using this software will be helpful in so many situations, such as.

Scenarios Where You Need to Save Your cPanel Mailbox

  • When you are switching your web hosting provider. Then, you need to take a backup of your important emails to access them on another server.
  • If you are thinking of moving from webmail to a desktop email client. Then, this software helps you transfer your crucial data.
  • There is always an issue of accidental deletions, your server crashes, and other account-related issues.
  • To avoid this, use the above software to store and secure your emails.
  • Configuring your cPanel with the other account is a kind of risky job. If you miss one step. Then, you may lose your data. So, before going through the process, first take a backup of your cPanel emails.

Hence, not only importing the MBOX file, but also securing your cPanel is required. That’s why backing up your cPanel data is very important even after importing the MBOX file.

Conclusion

Because cPanel does not support MBOX files, moving your file to a cPanel email account is difficult for a lot of people. That’s why, in this article, I have explained two amazing ways that make it easier for you to import MBOX to cPanel. Apart from this, I also have discussed the need to backup your cPanel emails because of the mailbox full issue and any other reasons.

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  Kumar Raj

By Kumar Raj

He is an ardent tech enthusiast and has a specialization in simplifying complex tech topics. With a knack for staying ahead of the curve, he provides readers with up-to-date insights into the ever-evolving tech world. When he is not writing, he enjoys exploring new gadgets and is actively engaged in tech communities.