MBOX to iCloud Migration – Full Tutorial

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

Having an MBOX file that you want to open in iCloud Mail. In this article, I am going to provide you with ways that you can use to easily import MBOX to iCloud Mail. So, follow the steps and also know why you may need to get iCloud emails.

If you don’t know about MBOX files, it is a type of file format that stores a group of emails with attachments and attributes. It is a common file format used by several email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Notepad, etc. Because it stores the messages in a single text file, sharing and accessing the file is very easy.

Mac users would know that iCloud is a cloud program developed by Apple. This program is used to store your data, including emails, and access it on all Apple devices. So, if you are using a Mac computer, switching to iCloud is a very good option to manage your files.

Why is There Need to Import MBOX to iCloud?

Before we go through the process of uploading MBOX files to iCloud. Let’s see the cases where you need to import the files.

  • To easily manage your MBOX file, iCloud is better as you can manage your bulk emails on any device.
  • If you want your MBOX file for Apple devices. iCloud is the best way to do so.
  • The data in iCloud is stored in a cloud service; this way, you can easily access your data and also keep your data secure.

There are other personal reasons, but you know the common reasons for moving your MBOX files. Now, without wasting any time, let’s go through the methods for MBOX to iCloud migration.

Manually Move Bulk MBOX Files in iCloud using Apple Mail

If you are using an Apple device, then Apple Mail is a straightforward option. Here, you have to first open the MBOX file in Mac Mail, then you can move it to iCloud Mail. Follow the steps below to properly do this process.

  1. First, go to your Apple Mail on your device.
  2. Click on the File option and then the Import Mailboxes button.
  3. Select Files in MBOX format and open your file.
  4. Now, all your messages are in the On My Mac folder.
  5. To import the files into iCloud, you can see your iCloud account in the sidebar of Apple Mail.
  6. In the account, create a new folder. From the On My Mac section, select an email.
  7. Drag and drop the email to the iCloud folder. Repeat this step to move all the emails.
  8. Go to the System Settings. Select the iCloud option and switch on the sync option to allow importing the emails.

This method is used when you have Apple Mail and you are using an Apple device. If you are using Windows OS. Then, you can use this next method.

Import MBOX to iCloud Mail with Thunderbird

You know that Thunderbird can be able to open MBOX files, and you can easily configure your iCloud with your account. Below are the proper steps to upload your files.

  1. First, I am going to add an iCloud account to Thunderbird.
  2. Go to the Account Settings and then the Account Action button.
  3. Click on the Add Mail Account and provide the iCloud account details.
  4. Choose IMAP settings, and Thunderbird will automatically configure the account.
  5. Now, I will open the file by right-clicking on the folder where you want your data in.
  6. Select the Import/Export Tools NG, click on the Import MBOX files.
  7. Either choose individual MBOX files or import a directory.
  8. Browse the file and import it into Thunderbird.
  9. Now, move to the emails in the configured iCloud account.

These two are the ways of MBOX to iCloud Migration. By properly following them, you can easily move your files. But, before doing it, you have to also take some points into consideration.

Tip Before Importing MBOX File to iCloud

Before you go through the methods to move your MBOX file, it is advised to take a backup of your iCloud emails. To avoid any accidents, or if your mailbox is almost full. To do this, use the SysTools Mac iCloud Backup Tool, a secure solution to easily save your iCloud emails. The best part of the software is that it provides you with different options to store your data. Along with this, there are other advantages that you will get.

Download Now Purchase Now

Advantages When Saving iCloud Emails

  • Whether you are uploading files in iCloud or any other program, there is always a risk of overwriting or misplacing your messages. By backing up your iCloud data, your current data will be saved even after the process.
  • If the iCloud email storage is full and there is no space for importing the file, then. The only option is to reduce the storage space by downloading the data.
  • It also helps you retain your data mailbox if anything goes wrong during or after the MBOX import.
  • For a business purpose, backing up your iCloud is very important.

Users Most Common Questions

Q. Is it possible to import MBOX file directly into iCloud Mail?
Ans. Directly, you cannot import MBOX file, but if you use Apple Mail or any MBOX-supported email application, then you can easily get your file.

Q. How can I enable IMAP settings in iCloud?
Ans. In your Mac computer. Go to the System Settings, click on your name. Then, select the iCloud button. Switch on the Mail option.

Q. Can I use a Windows PC to import a MBOX file into iCloud?
Ans. Yes, user can easily import their MBOX file to iCloud on Windows OS. You just need an application that supports MBOX files, like Thunderbird.

To Conclude

This article explains how you can easily import MBOX to iCloud Mail. Here, I have mentioned the reasons to move your file. Provided two ways to upload MBOX files into iCloud. Lastly, I also explain how it is important to save your iCloud mailbox before going through the process.

Read More:

  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.