How to Import Emails from MBOX to IMAP Mail Server?

Moving the MBOX file to the IMAP server is a difficult task because the MBOX file is saved on your local drive. Whereas the IMAP mail server is just an email server to access your emails. Therefore, in this article, I am going to tell you about ways to import MBOX to IMAP server. So, let’s start the article with the introduction.

Overview of IMAP Server and MBOX File

As you know, the MBOX file is a file format that stores your emails. It is a common file format that you can use with any email client, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, etc.

However, IMAP Server is a standard email protocol that you can use in many email servers to access your emails and manage them on the internet. IMAP can easily sync your mailbox across multiple devices while keeping IMAP emails on the server. However, it does not have its own email client; it is integrated with all email clients, programs, or services, including Gmail, Outlook.com, Thunderbird, etc.

So, if you are thinking of importing a MBOX file to an IMAP mail server, it means that you want to move the MBOX file to an IMAP-supported email client. Before going through the methods, let’s see the reasons to upload the MBOX file to the IMAP Server.

Why Need to Move MBOX File to IMAP Server?

• By using the IMAP email account, you can easily access your email from any device with a proper internet connection.
• It is much easier to sync your IMAP server to other email clients and also allow you to sync your mailbox in real-time across devices. Which means any change is reflected everywhere instantly.
• If you are thinking of switching to cloud-based platforms like Gmail, Outlook.com, etc. Then, you may also need to move your MBOX file.
• To secure your MBOX file, moving to an IMAP server is very helpful. This way, you can also create a backup of your important data.
• IMAP server is used to migrate your data; therefore, you need the mail server to transfer your MBOX file.

Therefore, there are several benefits you will get when you are uploading your MBOX files into IMAP email accounts. Now, to know how to do this, follow the steps below.

Import MBOX to IMAP Account using Thunderbird

Thunderbird is one of those email clients that supports an IMAP mail server. So, it will be easier for you to open your MBOX file and move it to an IMAP-supported email account. But, before following the steps below, enable the IMAP option.

1. First, I have to add the IMAP email account by going through the Thunderbird account settings.
2. Click on the Mail Actions, then select the Add Account option.
3. Enter the details of your account. Then, the Thunderbird automatically fetches your IMAP server details.
4. After confirming the details, configure your account with Thunderbird.
5. Now, I am going to import the MBOX file by right-clicking on the folder where the MBOX files will be stored.
6. Choose Import/Export Tools NG, then Import MBOX files.
7. Browse the location of your MBOX files and import them into your Thunderbird account.
8. After you upload your MBOX file, move the emails to the connected IMAP server account.

So, this is the Thunderbird option, which you can easily use to get your MBOX file in an IMAP server account. If you don’t have the Thunderbird program or you are using Mac OS. Then, use the next method.

Move MBOX File to IMAP with Apple Mail

Apple Mail can also be used to import the file into an IMAP mail server. But, for this, you have to first open the MBOX file.

1. First, open the Mac Mail and go to the File menu.
2. Select the Import Mailboxes button and then the File in MBOX format option.
3. Click on the Files in MBOX format option, and then go to the location where your MBOX file is stored.
4. Select the file and open it.
5. To add the IMAP account, go to the Mail option.
6. Select the Settings and Accounts button.
7. Click on the + button, and you can either choose your email provider or another mail account option.
8. Provide the IMAP email address, password, and server settings.
9. Once your IMAP account is connected, go to the folder where you just imported the MBOX file.
10. Choose the message, drag and drop it into the IMAP account folder. Apple Mail syncs your emails to your IMAP server.

Now, you can easily access them from any device or platform. So, these two are the ways to import MBOX to the IMAP server. But while dealing with the IMAP server, you must be careful when you are connecting your IMAP-enabled account. Because a minor mistake can create a lot of problems.

Issues During Moving MBOX File to IMAP Accounts

Moving your MBOX file to an IMAP mail server is not an easy task. There is a risk of many problems that you may face during the process. Such as.

• Some IMAP servers restrict the size of emails and mailbox storage. If you are uploading a MBOX file, then there can be issues like time-out and partial uploads.
• If you are importing large MBOX files si Thunderbird or Apple Mail. It causes several problems, like unresponsive or slow.
• If your MBOX file is corrupted, the application may become unresponsive or slow.
• Sometimes, by following the manual methods or if there is an error with sync emails, create duplicare email entries. that affect the storage of the IMAP client.

These are the common issues that might cause you problems with the process. To make sure this thing will not happen, you have to store your IMAP data in a secure place.

Secure IMAP Data Before Importing MBOX File

Securing your IMAP-based account data is very important. Because one small mistake can be harmful to the success. SysTools IMAP Backup Tool is a great option to save your IMAP-based account. Because it offers you several options and can easily work with any macOS system. It is very easy to use the software because of its user-friendly interface, and much easier to share the space. Thus, it will be much easier to import your MBOX file into any IMAP-based accounts.

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To Conclude

In this article, I have provided you with two methods to import MBOX to an IMAP mail server. These methods easily move your MBOX files without any issues. Here, in the first method, you can use Thunderbird or Apple Mail to easily open and move your MBOX file into your IMAP-based account. But before taking this section, first download emails from the IMAP server for any potential errors.