How to Import MBOX to Roundcube Webmail?

  Kumar Raj
Written By Kumar Raj
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On August 4th, 2025
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Many users want to open their MBOX files in the Roundcube webmail interface. If you are one of those. Then, in this article, you will find 2 different ways to import MBOX to Roundcube. In addition to that, I will also explain the scenarios when you need to move the files.

For saving your emails, the MBOX file is one of the common file formats. In this, the user can easily store multiple email messages, including attachments and their metadata. Because it is easy to access and manage, it is a very popular email format.

On the other hand, Roundcube is a modern webmail that you can use to access your emails. Its interface is simple and intuitive, which you can use with a cPanel-based hosting service. It is a great webmail to open your MBOX file and save it. If you are thinking about when you need to move your MBOX file.

Read Also: How to Move MBOX Files to cPanel Mail?

When Do You Need to Import MBOX to Roundcube?

For a user, there are many reasons to move the MBOX file to Webmail, like Roundcube. Some common reasons are mentioned below.

  • Some users want to switch to Roundcube. For example, closing Thunderbird or any MBOX-supported email client and moving your important data to Roundcube.
  • For backup purposes, you can save your emails in Roundcube webmail. It also helps you to secure your important email messages.
  • Managing multiple email accounts is difficult. But if you put all the data in your Roundcube, it will be easier for you to manage your data.
  • Because Roundcube is a web browser-based email program. It will be easier for you to access your emails from any device.
  • Roundcube easily integrates with other tools like calendars, address books, and task managers to help you in your work.

There are so many benefits of uploading the MBOX file into Roundcube Mail. With this, there are also some methods that you can use to get your MBOX file into Roundcube webmail. I will explain to you the proper steps of the method. So, properly follow them.

Move MBOX File to Roundcube Directly

Fortunately, Roundcube offers you the option to directly import your MBOX file. Therefore, it is very easy for you to open the file in Roundcube webmail. Below are the steps to do this.

  1. In your Web browser, go to the Roundcube webmail.
  2. Log in to the Roundcube account and go to the folder panel.
  3. Select the folder where you want your MBOX file emails to be saved.
  4. You can either choose an existing folder or create a new one.
  5. Click on the More button or gear icon located on the folder list.
  6. Select the Import Messages option, then browse the location where your MBOX files are saved on your computer.
  7. Choose the file and import it. Now, your file is in the folder of Roundcube folder. You can see the data from this.

This is the direct and easy way to open your MBOX file in Roundcube. User can easily get their data using these steps. However, there is another way to import the MBOX file, which I have explained below.

Import MBOX to Roundcube using Thunderbird

Sometimes, due to any issue, the built-in import option does not work. In that case, you can use the Thunderbird program. As you know, Thunderbird supports MBOX files and also connects to other email accounts like Roundcube. Below are the steps to upload the file.

  1. First, I will connect my Roundcube account to Thunderbird. For this, go to the Account settings of Thunderbird.
  2. Click on Account Action and the Add Mail Account option.
  3. Provide the Roundcube email address, password, and username.
  4. Now, the Thunderbird automatically detects your Roundcube IMAP server settings. Continue the process, and your account is now linked.
  5. To open the MBOX file. Go to the folder panel and choose the folder where your file data will be stored.
  6. Right-click the folder and select the Import/Export Tools NG.
  7. Select the Import MBOX and choose the import individual files or directories option.
  8. Browse the location of your files and import them.
  9. Once your file is uploaded to Thunderbird, drag and drop individual emails to the Roundcube mailbox.

This is also the way to get your MBOX file into Roundcube. So, here are the possible ways to get your data. They are simple and easy to use, but before you begin the process, it is better to first take a backup of your existing Roundcube mailbox.

Save Roundcube Mailbox Before Migrating the Process

Although the process is easy and not time-consuming. However, when it comes to data security, especially your existing data. Then SysTools IMAP Backup Tool will help you. This is a great software to backup your Roundcube emails as it allows you to save your email account in different file formats like exporting Roundcube to Outlook PST, PDF, EML, etc. By doing this, you can avoid many issues like.

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Why Backup Roundcube Emails?

  • During the import process, sometimes your existing email can be accidentally overwritten, deleted, or corrupted. So, to avoid that, take a full backup of your Roundcube mailbox.
  • If your Roundcube mailbox storage is full and doesn’t have space to receive new emails. Then, saving the data on your local machine helps you to free up space.
  • When new data is stored in the folder. Sometimes, the folder hierarchy is completely messed up.
  • But by saving the data, you can easily store bulk emails while maintaining folder structure.
  • It also helps you with your data security and offline access. So, if something happens during the process, at least your data is safe.

Hence, it will be very beneficial for you to first take a backup of your Roundcube mailbox. Then, start the process of moving the MBOX file.

Concluding Words

If you don’t know how to import MBOX to Roundcube, then this article has provided ways that you can use. Here, I have explained a direct approach that you can use to easily move your MBOX file. Apart from that, the Thunderbird option can also help you to do the same. But, remember, before you upload the data, it will be helpful to take a backup of your file. To secure your existing Roundcube emails.

  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.