How to Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird? 3 Verified Ways

Written By Tej Pratap Shukla

Approved By Anuraag Singh

Modified On January 22nd, 2026

Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Microsoft Outlook is one of the most popular email clients used for personal and business use. For most Outlook users, contacts are essential components in a mailbox. Many users need to import Outlook contacts to Thunderbird, but cannot transfer them directly. So, in this situation user need vCard file format to make import process effortless.

This file format is supported by all email clients and improves contact management. Hence, in this article, we will be sharing 3 different methods along with a step-by-step guide to perform this process. Using the right approach can help users to streamline their workflow. So, let’s begin the discussion.

Why Import Contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird Address Book?

Thunderbird is a desktop-based email application that can be accessed on all operating systems. It supports .mbox format, which can be read in other email clients such as Apple Mail, Windows Live Mail, The Bat, etc. Outlook provides multiple functionalities, but it is a paid service. Thunderbird provides advanced functionalities and is free of cost, too. The users prefer this email client due to its easy-to-use interface and customized features.

Basically, start-ups or individual users prefer using Thunderbird to perform their work. Thunderbird helps to work in an organized manner and also performs search functions quickly, hence emails can be recollected within seconds. MS Outlook works efficiently when it is connected to an Exchange Server. But if it is connected to IMAP or POP3, then it is unable to sync data. Thus, there arises a huge demand to migrate Outlook PST contacts to Thunderbird

Note: Refer to this if you want to Import PST to Thunderbird

How to Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird? 3 Quick Methods

Importing contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird is not a direct process because both email clients use different file formats. Outlook saves files in PST, and Thunderbird saves contact data in CSV or VCF format. So, to bridge the gap, users want to transfer contacts to Thunderbird into a compatible format and then import that file to Thunderbird. Here are the two methods to import contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird address book seamlessly.

Manual Method to Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird

To transfer contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird, you need to follow two stages, that are:

Export all the required Contacts from MS Outlook.
Import PST Contacts to Thunderbird.

Follow the step-by-step guide to use the manual method for this file conversion.

#1 Export all Contacts from MS Outlook

Open MS Outlook on your PC.
Click on File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export Wizard.
After that, select Export to a file >> CSV format. Click Next.
Now, select the contacts folder from the list, and continue.
Last browse location & click save to export MS Outlook Contacts.

#2 Direct Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird

Open Mozilla Thunderbird on your system.
Navigate to the ribbon bar & select Tools >> Import option.
Select the Address Books option from the list, and click on Next.
Now, select the file type as CSV & click Next.
At last, browse file & click open to import Outlook Contacts.

Drawbacks of Using a Manual Approach

Using this method, some contact details may not align properly and lead to field mapping errors.
It does not provide any security to our sensitive information and increases the chance of data loss
It is time-consuming as it contains multiple steps to import contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird.
Always requires the installation of Outlook app and needs a stable internet connection.

Advanced Method to Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird

Manual methods work for some users but are not always accurate and efficient. So, if you need a reliable solution, then opt for a professional tool named SysTools Outlook Contacts Export Tool that effortlessly transfer contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird Address book.

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This tool is especially designed for easy importing of contacts without any data loss. It is a trusted solution and works seamlessly while importing contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird. Now, let’s follow the steps and features of using this robust tool.

Stepwise Guide to Import Outlook Contacts to Thunderbird

Download & run the software on your system.
Browse and upload Outlook file to the tool.
Choose vCard as file format.
Click on the Export button to run the process.
Finally, your Outlook contacts are converted to a VCF file.

Now, transfer the vCard file to Thunderbird

Open Thunderbird on your PC.
Import the VCF file to the app.
Finally, all your Outlook contacts are imported to Thunderbird.

Key Features of Using Expert Solution

Provides multiple export options in which the Outlook data can be exported.
Performs quick scans in which the tool even provides an instant preview of the file.
The tool retains data integrity and metadata intact after exporting contacts.
Allows you to import Outlook contacts to Thunderbird even with a corrupted PST file.
The software can import multiple contacts by using it batch conversion feature.

Concluding Words

This article features the various aspects of Thunderbird and its functionality, which makes users migrate from other email clients like Outlook. In this blog, we have listed 3 different methods to import Outlook contacts to Thunderbird address book effortlessly. Manual methods always come with some limitations. So, we suggest you choose an advanced solution to import contacts from Outlook to Thunderbird within just a few clicks. Choose the approach that suits your needs and preferences.