How to Import MBOX Files to Exchange Online? Tested Methods
In this guide, we will share step-by-step instructions to import MBOX to Exchange Online using both manual methods and MBOX to Exchange Migration Tool. So, Follow this guide to complete the migration easily without needing advanced technical skills.
As we already know Exchange Online doesn’t allow you to directly import MBOX files. But if you have exported an MBOX file from Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora or received one from any other source then this guide will help you to easily complete the process.
Table of Contents
Why Should Users Want to Migrate MBOX to Exchange Online?
- MBOX files are stored locally on your computer. But when users need to access old emails, they need to import them into Exchange Online.
- The security of the MBOX file in your local drive is not enough when your device is stolen, lost or infected with ransomware, the data is lost or compromised.
- MBOX files are prone to corruption when they become large or files become corrupted, all emails inside them can be lost.
- Exchange Online plans are designed to handle large mailboxes like 50 or 100 GB and also offers advanced security protocols and can be easily accessed without depending on any specific machine.
Manual Method – How to Import MBOX Files to Exchange Online?
This manual approach is only suitable for small MBOX files and isn’t suitable for organization level data as it has several limitations that we have shared after the solution. If you have installed Thunderbird, Outlook and Exchange Online then you can perform the steps as we have discussed below:
Part 1. Using Thunderbird
- Open Thunderbird and configure IMAP account in Thunderbird.
- click on Thunderbird Menu and Hit on Add-ons and Themes then search for ImportExport Tools NG.
- Click on Add to Thunderbird and press OK on pop-up.
- Now, Select mailbox folder where you want to import MBOX file,
- Right-click on the folder and select ImportExport Tools NG.
- Select Import MBOX file as you wish to save in Exchange and import it.
Part 2. Migrate MBOX to Exchange Online
- Run Outlook and configure the same IMAP account in Outlook that you configured in Thunderbird.
- Now, After configuration click on file option as appears on the left corner.
- Then, Configure Exchange Online Account in Outlook.(Exchange is configured using MAPI that’s not supported in Thunderbird).
- After that, drag and drop MBOX data in the Exchange Account.
- Now, you can easily access your MBOX file in Exchange Online. However, the manual approach looks simple but is not as expected as it leads to data loss, hierarchy will not be maintained or partial data will not be imported.
Demerits of the Manual Method
- This approach will take many hours for even moderately sized mailboxes.
- It’s not the right choice for large or multiple MBOX files.
- Risk of data loss, missing emails, or compromised integrity.
Professional Approach: How to Migrate MBOX to Exchange Online?
The manual approach is too lengthy and also not reliable for large-scale organization or handling large mailbox data. So, we recommend that you choose SysTools MBOX to Office 365 Importer as this software can easily handle any number of MBOX files in one shot and this software is specially designed for large mailbox data or while maintaining attributes.
Instructions to Import MBOX to Exchange Online
- Download and run MBOX to Exchange Migration Tool on your system.
- Now, Click on the MBOX file and Select the MBOX file that you want to import into Exchange Online.
- After that, Choose Microsoft 365 as destination and enter Exchange Online credentials.
- Finally, Press Next to start importing MBOX to Exchange Online.
Why Do Experts Always Recommend Using This Tool?
- This software is also reliable for importing MBOX to Google Workspace, MS 365 Archive and more.
- It’s specially designed to fulfill business and individual requirements.
- You can also use a date filter to migrate only selected data as required.
- This software can easily handle any number of MBOX files and can import them in one shot.
- It is compatible with all major versions of Windows Operating System and Mac.
Conclusion
In this write-up, we have explained all tested techniques to import MBOX to Exchange Online using both manual and automated methods. If your MBOX file data is not very important or not large in size, then you can go with manual methods. To overcome challenges during the process as found in manual methods, or if you don’t want to invest much time, have a large MBOX file or multiple MBOX files then according to expert suggestions use MBOX to Exchange Migration Tool to easily import MBOX to Exchange Online without any hassle.
