How to Export Yahoo Emails to Thunderbird with Attachments?

Written By Md Shoaib
Updated on December 12th, 2025

Eliza’s Issue: “I want to convert my Yahoo emails into my Thunderbird account, along with all attachments. What is the easiest way to export Yahoo Emails to Thunderbird without losing data?”

Introduction: Yahoo Mail is a popular cloud-based service. Many users prefer Thunderbird due to offline access, custom folders, and better flexibility. However, exporting Yahoo emails manually is not simple. Incorrect settings may lead to missing emails, duplicate folders, or attachment loss. This guide explains the complete process to import Yahoo Mail to Thunderbird manually. Also, it demonstrates the automated CloudMigration Yahoo Backup Tool for secure conversion.

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Table of Contents

What are Yahoo Emails and Thunderbird?

Yahoo Emails	Thunderbird
It is an online, cloud-based email service provided by Yahoo. It allows users to: Send and receive emails Organise mail into folders Access emails on web and mobile apps Use IMAP and POP for access in email clients Get up to 1 TB of storage Use features like spam filtering, search, and attachment support	It is a free, open-source desktop email client developed by Mozilla. It allows you to: Add multiple email accounts Store emails locally Manage emails offline Use advanced features like filters, tags, and add-ons Import/export MBOX, EML, and other formats Customise the interface with themes and extensions

Why Export Yahoo Emails to Thunderbird?

Thunderbird offers complete offline access to emails and attachments.
It allows users to keep local backups of Yahoo data.
Supports multiple accounts under one interface.
Provides advanced customisation, add-ons, and security features.
Moreover, switching to Thunderbird helps users manage Yahoo emails more efficiently.

Hand-Driven Approach to Transfer Yahoo Mail to Thunderbird

You can convert Yahoo emails manually using IMAP if you don’t want to choose any external software. However, the method requires proper setup and understanding of server settings. The following are the steps:

Step 1. Enable App Password in Yahoo Mail

Firstly, sign in to your Yahoo Mail account.
Now, go to Account Security.
Select App Password → Generate App Password.
Copy the generated password for Thunderbird login.

Step 2. Configure Yahoo Mail in Thunderbird

Then, open Mozilla Thunderbird.
Click Menu → New → Existing Mail Account.
After that, enter your Yahoo Mail credentials.
Use the following IMAP settings:

Incoming Server (IMAP):

Server:

Port

SSL/TLS

Outgoing Server (SMTP):

Server

Port

SSL/TLS:

Lastly, click Done → Thunderbird will sync all Yahoo folders.

Step 3. Access Yahoo Emails with Attachments

Once configured, Thunderbird will download:

Inbox emails
Custom folders
Attachments
Sent items
Drafts

You can now access all Yahoo emails locally in Thunderbird.

Disadvantages to Export Yahoo Emails to Thunderbird Manually

This process requires accurate configuration of IMAP and SMTP settings.
It takes a long time for large Yahoo mailboxes.
Folder hierarchy may not remain identical.
There is no option for selective migration.
If the internet breaks, syncing may restart or fail.
Moreover, the attachments may take longer and sometimes fail to download.

Efficient Solution to Add Yahoo Email Account to Thunderbird

The CloudMigration Yahoo Backup Tool offers a direct option to convert without manual configuration. It ensures a fast, secure, and error-free migration with zero data loss. Also, preserves the metadata, formatting and structure intact. Moreover, this tool allows users to export Yahoo Mail to CSV and other supported file formats.

One-Time Service Option

If you don’t want to handle the migration manually, you can opt for a One-Time Yahoo Mail Migration Service. Professionals will:

Export Yahoo Emails to Thunderbird
Preserve attachments, folders, and email properties.
Transfer data safely without downtime or errors.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Use the CloudMigration Utility

Firstly, launch the CloudMigration Yahoo Backup Tool → Continue.

Now, log in using the Yahoo Mail Account credentials.

After that, expand the tree structure → Preview the emails → Next.

Further, choose the MBOX as the saving file format → Next.
(MBOX is directly supported by Thunderbird)

Lastly, apply the additional features → Start Process to begin.

Characteristics to Export Yahoo Emails to Thunderbird

Transfer Yahoo Mail to Zoho Mail, and more.
It preserves all attachments and inline images intact.
Removes duplicate emails for a cleaner import.
Supports large file migration without interruption.
Also, generates a detailed log report for verification.
Moreover, the tool provides a preview of the entire Yahoo mailbox before exporting.

Explore More: You can also check how to migrate Yahoo Mail to G Suite

Real-Life Example
A student wanted to save all her Yahoo emails offline before switching to a new laptop. She needed a safe way to store her messages, assignments, and attachments. Sher used the CloudMigration Yahoo Backup Tool to transfer Emails from Yahoo Mail to Thunderbird. The folder structure remained intact, and she now has full offline access to years of important emails.

Final Words

In short, exporting Yahoo emails to Thunderbird can be done manually using IMAP. But the process is slow and requires careful settings. For users who want an accurate and secure migration, the Yahoo Backup Tool is the most efficient solution. Whether you want a full backup, this method ensures a smooth process to export Yahoo Emails to Thunderbird. Moreover, this automated tool keeps every detail as it is with complete data integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I export Yahoo emails directly to Thunderbird?

Ans. Yes. You can configure Yahoo Mail in Thunderbird using IMAP settings and download all emails directly. Alternatively, you can use a professional Yahoo Backup tool to export Yahoo mailbox to Thunderbird Account.

Q2. Do I need an app password to use Yahoo Mail in Thunderbird?

Ans. Yes. Yahoo requires an App Password when connecting third-party email clients like Thunderbird for better security. This password allows you to log in even when two-step verification is enabled.

Q3. Can I export only selected Yahoo folders to Thunderbird?

Ans. Yes. Both manual configuration and the professional Yahoo Backup tool allow folder-specific export. So you can migrate only selected Yahoo folders, such as Inbox, Work, Sent, or custom folders.

Q4. Can I save Yahoo emails locally after exporting to Thunderbird?

Ans. Absolutely. Once emails are downloaded in Thunderbird, they are stored locally on your system, and you can further export them to formats such as EML or MBOX as needed.

About The Author:

Md Shoaib

Hi, I’m Md Shoaib! I enjoy writing about technologies and helping my readers with their queries, and I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and grow. Professionally, I work as a Digital Marketer, where I specialize in SEO and Copywriting.